Child Custody and Child Support in North Carolina

If you're facing a family law issue involving child custody, child support, visitation rights, or parental rights in North Carolina, it's crucial to understand the legal rights and responsibilities involved. Whether you're seeking custody, modifying a current arrangement, or navigating the complexities of child support, the right legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome. At Stowe Law Firm, our family law attorney Jake Kruger can assist you in child custody and child support cases.

Child Custody

Child custody refers to the legal right to make decisions about the child’s upbringing and where the child will live. In North Carolina, custody can be either physical (where the child resides) or legal (who makes major decisions for the child, such as education and healthcare). Courts generally prefer joint custody arrangements, where both parents share time with the child and make decisions together. Courts may also award visitation with a parent if they determine visitation is in the child’s best interest. Additionally, if joint custody is not in the child's best interest, the court may award sole custody to one parent.

North Carolina courts always prioritize the child’s best interests when making custody decisions, considering factors like:

• The relationship between the child and each parent
• The child's safety and well-being
• Each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment
• The child’s needs, including emotional, physical, and educational needs

If you're seeking to establish, modify, or enforce a child custody order, we can guide you through the process, ensuring your parental rights and your child’s best interests are protected.

Child Support

Child support is financial support provided by one parent to help with the costs of raising a child. North Carolina uses a state guidelines-based approach to calculate child support, which considers both parents' income, the number of children involved, and other factors like healthcare costs and childcare expenses. Child support is typically paid by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent.

In North Carolina, child support orders can be established through the courts, and modifications may be necessary if there's a significant change in either parent’s financial circumstances or the child’s needs. Additionally, failure to pay child support can lead to serious legal consequences, up to and including jail time.

Our experienced family law attorney can help ensure that a child support obligation is fair and accurate and that your child’s financial needs are met. Whether you're the paying or receiving parent, we'll work with you to secure a fair outcome and protect your rights as a parent.

If you are facing child custody or child support issues in North Carolina, we understand that these are deeply personal matters. At Stowe Law Firm, our family law attorney Jake Kruger is here to help you navigate these complex issues with knowledge and experience. Contact us today for a consultation.