Is North Carolina a 50/50 Custody State?

If you are a parent, you want to do the best for your child. A divorce can add some complications to everyone’s lives. However, splitting custody can help to alleviate those disruptions. You and your spouse can equally share the responsibility of caring for your child. 

But is North Carolina a 50/50 custody state? Find out what custody options are available to you. 

How Is Child Custody Defined in North Carolina

North Carolina defines child custody as a child’s physical and legal custody, care, and control. Legal custody lets the parent or guardian make major decisions about health care, education, and religious upbringing. 

On the other hand, physical custody determines where the child will live on a regular basis. Physical and legal custody can be shared. This is known as joint custody. However, custody can also be granted to one parent.

Both legal and physical custody can be shared (joint custody) or granted to one parent (sole custody).

Is 50/50 Custody the Same as Joint Custody?

Joint or shared custody is also known as 50/50 custody. With that, both parents will spend the same time with the child. Plus, they will also take on equal responsibility and decision-making duties. Often, 50/50 custody can refer to the legal and physical custody of the child. 

North Carolina will determine whether to award joint or sole custody based on the best interests of the child. Most of the time, the courts want the child to continue having a relationship with both parents. However, that is not always possible. If there have been incidents of abuse or domestic violence, then the courts may elect to award sole custody to one parent. 

Other factors also go into the child custody decision. Each parent will need to show that they can financially and emotionally provide for the parent. If there are doubts about the parent’s suitability, that could sway the court’s decisions. 

Will 50/50 Custody Affect Child Support?

This type of custody does not affect the need for child support. That financial assistance can help alleviate the burden of raising a child. Even if there is a 50/50 custody agreement, there could still be discrepancies in the parents’ income level. The courts will examine both the parent’s income levels and the child’s needs to calculate child support. 

Can You Modify a 50/50 Custody Decision?

There are times when you may need to make a change to the current legal and physical custody agreements. In these instances, you will need to file a petition with the court. Job losses, changes in residence, and other factors can require you to request a modification. While changes are not guaranteed, the courts usually will review your case.

Learn More About Your Child Custody Options

Is North Carolina a 50/50 custody state? In many cases, the courts can award each parent both legal and physical custody. These decisions are usually made with the child’s best interests in mind. 

If you would like to learn more about your child custody options, please contact the attorneys at Stephen E. Robertson Law Office. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for your case. You can set up an appointment by calling 336-370-6760 today.