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If you have children, a crucial part of the divorce process is determining child custody. Each state has its own custody laws, so it is essential to review before divorce proceedings. In North Carolina, there are two specific types of custody: legal and physical. Rech Law, P.C. can explain these types of custody and what they mean for you and your child.
Legal Custody
Legal custody refers to the ability that the parents have to make decisions for their child. Typically, North Carolina awards joint legal custody. This means that both parents can make decisions about their child’s life. For example, both parents will decide where the child will attend school and how medical issues are handled.
However, there are times where the courts feel as though only one parent must make decisions for their child.
Physical Custody
Physical custody refers to where the child lives and spends their time. Within physical custody, there are also sole and joint distinctions.
When a parent has sole physical custody, the child spends most of their time with one parent. However, the other parent may have visitation rights, seeing the children on occasion. If the child is not safe with the other parent, the courts will not award visitation rights, and one parent will have custody.
Joint physical custody typically means that the child splits their time evenly between parents. They may switch weeks, go on weekends, or even spend months at a time at another parent’s house. Again, these decisions are made based on the best interests of the children involved.
Custody Assistance in NC
While the courts determine specific custody orders, that does not mean that they cannot change over time. If you and your spouse need to alter your custody arrangements, reach out to an experienced family law team. Our child custody lawyers in Charlotte, NC understand the importance of making the best decisions for your children.
Reach our team today at (704) 659-0007 for more information about child custody arrangements in North Carolina.