Children and Divorce

Divorce alone is often confusing enough. However, the topic of children and divorce can be even more complex and challenging for many North Carolina parents. If you have questions about divorce, or you or your spouse have or soon will be filing for divorce, having a compassionate North Carolina divorce attorney who has experience with children and divorce will be an invaluable asset to you.

How is Child Custody Determined in North Carolina?

Ideally, divorcing parents should work together to develop a parenting plan that best serves the needs and interests of their children. Your North Carolina divorce lawyer can often help negotiate a parenting plan or set up mediation sessions. However, North Carolina courts recognize that this isn’t always possible in every family.

If a family court judge must decide custody matters, they will consider factors such as:

• The child’s relationship with each parent
• The child’s desires, if they are old enough
• The financial and living circumstances of each parent post-divorce
• Any history of child or domestic abuse

What is most important to the court is devising a custody order that serves the child’s best interest.

Will You Pay or Receive Child Support?

There is no blanket answer for this question. Family courts determine this on a case-by-case basis. The judge’s goal is to ensure that the child’s needs are met and that they can generally sustain the same standard of living that they did while the marriage was still intact. For example, suppose one parent makes less than the other but has primary physical custody. In that case, the judge may see fit to order the other parent to pay child support. It’s best to discuss this question with a seasoned North Carolina divorce lawyer familiar with your situation and the law.

Are Custody and Child Support Orders Final?

Orders pertaining to child custody and child support are designed to be final. However, the courts understand that sometimes circumstances can change. For example, a parent may receive a raise or lose their job, a child may have increased medical or educational expenses, a parent may have additional children, or one parent’s work schedule or location may change.

If you experience a significant change in financial or life circumstances, bring it to the attention of your North Carolina divorce attorney. They can help you determine if you need to file a request to have your court orders changed. If so, they can help you through the process. Even if you and your ex-spouse can make these changes amicably, you will want to have them reflected in the court orders to protect yourself.

Are You Divorcing with Children? Our Compassionate North Carolina Divorce Attorneys Can Help

Suppose you are facing issues surrounding children and divorce. In that case, the compassionate North Carolina divorce lawyers at the King Law Firm are here for you. We know that divorces involving children can be quite stressful, emotional, and contentious. Our attorneys want to help you understand your options under the law so that you can make the best decisions for you and your children moving forward.

At the King Law Firm, we offer confidential case evaluations to help you determine your next steps in a divorce situation. We have several offices and can also meet with you at other locations you might find more convenient. Call us at (800) 635-1683 today to schedule your evaluation or use our easy online contact form.