With the assistance of Haas & Associates, P.A. child custody attorneys in Raleigh, NC, parties can resolve issues with a legal parenting agreement.  This agreement is usually part of a larger separation agreement that covers other issues as well—such as child support and the division of marital property.  A separation agreement can be much more detailed than a court order, and more tailored to—as well as sensitive to—the particular needs of the family.

Determining custody

When parents are able to reach agreement about co-parenting, joint custody becomes an option—one that gives both parents a major role in the life of the child.  With joint physical and legal custody, the child usually resides with each parent for a significant amount of time during the year.  With this type of custody, both parents are informed about—and make decisions about—the education, health, and welfare of the child.

Types of custody

Besides joint physical and legal custody, there are certain other options:

• Sole physical and legal custody. The parent with whom the child lives makes all decisions, including those related to health, education, and residency.  The other parent may still have visitation rights, but does not have significant input regarding the activities of the child.
• Primary physical and joint legal custody. The child resides with one parent the majority of the time, and the other parent may have visitation rights.  Both parents are informed and make decisions about the education, health, and welfare of the child.

When possible, it is best to at least attempt to reach agreement on child custody without going to court.  Another option for resolving custody issues is mediation.  For a holistic, cooperative approach to mediating all outstanding issues, including child custody, see our Green Divorce page.

It is not always possible or even advisable to avoid taking custody decisions to court, where a judge decides your case.  In families where substance abuse, alcoholism, spousal abuse or child abuse is occurring, it may be best for the court to intervene.  Such behaviors raise serious safety issues and should be disclosed to your attorney immediately.

For information on how to talk to your children about separation and divorce, see our Talking to the Children and What Kids Need to Know pages.

Aspects of child support

In many cases, the parent who does not have primary custody is responsible for paying child support.  In truth, children deserve the support—emotional and financial—of both parents.  The Raleigh child custody attorneys of Haas & Associates, P.A. give both parties every opportunity to reach an agreement on child support.  However, sometimes separating partners cannot reach an accord on child support.  In these cases, the court may consider several factors when assigning child support, including the following :

• Number of children
• Gross monthly income
• Support payments for other children
• Monthly daycare costs
• Cost of health insurance

The court reviews the income and expenses of both parents, along with other variables, and arrives at a reasonable determination of child support.  Either parent may request a modification of a child support order if there is a significant change in income or expenses, or in the living situation of the child.

Failure to pay child support

Non-custodial parents who fail to pay child support—or to make partial payments—face any combination of the following enforcement options from North Carolina Child Support Enforcement:

It is necessary to make sure that all child support payments are timely and complete, in order to avoid such enforcement actions.  The Raleigh child custody law firm of Haas & Associates, P.A. provides legal support to custodial parents seeking unpaid support, and to non-custodial parents who fail to meet their responsibilities.

Because every family is different

The attorneys of Haas & Associates, P.A. understand that each family has its own unique needs and goals that legal professionals should honor and support.  Child custody and support are among the most important issues that separating spouses face.  Our experienced Raleigh child custody attorneys can guide you through the legal process, to ensure that the needs of your children are met.  Call us at 1-919-827-0916, or contact Haas & Associates, P.A. online, to obtain information and to set up a consultation with one of our attorneys.