Jacksonville Child Custody Attorney

Turn to The Trevor J. Avery Law Firm for Compassionate Guidance

When the parents of a child are no longer together, child custody can be one of the most contentious issues during the divorce. These situations need to be handled with tact and compassion to ensure that the needs of the child are addressed. At The Trevor J. Avery Law Firm, we understand how important it is to put your child’s needs first and will strive to fight for what's best for your family.

How is Child Custody Determined in North Carolina?

When couples with kids separate, the law stipulates that they go through a mediation process. This allows the parents to figure out a child custody agreement. When the parents are unable to come to an agreement, a North Carolina District Court judge makes a child custody decision based on Statute § 50-13.2(a).

Based on the above, the court determines whether the parents have joint custody or sole custody. Joint custody means that both parents have some rights to the child, while sole custody means one parent has a form of custody. Based on the custody arrangement, the court determines the amount of child support one spouse is entitled to receive.

Do Grandparents Have Visitation Rights?

Unlike other states, North Carolina allows for grandparent visitation rights. A grandparent can undergo the same legal process as a legal parent for the right to see their grandchild. This includes presenting their case to court and proving that access to their grandparents is in the best interest of the child.

Is North Carolina a Mother State?

Under North Carolina law, you have those rights as a father. In fact, unless you voluntary give them up, or a court orders otherwise, your rights as a parent are equal to those of the mother. You may even be entitled to receive child support payments from the mother.

Staunch Advocates on Behalf of Families

Whether you need to litigate a child custody arrangement or have a parenting plan in mind, The Trevor J. Avery Law Firm can stand by your side. We can be kind and compassionate when addressing your needs but strong and aggressive when advocating for your rights in the courtroom. When your family is on the line, trust a Jacksonville child custody lawyer to discuss your options and guide you towards an ideal solution.