When parents separate or divorce, two of the most important issues they face are child custody and child support. These decisions impact your child’s future, so it's important to understand your rights and options under North Carolina law.

CHILD SUPPORT & CUSTODY

UNDERSTANDING CHILD CUSTODY IN NC

In North Carolina, custody is determined based on the best interests of the child. This means the court will look at factors such as each parent’s ability to care for the child, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the stability each parent can provide. Custody is divided into two types:

Legal custody: This refers to which parent has the authority to make important decisions for the child, such as their education, healthcare, and religion.
Physical custody: This refers to where the child will live and who is responsible for their day-to-day physical care.

The court encourages parents to work together to create a parenting plan that outlines these arrangements. However, if you and the other parent cannot agree, the court will step in to make a decision based on the child’s best interests.

WhY YOU NEED A LAWYER

Child custody and support cases can be emotional and complicated. A lawyer ensures that your rights are protected and that the best interests of your child are always the priority. We help you negotiate agreements with the other parent, represent you in court if needed, and handle all the legal details, so you can focus on what matters most: your family.

Our team will handle the legal aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on moving forward with your life. From filing paperwork to representing you in court, Strive Law Firm will be by your side every step of the way.

JOINT VS. SOLE CUSTODY

JOINT CUSTODY

While joint custody—where both parents share decision-making responsibilities and time with the child—is often encouraged, it’s not always the best option for every family.

SOLE CUSTODY

If one parent is unable to provide a stable environment or has a history of neglect or abuse, the court may award sole custody to the other parent. This doesn’t mean the non-custodial parent is completely cut off, but visitation may be limited or supervised, depending on the circumstances.

Child Support in North Carolina

Child support is the financial contribution one parent makes to help cover the costs of raising a child. In North Carolina, child support is typically determined based on each parent’s income, the number of children involved, and the amount of time the child spends with each parent.

The state uses a formula to calculate support, but it’s not always straightforward. We can help ensure that the amount is fair and reflective of both parents’ responsibilities. In some cases, you may also need to modify a child support order if your financial situation changes over time.

Modifying Child Custody or Child Support Orders

As life changes, your custody and support arrangements might need to change too. North Carolina requires a substantial change in circumstances to modify child custody and child support orders.If you need to modify an existing custody or support order—whether due to a new job, relocation, or other significant changes—we can guide you through the process.

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