THE JOHNSON LAW FIRM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON CHILD CUSTODY AND VISITATION:

1. Question: Do mothers automatically get custody of their children when parents separate?

Answer: The courts of most states, including North Carolina, do not establish an automatic preference for either mother or father, but they do look very closely at which parent will best promote the welfare and interests of the children of the couple. As a general rule, parents are joint guardians of their children with equal rights to custody and control, in the absence of a court order.

2. Question: What kinds of factors do the courts consider in granting custody?

Answer: They usually look at who has primarily taken care of the child during the marriage (for example, washing, feeding and clothing the child, or helping the child with homework), who has the best approach to discipline, who has cared for the child since the separation (if the couple has already separated), what work schedules either or both parents have, how each parent can provide for the physical, emotional, educational, religious and social needs of the child, and the temperament and character of each parent.

3. Question: Can the court award attorney's fees to me in a custody case?

Answer: Under North Carolina law, if the person asking for attorney's fees is acting in good faith and is unable to afford the legal expenses of the lawsuit, it is possible (but not mandatory) for the court to award reasonable attorney's fees as part of the custody order.

4. Question: Do I have to file for custody In North Carolina?

Answer: Not necessarily. While usually a custody suit is filed where the child is presently residing, a person can file an action involving custody of a minor child in the "home state" of the child (Le., where the child has lived for the last six months) or in any state where the child and one parent have substantial and significant contacts and connections (such as former neighbors teachers, doctors, relatives and so on). If this would be in another state, you may file there.

5. Question: How can the issue of custody be raised?

Answer: This is done by filing a complaint with the court. The complaint for custody must be served on the other parent. After that, a hearing may be scheduled on custody and visitation rights.

6. Question: Can a custody order be changed?

Answer: No custody order is ever "permanent." However, once a parent is awarded custody in a court order, the judge can change the custody order only if there is a substantial change in circumstances since the time of entry of that prior order. Usually it must be proven that the change has a direct and adverse effect on the child.

7. Question: Will my separation agreement protect me from the other parent snatching my child?

Answer: No. A separation agreement is only a contract between you and the other parent. It is not a court order unless it is incorporated into a decree or order of a court. A court order is enforceable by contempt of court. Court orders of one state can be filed and registered in another state and thus be treated as if they were issued by the second state for purposes of enforcement. None of this applies to separation agreements.

8. Question: Can I register a court order from another state here in North Carolina so that North Carolina can treat it as one of its own degrees for purposes of enforcement?

Answer: Yes. You may file and register the other state's decree with the Clerk of Superior Court at the county courthouse. You may want to register the decree in the county where you reside or in the county where the other parent lives.

9. Question: Won't custody be settled when I obtain a divorce?

Answer: Divorce decrees do not necessarily settle custody matters. A custody order can be entered before or after a final decree of divorce in North Carolina.

10. Question: My daughter's twelve. Can't she tell the judge where she wants to live?

Answer: In North Carolina, the child's preference between parents is an important factor to be considered when deciding the issue of custody. However, the child's preference is not conclusive or binding on the issue of custody. There is no set age for when a child can testify.

11. Question: Can all children testify in court as to their preference?

Answer: The courts do not allow every child to testify as to his preference. Whether a
child is old enough is a matter to be decided by the trial judge. This means that the judge must decide that the child is capable of testifying truthfully.

12. Question: How does a judge determine whether a child is able to testify?

Answer: The trial judge must determine that the child is "of sufficient age, discretion and maturity" so that he can formulate and express a rational opinion as to custody.

13. Question: Can a non-parent obtain custody of a child instead of a parent?

Answer: There is a parental preference rule which states that a natural parent (mother or father), who is of good character and who is a proper person to have custody of the child, is usually entitled to custody against all other persons. However, the main object is still what is best for the child.

14. Question: If my spouse is granted custody, will I get visitation rights?

Answer: Ordinarily the noncustodial parent is entitled to reasonable visitation rights with a minor child except in extraordinary situations, such as when the noncustodial parent has a history of abusing or neglecting the child. Visitation can be flexible and unstructured, assuming the parties can get along and agree on the times and terms of visitation, or it can be highly structured and rigid, with certain days and times set out with great specificity.

15. Question: What if' have other questions?

Answer: You need to come in to the Johnson Law Firm and speak with an attorney. Nothing you read on this website is legal advice. You should not make any decisions unless you are advised by a licensed North Carolina attorney.

The Johnson Law Firm would like to thank Sullivan & Grace, P.A. for use of material.