Child Custody Lawyers in Durham NC
You need the assistance of a child custody lawyer who is aware of your specific situation if you are facing a custody dispute. Our child custody lawyers have years of experience helping parents in family court matters throughout Durham, North Carolina, and the neighboring counties. We are aware of how challenging custody matters may be for our clients. After all, it’s your child’s future and your life on the line. Your child deserves the best; a custody dispute could make it impossible. We are here to protect you and the children by advocating your interests and informing you of your legal rights.
Handling Child Support and Custody Problems Professionally
It was and will be tough to break the news of your divorce to your children since you love them. Both their life and yours have changed. Now is the time to deal with issues related to child support and custody. Our legal team at Constantinou & Burkert Accident Injury Lawyers can offer you the guidance and advice you require at this trying time.
Our attorneys aggressively represent their clients. Since every family is different, we want our clients to know all their legal options. When you meet with one of our attorneys, among other matters, we will talk about the custody process, the rights you have as a parent, the best legal strategies for your case, how child support works, and how associated professionals (like mediators, forensic custody evaluators, Parenting Coordinators, GALs, etc.) can help your family.
Responsibilities of a Child Custody Lawyer
A child custody lawyer is crucial in helping parents navigate the legal aspects of determining who will have custody of their children during and after a divorce or separation. Here are some key responsibilities that these lawyers typically handle:
- Legal Guidance: Your child custody attorney provides essential legal advice to parents, explaining their rights, responsibilities, and possible results based on the unique circumstances of their case.
- Documentation and Filing: They assist in preparing and filing the necessary legal documents, ensuring that all paperwork is accurate, complete, and submitted within the required deadlines.
- Negotiation: Child Custody Lawyers often negotiate with parents to reach agreements on custody arrangements. They work to find compromises that are in the children’s best interests.
- Court Representation: In cases where parents cannot agree on custody terms, the attorney represents their client in court. That involves presenting evidence, questioning witnesses, and making legal arguments to support their client’s case.
- Advocating for the Child’s Best Interests: The primary focus of a family law attorney specializing in child custody cases is the well-being of the children. They advocate for arrangements prioritizing the child’s physical, emotional, and educational needs.
These experienced legal professionals strive to guide parents while safeguarding the children’s best interests. If you have problems with your child custody, call our law firm at (919) 683-1302, and we will help you with your case.
Advocating Your Parental Rights During Divorce
One of divorce’s most contentious topics is child custody. The outstanding legal team at Constantinou & Burkert Accident Injury Lawyers, which includes various lawyers board-certified as family law experts by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization, will help you navigate the procedure to decide child custody in North Carolina.
In North Carolina, there are two types of child custody:
- Legal custody is the obligation and legal right you have to decide on for the child and to have access to all of their essential information, such as their health and educational records. In North Carolina, parents will typically share legal custody of their children.
- Physical custody refers to the child’s living situation and the number of overnights that each parent must spend with their child. Parents may share physical custody of their children in certain situations, or one parent may have primary custody and the other visitation rights.
Child custody is a contentious issue in nearly all divorces involving children. We will offer expert help regardless of whether you wish to pursue physical custody, have particular objectives for visitation time, or have other plans in mind.
Child Custody Dispute Mediation
The court may refer you for mediation if you and the other parent cannot agree on child custody and visitation. Only in cases involving drug abuse and domestic violence or where one parent resides more than fifty miles away within its jurisdiction may the court waive mediation.
Through the county court system, the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) of North Carolina will offer you a free mediator. Constantinou & Burkert Accident Injury Lawyers, your attorneys, are available to answer any questions regarding this process.
There will be a parenting agreement if you or the other parent decide on a mediated resolution. Before you sign your mediated parenting agreement, we, as your attorneys, will review it to ensure you understand it. This agreement becomes a court order if the judge signs it.
Your next chance to settle your child custody dispute may be a temporary hearing before a judge if mediation is unsuccessful.
Child Custody and Parenting Plans
A parenting plan, a visitation and custody agreement, specifies how you and another parent will split up your child’s parenting rights and responsibilities. A parenting plan that both parents have agreed upon may be submitted to the court. A family court judge who hears child custody matters will decide what’s in your child’s best interest if you and your spouse cannot agree on a parenting schedule.
You might disagree with the judge’s rulings. Family courts, regrettably, are overflowing with cases, and the judge has little time to get to know your particular case and family dynamics. Having an experienced attorney representing you in court—one familiar with the legal system, relevant statutes, and family court judges – is critical. Before filing for divorce, clients are frequently recommended to create a parenting plan with the other parent, if possible. Our connections with support professionals, like qualified mediators, can help facilitate the process of coming to a custody agreement.
To help you understand your legal alternatives, Constantinou & Burkert Accident Injury Lawyers can share with you their years of expertise working with clients going through child custody issues. A child custody lawyer is prepared to defend you and the children in court if it becomes necessary to litigate your custody case.
Our Durham family law attorneys can inform you about the child custody and visitation statutes in North Carolina, outline possible results for you as you proceed through the system, and assess what, in our opinion, could be a likely result. We do this by paying close attention to what you say, reviewing all available information, discussing the benefits and drawbacks of a specific custodial schedule with you, and always ensuring that your children come first.
Seeking to Reach Amicable Settlement in Child Custody Matters
It is always better to arrange an amicable child custody agreement when possible. Lawyers can typically agree to a Parenting Agreement or Consent Order if both parents are willing to negotiate. Unless otherwise specified, we employ a progressive approach that begins with conversations, progresses to mediation strategies, and ends with litigation. This approach is quicker, less expensive, and less stressful than litigation. Most importantly, it increases the control over the result for both parents.
