Are you having CHILD CUSTODY ISSUES?
our experienced attorneys will help you navigate through complexities of child support

CHILDS CUSTODY IS ALWAYS based upon the
BEST INTEREST OF THE CHILD
The magic words relating to custody in North Carolina are “in the best interests of the minor child(ren).” Plumides, Romano and Johnson, PC is dedicated to preserving the best interests and safety of all children involved in a divorce situation. The firm will not support the use of the child(ren) as a “weapon” to gain an advantage in divorce litigation. After hearing all the evidence, a judge must decide the custodial arrangements for the child(ren). In North Carolina, there is no presumption as to which parent is a better parent. Except in unusual circumstances, the non-custodial spouse will typically receive substantial visitation privileges with the child(ren). There is no presumptive visitation schedule, and the court welcomes visitation settlements agreed to or negotiated by the parties.
There are two types of “custody” – there is legal custody and there is physical custody.
WHAT IS
LEGAL CUSTODY
Legal Custody determines which parent will have the authority to make major decisions affecting the welfare of the minor child(ren). Major decisions typically involve issues related to health, education and religion. There are generally three (3) different types of legal custody. A court can grant parents joint legal custody, sole legal custody or a combination of the two in which will grant one parent decision making authority over some issues and the other parent decision making authority over other issues. This is oftentimes referred to as “parallel parenting.”
Joint legal custody gives each parent equal right to participate in making major decisions on behalf of the minor child(ren). Sole legal custody gives one parent the sole authority to make major decisions on behalf of the minor child(ren). Parallel parenting grants one parent decision making authority over some issues and the other parent decision making authority over other issues.

what is PHYSICAL CUSTODY
There are generally three types of physical custody – there is primary physical custody, secondary physical custody and joint physical custody.
Primary physical custody simply means that the minor child(ren) physically resides with one parent and visit(s) with the other parent who in turn exercises secondary physical custody or visitation.
Joint physical custody is a true sharing of time with the child(ren) whereby each party will have equal, or close to equal, time with the child(ren). Keep in mind that there is different terminology for the same thing so while we refer to physical custody as primary, secondary and joint, others may refer to the same thing as sole and joint or some other designation.
In North Carolina, custody mediation is required in all cases involving custody issues. Shortly after the filing and service of lawsuit for child custody (generally within 6-8 weeks), an order will be issued by the court directing the parties to participate in “parent education” and “mediation orientation.” Each party will be given a certain amount of time in which they need to complete parent education and mediation orientation. Once mediation orientation is completed, the parties must attend a one-time “court ordered” mediation session. This “court ordered” mediation session is different than “private mediation.” For “court ordered mediation,” only the parties appear with the court appointed mediator. If the parties have attorneys, their respective attorneys will not appear with them at “court ordered” mediation. “Private mediation” is where the parties and/or attorneys will choose a third-party mediator to conduct mediation, and in this setting, the parties will appear at mediation with their respective attorneys.
The parties remain in “court ordered” mediation as long as the mediator feels that they are make progress in resolving the custody/visitation dispute. If the parties are able to agree on a solution at mediation, the court appointed mediator will draft the agreement for the parties to sign and the agreement will be entered as an Order of the Court. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement and if one of the parties or the mediator feels that mediation is no longer a solution, the case will be closed in mediation and a trial will be scheduled to settle the custody/visitation issues. The Court employs the mediator and there is no charge for the custody mediation program. Your lawyer is not directly involved in the mediation program and cannot attend any meetings with the mediator, however, he or she will be advised of the progress of the mediation and will be prepared to assist you with advice and support during the mediation program. Custody Mediation is successful in a high percentage of the cases in Mecklenburg County and offers you an opportunity to control the outcome of your own custody dispute.
FAQs
CHILD CUSTODY FAQs

Will my child have to testify in court?

When can a claim for child custody be filed? Once a child custody order has been entered, can it be modified?

Do grandparents have rights to custody and/or visitation in North Carolina?

What does visitation mean in North Carolina?

What is joint custody? What is sole custody?

What is a custody evaluation and when should one be conducted?

What impact could dating have on child custody?

Do the North Carolina Courts favor one parent over the other in custody cases?
No. The tendency of the Court to favor the mother over the father has been formally abolished pursuant to N.C.G.S. 50-13.2(a). Therefore, a Court's primary concern is make a determination as to who will “in the opinion of the Judge, best promote the interests and welfare of the child.” N.C.G.S. 50-13.2(a).

Do children get to decide who they will live with?

Can I change my minor child's last name without permission from the other parent?
NORTH CAROLINA
CHILD SUPPORT tools
CHILD SUPPORT CALCULATOR
CHILD SUPPORT WORKSHEET A
Use the Interactive North Carolina Child Support Calculator, click link below.
Child Support CalculatorCHILD TAX CREDITS
North Carolina Child Deduction
G.S. §105-153.5(a1) allows a taxpayer a deduction for each qualifying child
CHILD TAX CREDIT FORMNC CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES
North Carolina Child Support Guidelines
Section 50-13.4 of the North Carolina General Statutes
NC CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES