Divorce presents unique challenges when the spouses are also parents. When possible, North Carolina courts prefer that children maintain relationships with both parents. Joint custody arrangements tend to make this goal easier to accomplish.
However, there are different types of joint custody in North Carolina, and arrangements that make sense in one family’s situation may not be possible in another’s.
What Is Joint Custody in North Carolina?
Joint custody is an arrangement in which both parents share custody of their child. This means both parents have a say in how the child is raised and in important decisions related to the child’s care. The child may also spend time living with each parent, although their time may not be split precisely equally.
Types of Joint Custody
There are two key types of joint child custody in North Carolina:
- Joint legal custody grants both parents the right to make major decisions about the child, such as their education, religious upbringing, healthcare, and activities.
- Joint physical custody grants both parents the right to have the child in their care part of the time.
Joint physical custody arrangements may vary considerably. For example, the child’s schedule could be split between weekdays and weekends, be divided 50/50 between both parents, or include special arrangements for holidays and vacations.
Parents have considerable freedom when setting up joint physical custody arrangements, although the court must still approve them. If they cannot reach an agreement, the court may need to make a decision.
Benefits of Joint Custody
The primary benefit of joint custody is that it encourages both parents to have strong relationships with their child, and vice versa. It also establishes a routine, which is important for the child’s overall stability.
When parents can reach an agreement on joint physical and legal custody, it shows the child that both their parents are committed to being part of their life and upbringing, offering a sense of security in a situation that’s often very difficult for a child to process.
How North Carolina Courts Decide Joint Custody
North Carolina custody laws prioritize the child’s best interests above all else. The court will look at a variety of factors when deciding on custody arrangements, including:
- The existing relationships between the child and each parent
- Each parent’s ability to care for the child
- Each parent’s living arrangements
- The child’s preference, if they’re mature enough
Every case is unique, and the factors that affect one family may not universally apply. An experienced North Carolina joint custody lawyer can review your case and help you understand your rights as a parent.
How Our North Carolina Family Lawyer Can Help
Charles R. Ullman & Associates is led by a North Carolina State Bar-certified Family Law Specialist and focuses exclusively on family law cases. We’re able to put more than 25 years of experience to work on your behalf to pursue a custody arrangement that works for your family.
As our client David Basinger wrote, “Charles and the team were patient and clear, extremely professional, and particularly kind.”
Contact our office online or call (919) 829-1006 to discuss your case with an experienced joint custody lawyer.
