Child Custody

Parenting Plans: Frequently Asked Questions

Published on: January 29, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Parenting Plans: Frequently Asked Questions

The most important job of any parent is to provide a healthy and loving environment for their child. When parents divorce, they need to work together to make decisions that will offer the best solutions for the kids. Parents who are separating or going through a divorce can benefit from a parenting plan. While primarily used in divorce situations, a parenting plan can also be useful anytime parents are not together, such as when they are not married. An experienced family law attorney will help you create a parenting plan that works best for your family.

https://youtu.be/Gz11W9GFitw

Holiday Parenting Guide for Newly Separated or Divorced Parents

Published on: November 20, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Holiday Parenting Guide for Newly Separated or Divorced Parents

The holidays are meant to be fun times spent with family and friends. When you are going through a separation or divorce, this time of year can be much more challenging. As a parent, you want to provide your child with a meaningful experience without any strife or stress. It is important to establish a new family normal that will help to guide you through the holiday season and beyond.

Agree to Set Aside Disputes

Can a Parent Get Full Child Custody in North Carolina?

Published on: November 6, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can a Parent Get Full Child Custody in North Carolina?

As a parent, your child is your top priority. You want to make sure that your child gets the love, care, and support to grow and thrive. There are two main types of custody: legal and physical. Legal custody is the ability to make decisions on behalf of a child. Physical custody refers to where the child resides. In many cases, parents share custody of their children. Sometimes, a parent wants to seek full custody of their child. An experienced family law attorney assists parents with custody matters.

Child Custody Options

Helping Your Children Cope with Divorce

Published on: October 23, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Helping Your Children Cope with Divorce

Divorce is not always easy, and it can be especially difficult for children. Children may feel uneasy and afraid because of the drastic changes that are happening in their lives. It is best to take steps to help your children deal with the changes as they adjust to the new life circumstances. Helping your children cope with the divorce gives them the support they need for a healthy adjustment.

Explain Changes

Divorced Parent Guide to Preparing for the School Year

Published on: October 9, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Divorced Parent Guide to Preparing for the School Year

Summer is quickly coming to a close, and school will start soon. Whether you are separated, newly divorced, or have been divorced for some time, you and your former spouse will need to work together to prepare for the upcoming school year. It is essential to establish routines and make the school year as easy and stress-free for your child as possible.

Implement a New Routine

Can a Parent Move Out of State With Their Child After Divorce?

Published on: August 21, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can a Parent Move Out of State With Their Child After Divorce?

Divorcing with children brings many complications. One of the most important considerations is where your children will reside. While the law assumes both mothers and fathers are equally able to care for their children, in most instances, the children will reside primarily with one parent while the other parent will have regular visits. In today’s fluid society, many people move around the country, whether for work or personal reasons. What happens when one parent wants to move out of state with their children?

https://youtu.be/Li7s3lKCflA?si=U0MRrIbMtVGwz6GI

Understanding Primary and Secondary Custody in North Carolina

Published on: July 10, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Understanding Primary and Secondary Custody in North Carolina

When parents divorce, they are both typically allowed to make legal decisions regarding their children. This is called legal custody. Physical custody is a little more complicated. North Carolina does not define joint custody or shared custody. One parent is given primary custody, while the other is given secondary custody. The child resides primarily with one parent, and the other parent has regular visits.

https://youtu.be/sVNdhPd_5I8

Grandparent Visitation in North Carolina

Published on: June 19, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Grandparent Visitation in North Carolina

Grandparents play a special role in the lives of their grandchildren. Children have special memories of their grandparents that last a lifetime. The love and care of a grandparent cannot be replaced. Grandparents form unique bonds with their grandchildren that are essential to kids. While most grandparents are able to see their grandchildren on a regular basis, there are times when a grandparent may be denied visitation. Many people wonder whether grandparents have visitation rights in North Carolina.

Do Grandparents Have Rights?

Summer Co-Parenting Tips for Divorced Parents

Published on: June 5, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Summer Co-Parenting Tips for Divorced Parents

Summer is a fun time for kids, but it can be stressful for parents. The daily routine changes and that can leave families feeling off-kilter. You want to make sure that your kids have a great summer, and at the same time, you still want to have control over the schedule. Here are some tips for co-parenting that can help you get through summer vacation.

https://youtu.be/iEvYXykifbE?si=zbu91IElgtVsMFmQ

How is Child Custody Determined in North Carolina?

Published on: May 22, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How is Child Custody Determined in North Carolina?

When parents divorce, many of their main concerns are for their children. In general, North Carolina provides for both parents to have time with their children. Parents sometimes disagree about child custody matters. There are two types of child custody, including legal and physical. Legal custody is the ability of a parent to make decisions on behalf of their kids such as those regarding education, religion, and health matters, for example. Physical custody refers to where a child resides.

What are the Custody Rights of Parents?