An Asheville Child Custody And Child Support Attorney

As a parent, there’s nothing more difficult than facing legal conflicts that involve your child. I understand the emotional toll it can take on you and your family. My name is Steven M. King, and I am a family law attorney in Asheville who is dedicated to providing compassionate and supportive guidance through difficult times. My experience includes time working with child support services in North Carolina, and I understand child custody and support cases from multiple perspectives.

Types Of Child Custody In North Carolina

In North Carolina, there are two different types of child custody that are resolved when parents separate. These are:

• Legal custody: Legal custody refers to the right and responsibility to make important decisions for the child.  
• Physical custody: Physical custody refers to the child’s living arrangements.

The court may award joint custody, where both parents share decision-making authority and physical custody, or sole custody, where one parent has primary responsibility. An experienced family law attorney can help you better understand the different types of custody.

Factors For Determining Child Custody In North Carolina

When it comes to determining child custody in North Carolina, the court’s primary concern is the best interests of the child. In deciding custody, the court considers various factors, including:

• The child’s age and needs
• The parents’ ability to provide a stable and loving environment
• The child’s relationship with each parent
• The parents’ ability to cooperate and communicate effectively
• Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse

Often, the mediation process can help parents reach a custody agreement. When they can agree, they will create a parenting plan that outlines each parent’s rights and responsibilities.

Establishing Child Support In North Carolina

In North Carolina, child support is determined based on the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines. These Guidelines take into account:

• Both parents’ income
• The child’s needs, including day care and health care expenses
• Your custody arrangement
• Any extraordinary expenses

The court may deviate from the guidelines under certain limited circumstances. 

Making Changes To Child Custody Or Child Support

Child custody or child support can be modified in North Carolina if there has been a substantial change in circumstances. For child support, this may include:

• An involuntary decrease in the income of the payor
• A significant change in the child’s needs
• The passage of three years since the entry of the last child support order, combined with a 15% or more change in the child support Guidelines amount

To modify custody or support, you’ll need to file a motion with the court, and the court will determine whether the change is in the best interests of the child.

For child custody, a substantial change in circumstances must affect the welfare of the child, and is very fact-specific, but may include:

• Instability in one parent’s household
• A relocation on the part of one parent
• Denial of visitation by one parent

Consult An Asheville Child Custody And Child Support Attorney

Child custody and child support disputes are never easy. I can provide guidance and support to minimize the stress and uncertainty of these situations. I’m available by appointment for initial consultations, where we can discuss your unique situation and explore your options. To schedule an appointment, you can call The Law Office of Steven M. King at 828-900-3674 or send a message through my website.