Child Custody

Handling Parental Duties During the Holidays Following a Divorce

Published on: December 19, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “Can any attorney help me with my family law needs in North Carolina?”

The holidays are meant to be a happy time, filled with family and friends. However, parents that have recently divorced might be struggling to figure out how to handle their parental duties and still provide the loving, happy, and special environment that their children are accustomed to during the holidays. Even with the best intentions, though, divorced parents can find it difficult to put aside their personal feelings. The holidays might bring about more trips and “exchanges” of children between the parents, leading to higher tensions and more conflict. The best way for parents to keep the holiday special for their children is to put a plan in place to help them navigate this time and stay organized.

Does Bad Weather Affect Custody Exchanges?

Published on: November 14, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What can I do to gain custody of my child in North Carolina?”

You have made it through your divorce. Everything has been settled and agreed upon – the distribution of shared items, property, and the custody agreement between you and your ex-spouse. Everything is seemingly “perfect” and everyone knows exactly what is expected of them. While this period of certainty is usually well-deserved, do not let it lull you into a false sense of security. There are still issues that can arise in a child custody agreement. One of those issues is weather.

Grandparents’ Rights in North Carolina

Published on: November 7, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What rules are there for Father’s Right in NC?”

In the midst of a divorce, the focus is on which parent will be awarded custody of the children. What most people do not know, though, is that there are other options in a custody battle beyond the biological parents. In North Carolina, there are various statutes that can award a grandparent custody or visitation. Grandparents play a special role in a child’s life. While there may be options for grandparents to seek custody and visitation, it is by no means a guarantee that the grandparent will receive the custody or visitation. Instead, the statutes are merely a means to get into the court system to ask for visitation. The statutes do not entitle a grandparent to court ordered custody or visitation.

Interference with Child Custody in North Carolina

Published on: October 31, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What can I do to gain custody of my child in North Carolina?”

Divorces can be messy. Suddenly two people are splitting their assets and lives into two, from what used to be a marriage. Divorce does not only affect the couple getting divorced, however. Oftentimes there are children to be considered. Most parents want what is best for their children, this includes wanting what is best for them in divorce. Custody agreements detail what exactly the arrangement will be between the two parents who will be co-parenting the child.

Common Questions of Domestic Violence Victims

Published on: October 24, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: ” I’m not getting along with my husband. We’ve been married two weeks and it was a mistake. Can’t I just get an annulment?”

Things to Keep in Mind Before Going to Court for Custody

Published on: October 17, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What are my custody rights if the other parent moves?”

Going through a divorce can be difficult. Not only are you separating from the person with whom you once thought you would spend your life, but you are faced with the difficult task of dividing up all of your worldly possessions. As hard as divorce is on the couple, it is much worse when children are part of the question. Some couples will try to solve custody disputes outside of the courtroom in an effort to make this process as easy as possible for their children. However, the world is not perfect and not every set of parents can come to an amicable agreement, or even just an agreement, outside of the courtroom. There is a formal process, rules, and regulations that govern child custody disputes. Outside of these legal rules, however, it is important to keep a few other things in mind for child custody.

Third Party Custody

Published on: September 26, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What can I do to gain custody of my child in North Carolina?”

When most people think of custody of children, they usually think of disputes between the biological parents. However, custody does not always have to involve a dispute between the parents. In certain circumstances, custody of a child might be awarded to someone other than a parent. This is called third-party custody. In order for custody of a child to be awarded to someone other than a parent, there are a variety of factors to examine to determine if third-party custody is appropriate.

Can My Ex-Spouse Take Our Children Out of State?

Published on: June 13, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What children’s expenses are not covered by child support?”

Divorce is difficult. You and your soon-to-be ex-spouse are thrust into figuring out marital assets, spousal or alimony payments, and often coming to child custody agreements. Parents want what is best for their children and tend to be sensitive to their children’s feelings and needs during a divorce. In some cases, one of the spouses might want to move out of state. In those instances, there are special considerations for the children involved, which depend on the custody arrangement and any restrictions set forth by the applicable statute.

Child Custody in North Carolina

Published on: May 16, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What rules are there for Father’s Right in NC?”

Divorce can be confusing and difficult for all parties – the spouses, children, family, friends, etc. However, one of the biggest concerns spouses have when facing a divorce is the impact it will have on their children. In addition to impacting a child’s overall well-being, child custody arrangements must also be decided during divorce proceedings.

Pennsylvania Court Tackles Tricky Issue of Paternity

Published on: January 31, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: ” If I remarry, can they look at my new spouse’s income?”

You might think that determining paternity these days would be a fairly simple process. There is no longer a need for lengthy trials, witness testimony and a weighing of factors. A simple, fast, affordable genetic test can arrive at a definitive answer in record time. Though genetic testing allows for speedy resolution to the biological question of paternity, courts have, in some cases, been reluctant to let genetics dictate the answer to the legal question of paternity.