While the basic process of custody mediation is similar across North Carolina, each county has its own procedures and scheduling rules. (For a general overview of custody mediation statewide, see What to Expect at a Court Ordered Custody Mediation in North Carolina.) If you or the other parent or guardian files a child custody lawsuit in North Carolina, you will both be required to attend court-ordered custody mediation in the county where the lawsuit was filed before trial, except in the case of emergencies and a few other exceptions. Understanding the process can help you feel more prepared, confident, and … Continue reading
Tag Archives: Child custody
What to Expect at a Court Ordered Custody Mediation in North Carolina
1. Mediation Is Mandatory (Unless Waived) 2. Orientation Comes First 3. The Mediation Session 4. What Happens in Mediation Expect the mediator to: 5. If You Reach an Agreement 6. If You Don’t Reach an Agreement 7. Other Things to Know It is recommended (though not required) to consult an attorney beforehand, or ask an attorney to review any agreement before it becomes a court order. Final Tip Go into mediation prepared to negotiate and listen. Bring a written list of what’s important to you, but stay focused on what’s best for the child(ren). Reaching an agreement at mediation can … Continue reading
Why Do I Have to Pay Child Support if I Can’t See My Child?
One of the most common questions I receive as a family law attorney is: “The mother/father of my child isn’t letting me see them, so why do I have to pay child support?” In North Carolina, as in many other states, child support is a separate issue from custody arrangements. It’s not uncommon for one parent to withhold custody from the other, leaving many wondering why child support payments are still required in such circumstances. In this blog post, I will explore the legal perspective in North Carolina and shed light on why child support obligations persist even when custody … Continue reading