Child Custody
How do we handle Child Custody?
Child custody issues can be the most difficult for couples to decide during a divorce. Everything from where the child will primarily live to who has sole or joint custody to what the child will eat for dinner can become an issue of contention.
In North Carolina, parents can create a voluntary written agreement without going to court if they are able to reach agreement on custody decisions. However, when parents are unable to agree, a judge will create the custody order.
The courts will consider a number of factors when deciding on custody arrangements, but all will be made based on what the judge determines is in the best interest of the child. The articles in this section will help you understand what is involved in creating a custody agreement, as well as how to navigate many of the issues that will likely arise during this process.
Child Custody Consent Orders
Without question, the issue of child custody is often one of the most emotional issues that parents will have to face and resolve during the divorce process. Without question, most parents love their children and want the best for them. Determining exactly what that...
The Holidays and Your Children
School days are upon us and everyone knows that as soon as school starts up all of the holidays begin. From Labor Day, to Christmas, every month throughout the rest of the year includes a holiday that most kids are out of school for and is with one parent or the...
What is a Qualified Medical Child Support Order?
At the Law Office of Dustin S. McCrary, family law is our passion. We spend each and every day working with families, and have the opportunity to see how much parents love their children on a daily basis. Without question, most parents want to support their children...
If I have joint custody, do I still have to pay child support?
The short answer is, yes. Although you may have joint custody of your child, child support is an obligation that one parent will inevitably have to pay, specifically so, if one parent makes a higher income than the other or if the child is one with one parent more...
Can I Move Before Modifying Child Custody?
Let’s face it: not everyone stays in the same place indefinitely. Depending on your life and circumstances, you may decide to move due to a change of job, to be closer to family, or even for better living standards. As if relocating isn’t an overwhelming process,...
How Do I Modify My Custody Order?
Though there are some people who hold on to their homes forever, in today’s times, and with the rapid changes of society, forever homes do not always exist. Perhaps you find another job in another location, or realize that you need to down size your home based on your...
How Can I Obtain Evidence in Another State to Present in Court?
When you are looking to relocate and you have a child custody arrangement in place, it is important that you modify the child custody order before moving. The judge will determine whether the relocation is in the best interest of the children and if you have reviewed...
How Can I Co-Parent When My Kids Live in Another State
When you have a parent that is relocating with your children, you may seem lost. The fear that comes with long distance co-parenting can be overwhelming and as if it isn’t hard enough to co-parent when a child lives relatively close, it is so much harder when your...
Moving Forward – Now What?
Change is never easy, however, change is inevitable and it is important that when change occurs that can affect not only your life, but your children lives and lives of other people, it is important to make the best decisions possible. In the case of child custody and...
How Much is a Relocating Case Going to Cost Me?
It is a known fact that hiring an attorney to help with your legal needs can be a costly matter depending on what you are hoping to achieve. It is also a known fact that you get what you pay for and good attorneys are not cheap. When it comes to child custody matters,...
If I Need to Relocate, What Do I Do to Change the Custody Arrangement in a Separation Agreement?
As if relocating isn’t stressful enough, the task can become even more overwhelming when you have a custody arrangement in place. Choosing where to relocate based on a separation agreement can be a daunting task. That is why, in these circumstances, you should seek...
Moving Out of State with Your Children
They’re your children, so you expect that you can do whatever with them as you so choose and this includes relocating to another state. Though you may feel like this, this is not reality and this is especially so when you share children with another parent whom you...
Relocation and Domestic Violence: Moving Far Away From Safety
There are several reasons why a parent can decide to relocate. Though most of these reasons can result around positive changes, such as a new job, a new relationship, as well as being closer to family. However, there are times when a parent will decide to relocate due...
Moving Without the Children: When It’s That Important
Whether you are a mother or a father, not having your children around every day can be overwhelming especially when you are used to seeing their smiling faces. To make matters worse, sometimes life happens at the speed of lightening that make you have to change your...
Relocation for Marriage or Remarriage
Happily ever after does not just happen to Cinderella. Happily ever after can happen to anyone, even more than once. However, when that happily ever after forces you to relocate and you have a child custody order in place then that happily ever after can soon turn...
Relocation for Better Educational Opportunities for Parents
As a nation, we have all been told over and over again, how important obtaining a good education is to your well-being and that it is in most people’s best interest to seek an education, regardless of your age, but when you add in child custody arrangements, the...
Relocation for Better Job Opportunities
If you are like most people, you want the best opportunities possible and like most people this usually resonates in the job realm. Whether it is to receive a higher pay, better, more flexible hours or just more recognition, everyone, at some point, will search for a...
What Can I Do if My Ex Wants to Move with My Kids?
Some changes are harder than others. These changes can come in the form of trying to eat better to become a healthier you, stopping smoking, and in some cases, losing a family you thought you would always have due to divorce or breakup. However, when you add the...
Relocation: What Do I Do First?
Imagine: You’ve been given a job promotion that could substantially change the life of you and your children. The only problem is, you would have to relocate to another state in order for this promotion to be effective. That wouldn’t pose much of a problem if you...
Relocation to Be Closer to Family
When you are going through a separation or a divorce, you may feel, not only overwhelmed, but completely alone. If you have kids then you may be trying to determine what will happen with them, will you be able to support them on your own or, maybe, will they feel like...
What is a Judge Looking for in a Modification and Relocation Hearing?
As a parent, when you are seeking a child custody order modification due to you wanting to relocate, can seem like a big, scary experience. You may not know what to expect nor understand the different ways to make your case seem more favorable and this, alone, can...
What Can I Expect for a Child Custody Schedule if I Become a Long Distance Parent?
Long distance relationships are hard. However, once that relationship is over and a child is involved it can become even more difficult to become a long distance parent. Though difficult, it is not impossible. There are ways that you can still keep a child custody...
What Do I Do When My Ex Relocates with Our Children?
As a parent, you love your children, and you will do anything for them. In some cases, this includes dealing with a difficult co-parent. Though this can be difficult, you recognize that your child having both parents in his or her life is of the utmost importance....
Why We Wrote the Book on Relocation
Anyone who has lived with another and have children with that person can attest to parenting and sharing a child can be difficult. This is even more true when you have to share a child outside of the same household. Having to rely on another parent that you may not...
Who Pays for Travel Expenses When a Parent Moves with a Child?
If you have a child custody order that has been modified due to one parent needing to relocate with the child, then you already know how difficult and frustrating it can be to not see your child as often as you are used to. If this relocation has your child in another...
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