Charlotte Child Custody Attorneys

Protecting Your Child’s Best Interest in Union County

When you are facing a divorce, one of the most stressful and emotional parts of the process is deciding who will have custody of your children. At Collins Family Law Group, we understand the importance of your children and work diligently to help you find a solution that is in your best interest. Our Charlotte child custody lawyers will listen to your needs and concerns, answer your questions, and provide you with the strong legal representation you need during this difficult time.

Call (704) 289-3250 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with Charlotte child custody lawyers.

How Are Child Custody Decisions Made in Charlotte?

If you and your spouse can’t agree on child custody, the court will make a decision based on what is in the best interest of your child. In North Carolina, there are two types of child custody: physical and legal.

Legal Custody: Legal custody refers to a parent’s right to make important decisions regarding the child’s life. This includes decisions about their education, religion, and medical care. Legal custody can be awarded to both parents (joint legal custody) or to just one parent (sole legal custody).

Physical Custody: Physical custody refers to where the child will live. Physical custody can be awarded to both parents (joint physical custody) or to just one parent (sole physical custody). The parent with whom the child does not primarily reside will typically be awarded visitation rights.

When making a decision about child custody, the court will consider a variety of factors, including:

• Each parent’s ability to provide a safe and stable home for the child
• The child’s relationship with each parent
• Each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s needs
• Each parent’s mental and physical health
• The child’s age and needs
• The child’s adjustment to their current home, school, and community
• Any history of domestic violence
• Each parent’s ability to cooperate and make decisions together

While the court will consider the child’s preference, they will only do so if the child is old enough and mature enough to reasonably express a preference. The court will also consider the child’s safety when making a custody decision.

What Are My Child Custody Options in Charlotte?

When it comes to child custody, there are a variety of options available to you, including:

• Sole Custody: Under this arrangement, one parent has both physical and legal custody of the child. The other parent is typically awarded visitation rights.
• Joint Custody: Under this arrangement, both parents have physical and legal custody of the child. The child will spend time living with each parent. The parents will also share decision-making authority.
• Bird’s Nest Custody: Under this arrangement, the child will live in one home, and the parents will take turns living with the child in that home. The parent who is not living with the child will typically live in a separate apartment. Bird’s nest custody can be a good option for parents who want to reduce the amount of disruption their child experiences after a divorce, but it is also a complicated and expensive arrangement.
• Split Custody: Under this arrangement, one parent has physical and legal custody of one or more of the children, and the other parent has physical and legal custody of the remaining children. Split custody is very rare and is typically only used when it is in the best interest of the children.
• Temporary Custody: Under this arrangement, one parent has temporary custody of the child while the divorce is pending. Once the divorce is finalized, the temporary custody order will be replaced with a permanent custody order.
• Third-Party Custody: Under this arrangement, a third party, such as a grandparent, aunt, or uncle, has custody of the child. Third-party custody is typically used only in situations where both parents are unfit to care for the child.

Our Charlotte child custody lawyers will help you understand your options and guide you through the process of making a custody arrangement that is in your child’s best interest.

How Do I Get Custody of My Child in Charlotte?

Whether you are negotiating a custody agreement with your spouse or are going to court, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of being awarded custody of your child.

To increase your chances of getting custody of your child, follow these tips:

• Be a good parent: The court will consider each parent’s ability to provide a safe and stable home for the child. Make sure your home is clean and safe, and that you have a plan for how you will provide for your child’s needs.
• Be involved in your child’s life: The court will consider the child’s relationship with each parent. If you are not currently spending much time with your child, make an effort to be more involved in their life. Attend their school events, take them to doctor’s appointments, and make an effort to spend quality time with them.
• Document your involvement: If you have been the primary caregiver for your child, or if you have been heavily involved in their life, make sure to document your involvement. Keep a log of the time you spend with your child, and keep copies of any important documents, such as report cards, medical records, or photos.
• Attend all court hearings: If you are going to court to get custody of your child, make sure to attend all court hearings. Arrive on time and dress appropriately.
• Work with an experienced child custody lawyer: Child custody cases can be complicated and emotional. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options, and provide you with the strong legal representation you need during this difficult time.

How Can a Child Custody Lawyer Help Me?

Child custody cases are often complicated and emotional. At Collins Family Law Group, we understand what you are going through and are here to help. Our Charlotte child custody lawyers have extensive experience handling all types of child custody cases, from simple to highly complex. We will work diligently to help you find a solution that is in your child’s best interest and will be by your side throughout the entire process.

To schedule a consultation with one of our child custody lawyers in Charlotte, call us today at (704) 289-3250 or contact us online.