Stanly County Child Custody Lawyer

Stanly County Child Custody Attorney

Child custody law in North Carolina can be complex and full of intense emotions. The outcome of your case not only affects you, but also your entire family structure. You don’t want to take any chances during this time. Reach out to an experienced Stanly County child custody lawyer to learn about your legal rights and options under state law.

Hire a Child Custody Lawyer with Years of Professional Experience

Here at Lehnhardt Price Family Law, our attorneys focus solely on family law cases. We believe that the outcome of these cases makes a big impact. Our family lawyers in Stanly County never take that responsibility lightly. We focus on giving our select clients the full attention and access they deserve.

Managing Partner Dana B. Lehnhardt is a Board-Certified Family Law Specialist, a Parenting Coordinator, and a Certified Family Financial Mediator. Partner Jessica E. Price has over 12 years of professional experience in family law, and also serves as a Parenting Coordinator, Guardian Ad Litem, and Certified Family Financial Mediator. Together, they’ve dedicated their professions to serving their North Carolina neighbors during some of their most trying times.

North Carolina Mandatory Child Custody Mediation

Mediation is mandatory in custody cases, unless the requirement is waived by the Court. North Carolina mediators resolved 8,653 child custody cases in 2024. When deciding on child custody, mediation gives parents an opportunity to come up with a custody plan together with the help of a mediator. Court-ordered mediation does not include attorneys, but once an agreement can be made, your Stanly County child custody lawyer can draw up the consensual parenting plan to present to the court.

If an agreement isn’t reached, the case with proceed to court and the custody decisions will be made by a judge. Mediation and child custody trials are handled at the Stanly County Courthouse, located at 201 South Second Street in Albemarle.

Child Custody Types

When facing a child custody court case, you can hire a child custody lawyer to advocate for your parental rights. Courts want the parents to create a custody plan that represents the child’s best interests, or the judge will do it for them. When determining child custody, the court may consider various factors, such as the safety of the child, the ability of both parents to care for the child, any previous instances of domestic violence within the home, and other factors.

How an Attorney Can Help You During Your Child Custody Case

Going into a child custody case without a lawyer can be risky. You need an experienced and qualified local child custody law firm in Stanly County that has the resources necessary to protect your legal rights. During your child custody case, a good attorney can provide the services listed below:

• Listen to the full details of your unique situation and family dynamic.
• Explain which state laws apply to your circumstances.
• Help draft a custom legal strategy for your case.
• Gather evidence leaning in your favor. This can include written communication between you and your child’s other parent, your child’s school and medical records, proof of their daily life, such as their address, extracurricular activities, and more, and any other official documentation to show your side of the story.
• Help you file your custody case and avoid clerical errors on your documents.
• Help you appeal the decision, if needed.

FAQs About Stanly County, NC Child Custody Law

What Happens if My Child’s Other Parent Wants to Relocate?

If your child’s other parent wants to relocate outside Stanly County after the custody order is already in place, they should file a request for a modification of the original court-ordered custody agreement. Even if they have primary custody, relocating your child can affect the existing parenting time and visitation plan.

What Is Mediation in a Child Custody Case?

In a child custody case, mediation is typically court-ordered and must take place before a custody trial can be held. During mediation, both parents meet with a mediator to discuss custody. Lawyers are not present, as the point of mediation is to get the parents to communicate on their own, since mediators are professionals who help both sides communicate. If parents can agree in mediation, it saves the court from getting involved.

Who Is Considered an Unfit Parent in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, an unfit parent isn’t clearly defined by the statutes. Courts may deem a parent as unfit when abuse or neglect has occurred, when there are substance abuse or addiction problems, or when they are facing some other extreme circumstance. A parent with a criminal history or severe mental illness may or may not be deemed unfit, depending on the circumstances.

What Is a Parenting Plan During a Child Custody Case in North Carolina?

In a North Carolina child custody case, a parenting plan lays out how parents plan to share the responsibilities regarding the care of their children following a divorce or separation. It can include the child’s primary residence, the child’s intended school, a parent visitation schedule, and a schedule for holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions. These plans are often made during mediation for the court to consider.

Work With a Stanly County Child Custody Attorney Who Is Fair

When dealing with the complexities of North Carolina law, you need a strong and empathetic legal advocate on your side. Lehnhardt Price Family Law provides top legal services to Stanly County clients, as well as the nearby communities of Locust, Charlotte, Monroe, and surrounding areas. Our skilled and knowledgeable Stanly County child custody lawyers can help you during this difficult time. Contact our office to learn more about our services.