Who Gets Sole Custody in North Carolina?

When it comes to child custody cases, one of the most commonly asked questions is, “who gets sole custody?”

The answer to this question is not a straightforward one, and many factors go into determining custody arrangements.

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at joint custody, the law surrounding it, and what options you have if you are concerned about your child’s safety. For more help, contact a Kernersville child custody lawyer at Apple Payne Law.

50/50 Is the Law of the Land

When it comes to child custody, according to Ron Payne, the Managing Partner at Apple Payne Law in Kernersville, “in almost 99% of cases, nobody gets sole custody.”
In fact, judges are trained to start with a 50/50 custody arrangement and work from there. This means that both parents are given equal responsibility for the care and upbringing of their children.

However, a 50/50 custody arrangement may not be feasible in some situations. For example, if one parent works night shifts and cannot have the child overnight, the custody arrangement may be adjusted to fit the parents’ schedules.

This could mean that one parent has the child more on weekends or their days off. The goal is always to find an arrangement that is in the best interest of the child.

Joint Custody Is the Norm in North Carolina

In most cases, joint custody is the norm. This means both parents share decision-making responsibilities and have equal time with the child. Joint custody can take many forms, including a 50/50 arrangement or a schedule that best suits the parents’ unique situation.

It’s important to note that joint custody does not mean that both parents have equal time with the child down to the minute. Instead, it means that both parents have equal responsibility for the child’s well-being and upbringing.

While a judge can award one parent sole custody, it is extremely rare. According to Ron Payne, in the last 10 years, he can count the times a judge has given one parent sole custody and excluded the other parent from custody entirely.

Contact Apple Payne Law if You Are Concerned About Your Child’s Safety

If you are concerned about your child’s safety, it’s essential to seek the guidance of an experienced family law attorney. The team at Apple Payne Law is here to help. We offer low-cost family law consultations to discuss your concerns and determine the best action.

When it comes to child custody, the law favors joint custody. While sole custody is possible, it is extremely rare. The goal is always to find an arrangement in the child’s best interest. However, if your child is in immediate danger, you may be able to get an emergency custody order.

Call our office today to discuss your options.