Child Custody Resources
As a parent, there is nothing more important to you than your children. You want to make sure they are safe, happy, and in good hands at all time. To help you, we’ve created this page of child custody resources to help you navigate the ins and outs of child custody and set up the best possible custody schedule for your children.
Judges across North Carolina agree that children thrive best under the care of both parents when possible. You have every right to be apart of your child’s life. Below you’ll find child custody forms and resources that will help you achieve this.
If things seem particularly dire or your child is being abused by a guardian, please call the police or a professional for help. Child custody cases can take a tremendous toll on the youth who end up in the middle of them when not handled properly. For additional help, please visit our Domestic Violence Resources page.
Forms and eBooks
(Customize to fit your needs)
If you already have a separation agreement and you want to modify your current agreement, use this form.
Complaint – Child Custody, Child Support, Equitable Distribution, and Alimony
If you are currently separating from your spouse and have not yet signed a separation agreement, use this form.
Teens struggle with divorce just like their parents. Our free ebook – A Teen Guide to Divorce makes it easier – not easy – just easier.
Younger children deal with divorce differently than teens. Some things can be easier for them to take, some things harder. If you don’t know how to break the news of a separation to your child, A Tween Guide to Divorce may help.
How to Help Your Kids Cope with Divorce
Divorce is hard enough for adults, but it can be worse for children. Make sure that you’re in the right frame of mind to help your kids deal with the process.
A 90 minute video introduction to all things child custody in the state of North Carolina. Includes terminology, visitation, what to expect when going to court, moving forward, and more.
Articles for Parents
Custody
Child Custody: The Basics
Child custody will be settled between you and your spouse by written agreement or custody will be set out in a court order. For as long as you don’t have some sort of controlling written document that…Read more.
Child Custody: Everything You Need to Know
Child Custody is a tricky issue in many families. In this video, Lee Rosen, the now retired founder of Rosen Law Firm, explains the terminology involved in Child Custody, how judges handle Child Custody cases in the…Read more.
What is a Parent Coordinator? with Shaunis Mercer
Shaunis Mercer is more than an attorney: she’s a parent coordinator, a former juvenile defender, and a mother of two. Here’s a closer look at her experience working with families, how becoming a mom gave her a new perspective on working with families, and her thoughts on…Read more.
Can Children Choose Which Parent They Want to Live With?
Attorneys are often asked in consultations: “When can my child choose where he wants to live?” or “When my child turns 12, she can tell the court she wants to live with me and they will let her, right?” The laws vary from state to state as it relates to…Read more.
Relocation
Relocation – What Do I Do First
It took six years, but you finally did it. You got the job in management. In a month, you’ll move to Seattle. You thought this day would never come! But Seattle is a long way from Raleigh, North Carolina. What are you going to do about the children? Read more.
Moving Without the Children – It’s That Important
Moving to another state without your children before your custody arrangement is modified or established isn’t advisable. But we’re looking at the worst-case scenarios here. Life happens. Sometimes you’re needed by… Read more.
How Do I Co-Parent Out of State?
Now that you’ve gone through the legal process of modifying your custody order to accommodate a parent’s relocation, you face the daunting task of long-distance co-parenting. It’s hard enough to co-parent when your ex lives… Read more.
Child Custody and Moving Out of State
Welcome to the North Carolina Divorce’s Child Custody Relocation center. Here you’ll find all of the articles, forms, and answers to questions you might have regarding relocating when you have children. Read more.
Health
Government official website dedicated to educating families about the legal issues surrounding child care and conducting background checks on child care employees.
NC Child Care Health and Safety Resources Center
A website dedicated to educating parents on healthy and safe environments for their children in early care and education settings. They list information, resources, and referrals for parents in need of these services.
Child and Family Mental Health Services
An official service of the state of North Carolina, they offer NC residents a guide for aiding children suffering from mental health issues and emotional disturbances.
An organization dedicated to providing a better quality of life for children in North Carolina. They provide resources on education, health and wellness programs, and child friendly communities throughout the state.
Education
The official website of North Carolina public schools. Lists information on curriculum, testing, and other resources.
A part of the NC Child Care Official website, it lists all the information necessary for enrolling your child in preschool and resources for getting your child prepared.
Enroll Your Child In School | Legal Aid NC
A document discussing the ins and outs of public school education for children K-12. The file also lists red flags to watch out for and how to assure your children get the education they deserve.
Right to Education | Southern Coalition for Social Justice
Resources and forms necessary for enrolling your child in school. Similar to the above document.
Services
Parenting Coordinators
Custody disputes are among the most contentious cases that family law attorneys deal with. Parenting coordinators can help to make this process a little smoother. They are trained experts at dealing with high conflict custody cases. Parenting coordinators are neutral, so they don’t take a side. They’re there to sort of be in the middle and listen to everybody and help the parties work together. And that’s a real breath of fresh air.
Counselors
A counselor who specializes in adolescents and teenagers can help your children come to terms with your divorce and aid them through this troubling time. For bigger issues within your family dynamic, you may also consider employing a family therapist to help you resolve issues with your spouse and children.
Mediators
Mediation is the most common dispute resolution option; however, it is often misunderstood. Mediation allows you and your spouse to reach a fair settlement with the help of a third, neutral party called a mediator. Mediators, who can be lawyers, mental health professionals, clergy, or other professionals trained in alternative dispute resolution techniques, help you and your spouse identify and resolve issues.
Guardian Ad Litem
A “guardian ad litem” is a person the court appoints to investigate what solutions would be in the “best interests of a child.” It’s their responsibility to look into a family’s typical day to day life and advise the court on where the child should live, if the child is being abused by one or both parents, or if the child should or shouldn’t have any contact with a particular parent.
