[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.charlesullman.com\/joint-custody-in-north-carolina#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.charlesullman.com\/joint-custody-in-north-carolina","headline":"North Carolina Joint Custody Lawyer","name":"North Carolina Joint Custody Lawyer","description":"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...","datePublished":"2026-05-06","dateModified":"2026-05-06","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.charlesullman.com\/author\/cullman#Person","name":"Charles R. Ullman","url":"https:\/\/www.charlesullman.com\/author\/cullman","identifier":57,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/95523b76e3fabd629464090bfe2a95c0788960cc1dccd6db5bf756e20d0d4c67?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/95523b76e3fabd629464090bfe2a95c0788960cc1dccd6db5bf756e20d0d4c67?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Charles R. Ullman & Associates","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.charlesullman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/logo.png","url":"https:\/\/www.charlesullman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/logo.png","width":310,"height":78}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.charlesullman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Joint-Custody-in-North-Carolina.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.charlesullman.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Joint-Custody-in-North-Carolina.jpg","height":667,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/www.charlesullman.com\/joint-custody-in-north-carolina","about":["Child Custody"],"wordCount":531,"articleBody":"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\u2019s situation may not be possible in another\u2019s.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\u2019s care. The child may also spend time living with each parent, although their time may not be split precisely equally.Types of Joint CustodyThere 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\u2019s 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 CustodyThe 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\u2019s 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\u2019s often very difficult for a child to process.How North Carolina Courts Decide Joint CustodyNorth Carolina custody laws prioritize the child\u2019s 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 parentEach parent\u2019s ability to care for the childEach parent\u2019s living arrangementsThe child\u2019s preference, if they\u2019re mature enoughEvery 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 HelpCharles R. Ullman & Associates is led by a North Carolina State Bar-certified Family Law Specialist and focuses exclusively on family law cases. We\u2019re 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, \u201cCharles and the team were patient and clear, extremely professional, and particularly kind.\u201dContact our office online or call (919) 829-1006 to discuss your case with an experienced joint custody lawyer."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"North Carolina Joint Custody Lawyer","item":"https:\/\/www.charlesullman.com\/joint-custody-in-north-carolina#breadcrumbitem"}]}]