It’s important that as you navigate divorce and custody processes, you keep in mind the emotional toll both can have on your children. While this is a difficult time for you and your spouse, it’s likely much harder for your children to understand and go through. Our experienced Smithfield custody lawyers at Triangle Smart Divorce are prepared to guide you through the steps of creating a custody arrangement in a way that minimizes the impact on your children as much as possible.
We want the best possible future for your children! You can trust that we will put your family’s well-being at the forefront of all that we do. Call today to request a consultation and discover your options.
Understanding Legal And Physical Custody In North Carolina
There are two sides to custody in North Carolina: legal custody and physical custody.
Legal custody deals with which parent will have the authority to make important decisions on behalf of their children when it comes to matters like education, healthcare, religion, and more. Legal custody can be shared jointly, which is typically the preferred arrangement, or it can be owned solely by one parent.
Physical custody deals with which parent the children will reside with the majority of the time. Like legal custody, it can be shared jointly, or one parent can have sole physical custody. If parents do share joint physical custody, it doesn’t mean the children’s time will be split 50/50 between parents; it simply means that the children will spend a significant amount of time with both parents.
If there is an extenuating circumstance where one parent has a history of substance abuse, domestic violence, or neglect, it may impact the court’s decision on custody arrangements, and favor the parent who can provide the best environment for the children. If you want to learn more about your options for either side of custody, our Smithfield custody lawyers can answer your questions!
High Conflict Custody
Mediation is a process we highly recommend, as it establishes a collaborative environment for you and your children’s other parent to make decisions together regarding their future. We believe that custody can be resolved amicably and without ever having stepped foot inside the courtroom.
That being said, we also know that isn’t feasible for every couple. If you’re divorcing someone who is a combative individual intent on making the custody process as difficult as possible, we know how to advocate for your parental rights. We have experience dealing with personality disorders, so we can craft an effective legal strategy that will protect you and your children against a narcissistic or hostile co-parent.
What Our Smithfield Custody Lawyers Can Do For You
At Triangle Smart Divorce, we understand the sensitivity of what you’re going through. Family law issues like custody are personal matters and huge transitions for every person involved. Our Smithfield custody lawyers can help lighten the load you’re bearing by taking the time to understand your family dynamics and explaining your available options for creating an arrangement. We can also assist with the tedious paperwork that accompanies the custody process, ensuring that no detail is overlooked that might compromise the outcome of your custody case.
Trust Triangle Smart Divorce To Guide You Through The Custody Process
Are you ready to close this chapter of your life and begin a new one with your children? We can help. Call Triangle Smart Divorce today to request a consultation and discover your next steps. We will help you turn the page in your story and move forward with confidence.
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What Our Clients Say
There aren’t enough words to express what Ashley Fillippeli and her team have done for me… With calm focus, sharp legal skill, and an extraordinary amount of heart, Ashley helped me find my child… That moment would not have happened without Ashley, and my child would not have a father without her help.
Baseer Maroof
Triangle Smart Divorce is the best family law firm in the area, and I am so grateful to have had them on my side. Lisa, Diane, Lauren, Jessica and the whole TSD team were very knowledgeable, thorough and professional. They did an excellent job getting great results for me and my kids during very challenging circumstances.
Book Fanatic
Lauren did an excellent job representing me throughout this entire process. From start to finish, I felt confident trusting her guidance and decisions, and I always knew I was in capable hands. She was professional, knowledgeable, and supportive every step of the way. I would highly recommend Lauren and this law firm to anyone going through a custody battle.
Brian Sechrest
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Frequently Asked Questions
A divorce lawyer may seem like an extra expense if both parties agree on the big decisions, but the details of a divorce can be complex and hard to navigate without an expert, and getting the agreement properly written ensures that everyone has the security and clarity they need to move forward with their lives. It’s better to do it right the first time than have to keep going back and fixing mistakes. And, in some cases, you may not be able to fix your mistakes.
You should ask a potential divorce lawyer about their prior experience with cases like yours, their approach to negotiations when couples reach a disagreement, and their personal success rate in arriving at a resolution through negotiation and/or mediation.
You cannot have one lawyer serve both parties in a divorce. This would be a conflict of interest. It’s incredibly important that each party feels their individual needs are represented and voiced, and that cannot be done with a single lawyer serving as the representative for both parties.

