Any parent over the age of 18 whose rights have not been terminated has an obligation to financially support their children. If you are going through a divorce, have recently separated from your child’s other parent, or are involved in a child support matter for any other reason, it can…
Custody and visitation orders in North Carolina are commonly amended when the terms no longer benefit the children and there has been a change in circumstances. Not every change will lead to a revised custody order, so understanding when a qualifying change has occurred can help you decide if it’s…
Custody and visitation disputes between parents focus on the best interest of their child, but this is not the standard used when non-parents are involved. North Carolina only allows non-parents to file for custody or visitation in limited circumstances. When these issues between a parent and a non-parent are litigated…
The topic of an intact family may come up in some North Carolina custody and visitation cases. Why does this matter? The intact family factor is not relevant to every case, but it is pivotal when a non-parent seeks custody or visitation. The 1995 case of McIntyre v. McIntyre established…
Pay is an important factor under the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines. It is critical for parents to be employed at their best potential for income to support children. This emphasis on fair compensation and financial stability aligns with the principles of National Equal Pay Day, which highlights the importance…
A parent-child bond is more than just an emotional connection; it’s also a strong legal force. In North Carolina, parents have a constitutionally protected interest when it comes to their relationship with their children. Non-parents can be granted custody, but there are strict guidelines for when that can occur. Awarding…
Extended family members often play an important role in a child’s life. The bond that children share with people such as their grandparents contributes to their development, but it is generally a parent’s decision as to which relationships their children can have. In North Carolina, parents have a right to…
It is always tragic when a child loses a parent, but what happens when the parent who passes away is the custodial parent? North Carolina courts must grant custody to someone else, and priority is given to biological parents in most cases. Awarding Custody After a Death Parents are allowed…
The financial impact of a divorce is often one of the longest-lasting challenges that families will face. Divorces can be expensive, even without the changes in household income and bills. This is especially true for divorced couples with children. The way divorced parents approach filing their taxes each year is…
North Carolina allows divorcing parents to agree on their own terms for child support payments, but more often parents rely on the court to make a determination. Calculating Child Support in North Carolina The state has guidelines to determine the amount of support based on the financial situation of each…