Defending Your Rights In Child Custody In Statesville And Taylorsville
Child custody disputes often trigger highly intense and contentious battles between the parties to any dissolution of a relationship – whether it is break up, separation or divorce. Regardless of how contentious the dispute is between the parties, the standard that the court will consider is what is “in the best interest of the children.”
Lawyers Joel Harbinson and Carey Parker, both seasoned attorneys in child custody and child support cases, lead our team of family law attorneys, and have the experience and skills required to guide their clients to the best possible outcome for their kids. They believe that not all child custody outcomes have to be handed down from the bench. There are alternatives to court, such as arbitration, mediation and settlement negotiations, that our attorneys skillfully utilize to resolve custody disputes. However, when those options are not available, our child custody lawyers are prepared to use their skills as trial lawyers to obtain results for their clients.
In North Carolina, our courts do not award custody to mothers automatically. In addition, there is no preset age at which children are deemed capable of deciding for themselves with which parent they will live. Judges evaluate each case individually and are charged with making a decision that is “in the best interests of the children.”
The lawyers at Harbinson Parker believe fully that parents know their children better than any judge. They will always encourage soon-to-be ex-spouses to set aside their hurt feelings and work together toward a quick and amicable solution.
How North Carolina Courts Decide Child Custody
In North Carolina, child custody decisions are based on the “best interests of the child” standard. This means the judge will consider a variety of factors to determine the living arrangements that promote the child’s emotional and physical well-being. Some of the most important factors considered include:
- The child’s emotional and physical needs
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- Each parent’s ability to provide a safe and stable home environment
- The child’s age and maturity level
- The child’s preference (if the child is old enough to express a reasonable preference)
- The parents’ parenting history
- The parents’ willingness to cooperate with each other
- The geographic proximity of the parents’ homes
These and other factors will allow courts to determine what will give the child the support they need.
Can Child Custody Arrangements Be Modified?
Yes, child custody arrangements can be modified in the future if circumstances change significantly. This could include a change in a parent’s living situation, the child’s needs or the relationship between the parents and the child.
Emergency Child Custody And Grandparent Custody
In emergencies, a parent may seek a temporary emergency custody order to protect the child from harm. Additionally, grandparents may petition the court for visitation rights or even custody under certain circumstances.
Protecting Your Rights In Child Custody Matters
The experienced family law attorneys at Harbinson Parker understand the complexities of child custody cases. Lawyers Joel Harbinson and Carey Parker and our team will work tirelessly to advocate for your parental rights and ensure a child custody arrangement that prioritizes your child’s well-being. We will explore all options, including mediation and negotiation, to reach an amicable solution whenever possible.
Schedule A Consultation With A Statesville And Taylorsville Child Custody Attorney
Contact Harbinson Parker today at 828-600-7462 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation with a skilled child custody attorney at one of our office locations in Statesville or Taylorsville. We are committed to guiding you through this challenging process with compassion and knowledge.