Custody is always a complicated part of a separation. Here’s some advice from someone who’s been there.
What are good baby mommies and daddies? You may have heard about the custody battle between Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner in the news. Essentially, the couple has led a somewhat nomadic life and is now getting divorced. Your young children are in the thick of things at this point. It was a bit triggering to see that morning and it reminded me of the distant days when my co-parent and I fought over my son. Luckily, we have grown into people who have learned that putting the child first is what really counts. We live in a state that echoes this sentiment.
I didn’t know much about North Carolina custody laws when I was faced with navigating them. I realize how many people may have the same problems and I thought: let’s take a quick look. It is important to know your rights as a parent and what options you have. So let’s learn about the custody laws in the Tar Heel State.
First things first: Signing the birth certificate automatically grants you joint legal custody in North Carolina. Exactly, dear baby mamas! If you are a single mother and the father signs the birth certificate, congratulations, you both have joint legal custody. However, joint custody does not necessarily mean that the children spend the same amount of time with the child. The court continues to have the final say on the custody arrangement and will consider the best interests of the child.
There are two types of custody in North Carolina: physical custody and legal custody. Custody refers to the place where the child lives and spends his or her time. Custody refers to the ability to make important decisions about the child’s life, such as education, health care, and religion. Both types of custody can be either sole or joint. Sole custody means that only one parent has custody, and joint custody means that both parents share custody.
In North Carolina, the court considers the following factors when deciding child custody:
- The child’s age
- The child’s relationship with each parent
- The living situation of each parent and their ability to care for the child
- The mental and physical health of each parent
- The child’s school and social engagement
- The child’s wishes when the child is old enough to make decisions
- Any history of domestic violence or abuse
It is important to note that North Carolina courts favor joint custody arrangements because it is believed that it is in the child’s best interest to have a relationship with both parents. However, shared custody may not always be feasible or safe, depending on the circumstances of each case.
In summary, dear baby mamas and baby daddies, it is important to know your rights and options when it comes to custody of your child. Remember that signing the birth certificate automatically grants you joint legal custody, but this does not necessarily mean you will spend equal time with the child. Understand the different types of custody and the factors courts consider when determining custody arrangements. Always act in your child’s best interest and I strongly recommend seeking legal advice if necessary. Let’s educate ourselves and protect our rights as parents here in NC!
Babydoll is an American radio personality born and raised in eastern North Carolina. Greg Reid said it best in Wealth Made Easy: “A dream written down with a date becomes a goal. A goal broken down into steps becomes a plan. A plan backed by action will make your dreams come true.” She is a graduate of the Carolina School of Broadcasting in Charlotte, North Carolina. Babydoll delivers colloquially convincing content and information. She connects with listeners not only over the air but also through social media platforms; and in their communities where it matters most.
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