Top 5 Tips for Custody

Charlotte Family Law Attorney Caroline Wingate Strauss joins Law Talk for a year end (December 2021) review of family law and custody issues in Charlotte Family Court. Surviving the Holidays can be a challenge.

There are a lot of custody exchanges take place during the holiday season that may differ from the ordinary custody and visitation that may in place during the year.

What are the Best Interests of the Child?

In any custody and visitation analysis, the child's well-being is the Polar Star consideration by Courts (judges) in North Carolina. The "guiding light" involves focusing on the Best Interests of the children.

Helpful Tips for Child Custody:

1. Try to Keep it Out of Court
2. Shared Custody is Preferred
3. Keep Kids Out of It - Don't Use Children as Intermediaries, Weapons, or Confidants
4. Engage Professionals if Needed - Attorneys, Mental Health Counselors, Psychologists, Family Therapists, Physicians, Clinicians, Experts
5. Get an Order or Parenting Agreement
6. BONUS: Consult with an Attorney who is an experienced parent

Is a Lawyer Required for Divorce?

Ordinarily, a lawyer is not “required." Judges rarely demand attorneys be retained or get involved.

At the same time, family law issues can get pretty complicated. While not required, a lawyer may be very helpful in explaining the processes and how things work in Family Court.

Is a Lawyer Required to Get Divorced?

Does Collaborative Law make sense?

Collaborative law allows spouses to resolve family law disputes outside of court. Rather than going through trials and sometimes emotional proceedings, the parties work through the collaborative process to solutions to disputes.