Compassionate Pittsboro Child Custody Lawyer
During separation or divorce, parents want what is best for their children. However, disagreements about living arrangements, decision-making and parenting time can quickly turn tense. If you are in this situation, it is important to work with a knowledgeable child custody lawyer to help protect your parental rights while keeping the child’s best interests at the center of every decision.
At Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C., we serve Pittsboro and the surrounding Triangle communities – including Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill – with focused support in complex family law matters. Our Pittsboro family law attorneys work together to provide customized legal solutions rooted in North Carolina custody laws.
Understanding Child Custody In Pittsboro, North Carolina
Child custody in North Carolina is divided into two types:
- Legal custody: Determines who makes important decisions about a child’s upbringing, such as education, health care and religion
- Physical custody: This is where the child lives and how time is shared between parents
The court’s goal is always to serve the child’s best interests while balancing each parent’s role.
Factors To Consider When Deciding Custody
When deciding on custody, many elements are factored in. These include:
- Each parent’s ability to care for the child
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- The stability of each home environment
- Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse
- The child’s preferences, if they are old enough
While parents can reach agreements alone or through mediation, a judge will make the final decision if an agreement is not reached.
Mediation In Child Custody Disputes
North Carolina requires parents to participate in custody mediation before going to court unless the case involves safety concerns. Mediation is a confidential process where both parties work with a neutral third party to create a parenting agreement outside the courtroom. Our legal team can support you throughout mediation by preparing you beforehand and helping you review any proposed agreements to protect your child’s needs and rights.
Third-Party Custody Actions
Third-party custody actions are considered when the child’s parents are unable or unfit to care for them. We assist relatives who are stepping in to protect a child’s well-being and guide them through every legal requirement involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a common question that we have encountered:
What warrants a modification of child custody orders?
A custody order may be modified when there has been a substantial change in circumstances that affects the welfare of the child. Examples include a parent’s relocation, changes in work schedules, concerns about the child’s safety or changes in the child’s needs.
Let Us Work Together To Protect Your Child’s Future
If you are looking for a Pittsboro child custody lawyer who will listen, guide and advocate for your family, Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C., is here to help. Our attorneys serve clients across Pittsboro, Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill with a focused commitment to positive family outcomes.
Call us at 919-944-4811 today to schedule a consultation or fill out the online form.