Most parents want the best for their children, and they are willing to make any sacrifice in order to fulfill their child’s happiness. However, parents may have to make tough decisions, especially when it comes to child custody.
In North Carolina, co-parents have several options when it comes to custody arrangements. First, you have to consider the differences between legal and physical custody.
To have legal custody over a child means you are the primary decision maker, including their education, religious upbringing and medical treatments. For physical custody, you would have physically care for the child under your household.
Many people try to arrange joint custody that incorporates both parents for the sake of the child, but it’s not always the best option. Sometimes, the best option is seeking sole physical custody.
What does that mean for the arrangement?
To seek sole physical custody, you ask the court to grant an arrangement where the child resides with you. The other parent may seek reasonable visitation depending on the situation. The judge will look at a host of factors, including:
· Distance between the parents
· Income of each parent
· The safety of the child
· Past history with domestic violence or crime
· The most reasonable arrangement for the child
The judge will rule if sole physical custody serves in your kid’s best interest and determine the arrangement for visitation if necessary. It also affects child support because the non-custodial parent will pay more in child support to cover the child’s living expenses.
Due to the increase in support, a co-parent may try to fight a sole physical custody arrangement. It’s best to prepare your arguments beforehand and know how to defend why your child needs to have a sole physical custody plan.