Southern Pines, NC Custody Lawyers

Creating a custody arrangement is perhaps the most difficult aspect of divorcing when you have children. Your kids are the most important people in your life. Now that your marriage is ending, they become the center of attention when it comes to decisions about their well-being and future.

It can be very challenging to set your feelings toward your spouse to the side and prioritize making informed decisions on your children’s behalf, but it’s necessary. While divorce is hard for you and your spouse, it’s just as difficult, if not more so, for your children whose lives are changing.

At Triangle Smart Divorce, we put your children’s best interests at the forefront of all that we do, and strive to lessen the impact that divorce and custody matters can have on their day-to-day lives. If you need help creating a custody arrangement, call Triangle Smart Divorce today to request a consultation with one of our Southern Pines custody lawyers and learn about your options.

How Does Custody Work in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, there are two types of custody: legal and physical. Legal custody refers to which parent has the right to make major life decisions on behalf of your children when it comes to their health care, education, and religion.

North Carolina family courts typically favor arrangements where both parents make these important decisions together. However, there are situations where a judge might grant sole legal custody, such as if one parent lives far away, is abusive, neglectful, or not a part of the children’s lives. In a sole legal custody situation, the other parent’s consent is not needed to make any major decisions.

Physical custody has to do with which parent the children reside with the majority of the time. Like legal custody, the courts prefer shared physical custody. However, it’s important to note that even in a joint physical custody arrangement, the children’s time won’t necessarily be split 50-50 between two households.

Mediation

Mediation is a process we prefer and highly recommend at Triangle Smart Divorce. It’s a collaborative divorce process where you and your co-parent can work together to set the terms of your custody arrangement, ultimately allowing you to retain the most control over your children’s future and eliminate the need for a judge (who doesn’t know you or the kids) to have the final say. Mediation is also generally a faster and more cost-effective process for custody negotiations.

High-Conflict Custody

We understand that mediation isn’t possible for every couple. Some have unstable relationships with their co-parent, and often the other parent is intent on being spiteful and making divorce and custody matters as difficult as possible. If you married a narcissist who wants to use your children as a weapon against you, or if they are simply unwilling to compromise on the terms of custody, we can help.

Why it’s Important to Work With One of Our Southern Pines Custody Lawyers

We know how important family is and how overwhelming it can be when it feels like yours is splitting up. At Triangle Smart Divorce, our Southern Pines custody lawyers can ease the emotional impacts of custody while working on a plan that honors your wishes for your children.

If you need assistance with creating a custody arrangement, we can guide you through each step, protect your parental rights, and advocate for the best possible future for your children. You can rest assured that we will prioritize what’s best for your family over everything else. Call Triangle Smart Divorce now to request a consultation and learn about what’s next.