North Carolina Divorce Lawyers Blog
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 in court, additional elements must be considered before a parent’s rights are taken away.
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Does a Single Parent Count as an Intact Family in North Carolina?
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 that, with the exception of cases of negligence or unfitness, third parties like grandparents can only seek visitation rights when the child’s family is not intact or there is an ongoing custody proceeding.
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Triad Activities on St. Patrick’s Day for the Newly Separated or Divorced
To most people these days, St. Patrick’s Day is simply a celebratory occasion to wear green and drink Irish beverages like Guinness and Jameson.
However, this Irish holiday, originally called the Feast of Saint Patrick, was first created to commemorate Saint Patrick’s bringing Christianity to Ireland and, thus, Irish culture and heritage as a whole.
Today, St. Patrick’s Day has developed into a worldwide celebration complete with parades, costumes, and Irish cuisine and beverages. And it’s one of the few holidays that doesn’t emphasize romance or love in any way, making it the perfect time to get out and have some fun as a newly separated or divorced person.
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National Equal Pay Day and Child Support
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 of gender pay equity and fair wages for all individuals. Because without equal pay opportunities, how can we expect men and women to contribute equally to the financial well-being of their children?
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When Are Non-Parents Granted Custody in North Carolina?
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.
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Can You File an Appeal Before a Final Order in North Carolina?
North Carolina family law cases often decide on some of the most important elements of a person’s life. From property and assets in a divorce to child custody arrangements, the outcome of these cases can significantly impact everyone involved. If you feel that the court’s decision is incorrect or unjust, you may be able to file an appeal.
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When Can a Grandparent File for Visitation in North Carolina?
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 determine who their children will spend time with and associate with. This means that non-parents, like grandparents, cannot file for visitation unless certain criteria are present.
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Custody When the Custodial Parent Dies
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.
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Renewing a Domestic Violence Protective Order in North Carolina
A Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO) can last up to one year in North Carolina. These protection orders can be filed against anyone you have a personal relationship with, and violations mean the other party can be arrested. DVPOs provide a much-needed layer of protection for divorcing spouses facing domestic violence.
If your DVPO is set to expire soon, you may be able to receive a renewal. A renewal can last up to two years, and you can continue to receive renewals as long as there is good cause for the DVPO to remain in place.[1] Continue reading →
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Who Can File for a Domestic Violence Protective Order in North Carolina?
Domestic Violence Protective Orders (DVPO) can be filed in North Carolina when you have a personal relationship with someone who is harassing, threatening, or committing another type of domestic violence against you. Which relationships are classified as personal relationships for this purpose? Continue reading →