North Carolina judges decide child custody cases based on numerous factors. These factors are supposed to allow the Court to determine what custody arrangement is best for the child. what's best for the child. The following factors are few of those considered when making a best-interest determination:
What are some of the factors that determine child custody in North Carolina?
Which parent has been the primary caretaker prior to and since the parties’ separation?
What are each party’s living arrangements and what is the residence like?
What are the parents’ work hours and job status
Which parent is better at co-parenting
How do the parent’s discipline the child and is the style effective?
How large are the parents’ support system in the area.
Any other factors that could affect the child's health and happiness
Judges typically do not ask the child which parent he or she wants to live with. Rather, a child of suitable intellect and expression, usually around 12 years of age may be questioned about certain issues from which the judge can determine both the child’ preferences and where the child might be better off…questions like
Who helps the child with homework?
Who does the child talk to when he/she is facing a problem
What activities do mother and child participate in? What do father and child do on their time together?
Being represented by an attorney in a child custody case is usually wise as such cases can be very complicated and court procedures can be confusing. A parent should retain an experienced North Carolina family law attorney to pursue or defend a custody action. The family law attorneys at Weaver, Bennett and Bland in Matthews North Carolina can assist you in your child custody case. You can call us at 704.844.1400 or contact us online at WBBlawyers.com.