Child Custody Lawyers in Gastonia, NC, Assisting Families With Child Custody Arrangements

One of the most contentious issues a family law attorney can handle involves child custody and visitation arrangements. These issues typically cause the parents involved to have strong emotions about how the problem should be resolved. Of course, each parent wants what is in the child’s best interests, but their frustration with the other parent often clouds their judgment. When parents cannot agree, a family law attorney can become a great asset as they can look at the issue from an outside point of view and help you reach a positive resolution.

If you are having trouble coming to a mutual child support arrangement with the other parent, you need an experienced family law attorney who can help. Contact Johannesmeyer & Sawyer, PLLC of Gastonia, NC, to learn more information about how our law firm may be able to help. We will gladly listen to your concerns and work diligently to find a resolution that works for you and your children.

What Are the Different Types of Child Custody in North Carolina?

North Carolina law recognizes two types of child custody: legal and physical. Legal custody means that parents have the right to make necessary decisions for their children. In general, North Carolina will typically grant parents joint custody. In joint custody cases, both parents have the right to make important decisions about their child’s health and education.

Conversely, physical custody refers to where a child resides and spends their time. Several legal terms fall under the heading of physical custody that parents should understand when trying to reach a parenting agreement. They include:

• Sole physical custody: The child spends the majority of their time with one parent, and the other parent has visitation rights. The parent the child lives with is called the custodial parent, and the other is the non-custodial parent.
• Joint physical custody: The child splits their time evenly with both parents.

How Can I Obtain Sole Custody of My Child?

While joint physical custody is common, there are instances where the family court judge may find it necessary to award sole custody to one parent if the following circumstances are present:

• Domestic violence
• A history of child abuse
• Substance abuse
• Emotional or physical health problems that would interfere with raising a child.
• Inability to provide the child with a safe and stable home

What Can I Do if The Other Parent Will Not Honor the Custody and Visitation Agreement?

If the other parent is not following the custody and visitation agreement, there are certain measures you can take to protect your parental rights and your children. The first step you must take is to hire an experienced family law attorney to assist you with the legal aspects of the case.

Family law attorneys can file a Motion for Contempt against the other parent. If your child’s other parent is not following a court order, they can be held in contempt and punished for failing to heed guidelines established in the custody agreement.

Filing a Motion for Contempt can be quite complicated, so it is best to seek qualified legal representation to ensure that your child’s best interests are upheld and resolve the issue peacefully.

What Makes Your Law Firm the Best Choice For My Legal Needs?

Child custody cases are often fraught with emotion, with both sides wanting their “fair share” of time with their child. If you are presently going through a divorce or trying to obtain a modification of your current child support order, you must hire a law firm that has experience in family law cases.

Our law firm has a proven track record of assisting clients with separation agreements that provide guidance to child custody and permanent child custody arrangements.

Contact Johannesmeyer & Sawyer, PLLC of Gaston County, by calling 704-389-5501 to schedule an appointment with a family law attorney who can evaluate your case and answer your questions.