Concord Child Custody Attorney

Compassionate Child Custody Attorney in Concord, NC

Whether you are going through a divorce that involves children or a custody dispute between unmarried parents, negotiating custody can be a crucial part of the process. You may have several questions and concerns around your rights and how you can achieve a fair custody arrangement. When you hire a Concord child custody attorney, we can advocate on your behalf with the family courts and help you reach a fair agreement that serves the best interests of your child.

At Lehnhardt Price Family Law, our Board-Certified family law attorneys in Concord have over four decades of combined experience serving families in Concord, NC, and the surrounding areas. To us, you’re more than a client; you’re a priority. You and your children deserve compassionate, caring representation that protects your rights. At Lehnhardt Price, we can offer knowledgeable legal advice that addresses your unique needs.

Matter Types We Handle in Concord, NC

Child Custody in North Carolina

Child custody arrangements are required when the parents of a minor child live separately. Separation often happens before or after a divorce, considering North Carolina’s mandatory one-year separation requirement, but sometimes special circumstances apply. Paternity cases, where a noncustodial parent seeks visitation and custody rights, grandparent custody, and other situations may also necessitate court involvement.

Child custody in North Carolina is split into two categories: physical custody and legal custody. Physical custody encompasses the time that a parent spends housing, clothing, and providing care to their minor children inside the home.

Legal custody determines a parent’s right to make decisions on behalf of the child, especially when it comes to health care, education, and legal concerns. In North Carolina, it is possible for a parent to have legal custody without physical custody, physical custody without legal custody, neither physical nor legal custody, or both legal and physical custody.

How Long Does a Custody Case Take?

The duration of custody cases depends on the court’s schedule, the complexity of the case, and whether the custody case is part of a consent order. If both parents are in relative agreement and willing to compromise on the terms of the custody schedule, the process is streamlined significantly.

The child’s best interests are always given priority by the courts. The legal process around custody must follow a designated sequence of requirements to prioritize the child’s welfare and emotional needs during the legal proceedings.

In cases involving paternity, DNA testing and other procedures may be ordered by the courts to help establish paternity. Testimony before a judge may be required from both parents to establish a consensus of agreement.

How an Attorney Can Help in a Concord Child Custody Case

When a parent wishes to seek custody for a child, it’s crucial to seek legal advice from an attorney with experience and knowledge around North Carolina’s complex custody laws.

While it is possible to initiate a custody case on your own, representing yourself “pro se” can often lead to errors and delays that can compromise your custodial rights. Your children are far too important, and the stakes are too high to risk approaching custody matters without quality legal representation.

At Lehnhardt Price Family Law, we have the resources and background to aggressively pursue a favorable case outcome for you and your children. We can listen to your needs with compassion and explain your rights in clear, easy-to-understand language. We can help you develop a compelling case that presents your parental role in a positive and beneficial light.

Our firm can support you during every step of the custody process, advocating on your behalf with the Superior Courts and filing all necessary documentation for your case, from the initial petition to the final, judicially-executed decree. Most child custody cases in Concord are heard at the Cabarrus County Superior Court on Union Street.

FAQs About Concord, NC Child Custody Law

How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Cost in Concord, NC?

Fees for child custody lawyers in Concord depend on a variety of factors and are determined on a case-by-case basis. When you schedule a consultation with our firm, we can evaluate the details of your case and your needs and provide you with an estimate for our services, helping you to make an informed decision.

What Is the Biggest Mistake in a Custody Battle?

One of the biggest mistakes a parent can make during a custody battle is to be combative or aggressive during hearings and mediation sessions. It’s important to keep your emotions in check and negotiate using the three C’s of divorce and custody: communication, cooperation, and compromise. Working together can keep the child’s best interests at the forefront.

What Deems a Parent Unfit in NC?

Several circumstances can lead to a parent being deemed unfit in North Carolina. Some situations that could cause a parent to lose custody or visitation rights include:

• Incarceration or criminal activity
• Drug and alcohol abuse
• Neglect or abuse of the child
• Child endangerment
• Severe mental health issues
• Lack of provision
• Parental abandonment

Over 25,000 children in North Carolina were found to have been subjected to unsafe situations in 2023.

Is Joint Custody the Default in North Carolina?

Joint custody is not the default arrangement in North Carolina. Although it can be the goal to have both parents be equally involved in a child’s life, custody is ultimately based on the best interests of the child. Either parent can be given primary custody, or both can be given joint custody if a judge determines it’s in the child’s best interests.

Contact Lehnhardt Price Family Law When You’re Ready to Hire a Child Custody Attorney

At Lehnhardt Price, we know how much you value your relationship with your children. Our dedicated team of legal professionals is ready to guide you through the process of child custody. From visitation rights and establishing paternity to divorce-related custody arrangements and grandparents’ rights, we help families throughout Cabarrus County and the surrounding area.

Whatever your needs, we’re ready to answer your questions and listen with compassion. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and hire a child custody attorney.

Serving Concord and Cabarrus County, North Carolina

Family law matters can be some of the most emotional and life-changing legal challenges a person will ever face. Whether you are preparing for divorce, working through a child custody dispute, or seeking guidance on another family law issue, the decisions you make today can affect your family for years to come. Lehnhardt Price Family Law is dedicated exclusively to family law, providing compassionate representation and strategic legal counsel to individuals and families throughout Concord. The firm understands the personal nature of every case and works closely with clients to develop solutions that protect both their rights and their future.

Serving Concord and the surrounding Cabarrus County communities, Lehnhardt Price Family Law focuses solely on family law matters, including divorce, child custody, child support, property division, alimony, separation agreements, and other domestic relations issues. By concentrating exclusively on family law, the firm’s attorneys provide knowledgeable guidance tailored to North Carolina law while helping clients confidently navigate every stage of the legal process. Whether resolving matters through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, the firm is committed to delivering personalized attention and practical legal solutions.

From families living near Historic Downtown Concord and Concord Mills to residents throughout the communities surrounding Interstate 85, U.S. Highway 29, and Atrium Health Cabarrus, Lehnhardt Price Family Law understands the local courts and families it serves. Whether you need a Concord family lawyer, Concord divorce lawyer, or Concord child custody attorney, the firm is prepared to advocate for your best interests. Having experienced family law counsel can make the difference between unnecessary conflict and achieving a resolution that protects your family, your rights, and your future.

Concord, NC Child Custody Law Additional Resources:

• Evidence of Emotional Abuse Can Be Pivotal in Your Custody Case
• Can I Move Out of State With Our Child?
• What Can I Expect During a Child Custody Hearing?
• What’s the Difference Between Physical Child Custody and Legal Child Custody?
• How to Get Full Custody of a Child as a Mother in North Carolina