Child Custody

Child Custody Case: Tips for Success

Published on: February 11, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Child Custody Case: Tips for Success

Child custody is often one of the most significant disputes that takes place during or following divorce. North Carolina courts typically presume that both parents are equally able to care for their children and may allow joint or shared legal and physical custody. Shared parenting is often the best solution, but there are times when one parent seeks full custody. This may lead to an ugly court battle where both parents wish to control custody of their child. When a custody dispute occurs, it is essential to understand your rights as well as options for how to proceed with the case. This is likely an emotional time, and it is helpful to seek guidance from an experienced attorney.

Maintain Visitation

Relocating With Your Child After Divorce

Published on: February 4, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Relocating With Your Child After Divorce

Moving to a new state is something that may be an opportunity after divorce. It is estimated that every year about 8 million people relocate to a different state. If you are a parent, you need to know the process for seeking relocation with your child. There are legal steps you must take in order to relocate out of state with your child after divorce. If you ignore the rules, you could face penalties, including the possibility of criminal charges. It is helpful to know what you need to do to relocate with your child.

How Custody Impacts Relocation Requests

Who Gets the Kids on Christmas Morning?

Published on: December 16, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Who Gets the Kids on Christmas Morning?

The holidays are supposed to be magical, especially for kids. However, for separated or divorced parents in North Carolina, Christmas can bring unexpected stress, confusion, and conflict.

Most custody orders don’t spell out every holiday detail, and when December arrives, parents often find themselves asking questions no one warned them about:

Five Tips for Co-Parenting Through the Holidays

Published on: November 19, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Five Tips for Co-Parenting Through the Holidays

The holiday season is one of joy and celebration, especially for children. You want to do everything you can to make the holidays fun and memorable. Now is the time to put aside your problems and take steps to improve your co-parenting skills. As you approach the season, here are five tips for better and more successful co-parenting.

Call a Truce

What are the Requirements for a Child Custody Modification in North Carolina?

Published on: September 24, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What are the Requirements for a Child Custody Modification in North Carolina?

When parents get divorced, one of the main issues that must be resolved is child custody. In North Carolina, both parents are generally considered equal when it comes to their children. Both parents typically have legal custody, so they are both allowed to make important decisions on behalf of their child. Physical custody is a little more complex. In many cases, parents share custody, with one being designated as the primary custodial parent. Child custody and visitation are usually made part of a divorce order. There may be times when a parent feels the need to modify a child custody order.

Why Do We Need to Modify a Child Custody Order?

Navigating Parenting Styles in Divorce

Published on: August 27, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Navigating Parenting Styles in Divorce

If you are in the midst of a separation or divorce, you are likely no stranger to conflict. Disagreements have probably brought you to this point, and you may continue to disagree in the future. Clashes in parenting styles may result in arguments that could go unresolved after the marriage is over. Conflicting parenting methods can make co-parenting more challenging after a divorce is final. Some parenting styles work better together than others.

Common Parenting Styles

What Is Joint Custody in North Carolina?

Published on: August 20, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What Is Joint Custody in North Carolina?

Separation and divorce can be difficult for families. Parents need to help their children adjust to the new normal, even while they themselves are going through turmoil. One of the most significant decisions that parents need to make when they divorce is how they will handle the continued upbringing of their children in a way that will be beneficial to them. For many families, joint custody is the best solution. It is helpful to understand joint custody in North Carolina.

Types of Custody

Sole Child Custody in North Carolina

Published on: June 11, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Sole Child Custody in North Carolina

When parents divorce, one of their main concerns is often child custody. Both parents are generally part of their child’s lives going forward, but they need to iron out the details. In many cases, the children will reside primarily with one parent while the other parent has regular visitation. Parents need to understand custody in North Carolina and learn how to seek the type of living arrangements that are best for their children. A knowledgeable Charlotte divorce attorney will help with matters of child custody.

https://youtu.be/k-Kq0h7q950

What is Conscious Co-Parenting?

Published on: April 30, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is Conscious Co-Parenting?

Divorce can take its toll on all members of the family. Parents often worry that divorce will cause their children irreparable emotional harm. Parents need to be mindful of how they handle the many issues revolving around divorce so they make the process as easy for children as possible. One way to help kids through the separation and divorce period and beyond is with a technique called conscious co-parenting. Co-parenting is an arrangement of custody in which both parents share time with their children.

https://youtu.be/oo-2SF8ZU3Y

Managing Summer Vacation After Divorce

Published on: April 23, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Managing Summer Vacation After Divorce

When going through a separation and divorce, you develop new family norms and establish routines. Now, summer is coming and it can bring some challenges. The typical daily life will be different now that school is not in session. Your needs and the needs of your children are likely to change during the summer months when kids are not attending school. It will take some effort to ensure that you and your children experience a happy season.

https://youtu.be/Sn_8I5v-E5g