What factors determine child custody during a divorce?

For parents going through a divorce, there is no more critical issue than the future well-being of their child or children. Like many other states, North Carolina family courts decide custody matters based on what the court believes is in the child’s best interest.

North Carolina adopted the Uniform Child Custody Act, which recognizes the option of joint custody for parents, allows grandparents to have visitation rights for seeing their grandchildren and considers the wishes of the child about where they want to live.

How is custody determined?

Courts consider many primary factors when using the best interest of the child standard, including:

• Whether a history of domestic violence exists
• Other safety concerns for the child
• Child’s current living situation
• Child’s relationship with their parents
• Each parent’s ability to care for the child
• Whether each parent can create a stable home

There are many more reasons why a child might be better suited for living with one parent or the other. There is no checklist that you can work from to ensure your chances. The best strategy available is to do everything you can to demonstrate how much you care for your kids and find representation that you can trust to tell your story.

Consider how a custody agreement can alter a child’s life

Despite the negative feelings that can arise during a divorce, most parents want only the best for their child’s future. There are many reasons why it might be better for a child to live primarily with one parent under a joint custody agreement. A compassionate and experienced family law attorney here in North Carolina can help you find the best arrangement possible, so your child’s future care is not left up to a court to decide.