Child Custody Attorneys Dedicated To Shaping A Brighter Future For You And Your Children

Child custody is a significant concern in cases involving divorce, paternity and separation. The outcome of a custody arrangement can profoundly influence your life and the lives of your children. Decisions regarding where your children will live, who will make critical decisions on their behalf and how they will maintain relationships with both parents are vital components of custody agreements. These decisions are not only legal but also emotional, as they shape the everyday experiences and future opportunities for your family.

When you’re facing these weighty concerns, you deserve supportive legal guidance from an attorney who understands the legal and emotional nuances of custody cases. You will find that at Stauff & Gross, PLLC. Established in 2014, we are a respected family law firm in Raleigh, known for our dedication to helping clients overcome challenging family situations. Our award-winning lawyers are committed to listening to your story and offering realistic advice tailored to your family’s unique needs. We will work diligently to pursue a favorable custody outcome and stand by you throughout the entire process.

Guidance On All Aspects Of North Carolina Child Custody Law

Unless a court order states otherwise, in North Carolina, both parents have an equal right to custody of their minor children. Unfortunately, parents do not always agree on critical issues such as where their children will live or go to school, or who will be the decision-maker on important issues affecting them.

Parents going through divorce, separation or paternity proceedings come to us with questions like:

• Do I need a child custody order?
• What’s the difference between legal and physical custody?
• Can I modify an existing custody order?
• What happens when my spouse lives in another state or country?
• What are my rights as a grandparent?
• Do I need a parenting coordinator?

Child custody orders can provide much-needed guidance for estranged spouses when it comes to making important decisions for their children. However, this is not a tool you should explore without the counsel of an experienced attorney. Without guidance, parents can lose their right to have a say in the care and custody of their children simply because they do not know how to navigate the legal system.

How Is Child Custody Decided In North Carolina?

Child custody determinations are based on the best interests of the child, a standard that considers multiple factors. The court evaluates such aspects as:

• The physical and emotional needs of the child
• The safety and stability of each parent’s home
• The ability of each parent to provide care for the child
• The moral fitness of each parent
• The willingness of each parent to facilitate a relationship with the other parent

Our child custody attorneys can identify the factors in your situation that are most likely to shape the judge’s decision. Not every case goes to court, however, and we can also help you negotiate a mutually agreeable resolution that avoids placing these important decisions in the hands of a judge.

What Is The Difference Between Legal Custody And Physical Custody?

Legal custody and physical custody are two distinct aspects of child custody law in North Carolina. They differ as follows:

• Legal custody is the authority to make significant decisions about your child’s life and upbringing. Parents with joint legal custody must collaborate on major decisions regarding schooling, medical care and other aspects of the child’s life, with both having an equal say.
• Physical custody, on the other hand, governs where the child resides on a day-to-day basis. It also encompasses the schedule for visitation or time spent with each parent.

It’s important to remember that there are no one-size-fits-all custody arrangements. With skilled legal representation, you can work toward an arrangement that meets the needs of your children and your rights as a parent.

Reach Out To Our Team

At Stauff & Gross, PLLC, we not only understand the complexities of the law, but we also know that custody cases can be contentious – and at the end of the day, parents have to learn how to work together to promote the best interests of their children. In addition to providing knowledgeable legal advice and helping you manage your custody case, we can also help you and your family focus on establishing a “new normal.”

We believe that you are best equipped to make choices about your own children and their lives. We will empower you by helping you choose your options and pursue a path forward that is in alignment with your children’s best interests and your vision for the future. Whether that means hammering out a custody arrangement in negotiations or mediation or presenting a compelling case before a judge, you can count on us to be your allies and advocates.

Get started today. Call 919-891-8812 or send us an email to arrange a consultation.