What Is Joint Custody in North Carolina?

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

The term “child custody” may refer to legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody refers to a parent’s ability to make decisions regarding the welfare of their child. Some of these decisions include such things as medical care, education, and religion, among others. Physical custody refers to where a child resides. In sole custody, one parent alone has legal care and control of the child. Joint custody means that both parents share custody of their child. Joint custody may include a combination of both legal and physical custody that gives both parents time with their child.

 

Joint Physical Custody

Joint physical custody is one of the most common forms of custody. Joint physical custody may vary based on the specific needs of the situation. Often, one parent has primary physical custody while the other parent has regular visitation. The child may spend a few nights a week with the non-primary parent in some instances. Parents generally work out an arrangement that works best for the child as well as for their schedules. Joint custody works best when parents live near each other.

 

Parenting Plans in Joint Custody Arrangements

A parenting plan is also called a child custody agreement. It is an invaluable tool when it comes to sharing custody of children after divorce. A parenting plan provides details for legal and physical custody of a child. It includes information about parent responsibilities and how time is to be divided between parents. It outlines such things as where the child resides, when visitation takes place, school pickup, and how children spend vacations and holidays, among other things. The parenting plan is a guide that parents will follow after a divorce.

 

Customizing Child Custody Agreements

To be most effective, it is best to customize child custody agreements to fit the needs of your family. Parents should work together to establish the terms of the agreement prior to the finalization of the divorce. Open communication is key to resolving issues and to making the parenting plan work effectively once it is in place.

The plan should be as specific as possible. It is important to note that joint custody does not always mean that parents split time with their children equally. Instead, it should reflect the division of time that is not only agreeable to both parents, but is also in the best interests of the child. A knowledgeable attorney will assist you in creating a child custody agreement tailored to your situation.

Child custody matters are often complex, but we are here to assist you throughout the process. Contact us at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828 to schedule a consultation with our legal team.

 

Source:

https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/family-and-children/child-custody

https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/parenting_plan

 

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