Nevertheless, you have no control over the other party’s willingness to settle your legal disagreement peacefully. When that occurs, you require a fearless legal advocate prepared to stand up for your rights in court. Family law hearings are difficult for families, so our attorneys like to resolve cases to minimize the damage to the family. On the other hand, they enjoy fighting and have established a solid reputation as one of Durham’s best law firms in the courtroom.
Ensuring Accurate And Fair Child Support
Child support awards are determined by a formula that considers many factors, such as the number of children receiving support, the income for both parents and the costs of raising the children. Our job is to ensure that, when dealing outside of court or in court, we are dealing with accurate financial information that leads to a fair, suitable, and long-lasting child support order, whether you will receive child support or are being requested to pay. We are here to help you with the challenging topic of child support, whether it is your first case or if you need to change your award or obligation.
Family Law Services in Durham
Constantinou & Burkert Accident Injury Lawyers can support you in the child custody dispute. You can work with us to discover how to attain the ideal result for your family, including children. Families in the Durham County area are among the areas in North Carolina that we serve.
Why Choose Us?
At Constantinou & Burkert Accident Injury Lawyers, we know that addressing the emotional and legal challenges of child custody cases can be complex. Choosing the right legal representation is essential for protecting the future and well-being of your children.
Here are compelling reasons why you should trust our law firm as your child custody lawyer in Durham, NC:
- Expertise and Experience: Our legal team boasts a wealth of experience in family law issues, specifically in child custody cases. We have handled various situations, from amicable settlement negotiations to high-stakes courtroom battles. Our attorneys are experienced family law professionals in North Carolina and will help you receive the most informed and effective legal counsel.
- Client-Centered Approach: We recognize that each family is unique, and every child custody case has challenges. At our law firm, we prioritize a client-centered approach. Our attorneys take the time to understand your specific circumstances, concerns, and objectives. This personalized attention allows us to tailor our legal strategies to meet your individual needs.
- Strategic Advocacy: Whether through settlement negotiation, mediation, or litigation, our law firm is committed to achieving the best possible results for your child custody case. Our attorneys employ strategic advocacy to protect your parental rights and the best interests of your children. We leverage our legal understanding, navigate the complexities, and passionately advocate for you.
- Effective Communication: Clear and open communication is the foundation of a successful attorney-client relationship. Our super lawyers are dedicated to keeping you informed at every stage of the legal process. We promptly address your questions, provide regular updates on case developments, and collaborate with you to make well-informed decisions that align with your goals.
Selecting the best child custody lawyers is a crucial choice that will significantly affect your family’s future. Our law firm is dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation. Call us today at (919) 683-1302 to schedule a consultation.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions.
Q: How is child custody decided during divorce proceedings in Durham?
Child custody is typically determined through settlement or court proceedings during divorce. The court aims to make decisions in the child’s best interest, considering parental abilities and well-being.
Q: What should I look for in a Child Custody Lawyer in Durham NC?
When choosing a child custody lawyer in Durham, NC, consider their directory profile reviews, family law experience, knowledge of local court procedures, and their ability to communicate and negotiate effectively on your behalf.
Q: What happens if one parent violates a child custody order in Durham?
Violating a child custody order in Durham can result in legal consequences. The non-compliant parent may face fines, loss of custody, or even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the violation.
Q: What practice areas do child custody lawyers in Durham cover?
Child custody lawyers in Durham typically cover a variety of practice areas, including divorce, visitation rights, child support, adoptions, and enforcement of custody orders. If you need an experienced child custody attorney in Durham, North Carolina, call our law office at (919) 683-1302.
Q: What happens during hearings in child custody cases in Durham?
Hearings in Durham child custody cases involve presenting evidence, witnesses, and arguments before the court. The court uses this information to make decisions on custody arrangements.
Q: Do child custody lawyers in Durham handle everything related to custody cases?
Child custody lawyers in Durham handle various aspects of custody cases, including settlement negotiations, court filings, and hearings, and they ensure that all legal documentation is accurate and filed appropriately.
Q: What is the process for modifying a child custody order in Durham?
Parents seeking modifications in Durham must file a petition with the court, demonstrating a substantial change in circumstances. Experienced lawyers from Durham, North Carolina can guide clients through the process to ensure legal requirements are met. Call us at (919) 683-1302 if you need legal representation.
Q: Why is choosing an experienced child custody lawyer in Durham important?
Choosing an experienced child custody lawyer in Durham is essential because they possess the knowledge and experience to navigate complex legal processes, increasing the likelihood of favorable outcomes for their clients. That is why choosing our super lawyers in Durham, North Carolina, will help you navigate your case with quality and care.
Q: Can child custody lawyers in Durham handle cases involving multiple modifications?
Our child custody lawyers in Durham, NC, are equipped to handle cases involving multiple modifications, guiding clients through the legal process when circumstances necessitate changes to existing custody orders. If you want more information regarding this matter, call us immediately.
Q: Are Child Custody Lawyers in Durham familiar with family law in surrounding counties?
Child Custody Lawyers in Durham, NC, often practice in the broader region, including Cary, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and other areas in the Triangle. Choosing a lawyer with experience in multiple counties is beneficial if your case involves jurisdictional considerations. To find out if our super lawyers handle family law issues within these counties, call our law firm at (919) 683-1302.
Speak With An Experienced Child Custody Attorney In Durham
Making child custody decisions requires the knowledge of an experienced attorney. At Constantinou & Burkert Accident Injury Lawyers, our team of child custody attorneys in Durham is here to provide you with the necessary resources and guidance. We understand the significance of proper documentation in building a robust case. We offer a confidential consultation to discuss your situation.
Gain the confidence to face these challenges head-on by partnering with us. We advocate for your rights and the best interests of your children. Schedule your consultation with us by calling (919) 683-1302.