While some disputes between family members can be easily and quickly resolved, many disagreements have more complexity and result in litigation that can have lasting effects on an individual’s rights.
It is not rare for spouses or parents to be caught off guard when presented with an unusual family law issue, giving them no certainty about how to respond and react. Regardless of the nature of the dispute, it is necessary to retain a North Carolina family law lawyer who will aggressively advocate on your behalf to help you protect your rights and defend your interests.
Our law firm has the knowledge and proper expertise to effectively address all aspects of domestic relations and family law. At GPS Law Group, we are here for our clients in good times and bad times, from happy occasions such as adoptions to bitter issues such as contentious divorce.
GPS Law Group has years of experience handling complex family law cases and will strive to obtain the best legal result available under the unique facts of your situation.
Child Custody
Disagreements over child custody are another common issue that may require the assistance of a knowledgeable family law attorney in North Carolina.
Child support provisions may be included in a separation agreement duly approved and signed between both parents. However, if one parent subsequently files a child custody case, a judge may order a different custody arrangement if they believe it is in the best interest of the minor.
Child custody includes the right to make major decisions about a child’s life, its representations, and the right to have the child in one’s care. A visitation is a secondary form of custody, which includes the right to visit a child at times set out in a court order, sometimes under specific conditions. The term “visitation” is often used to refer to parenting time when it is limited.
On the other hand, Legal custody is the right to make major decisions about the child, but Physical custody is the right to have the child in your physical care, either all the time or part of the time. Both legal and physical custody may be shared by the parents or exercised by only one parent, as privately decided, or as ruled by a competent authority.
The parent who has sole legal custody can make major decisions about the child’s life without consulting the other parent. Otherwise, if the parents have joint legal custody, they should consult with each other and jointly make major decisions, such as where the child will go to school or whether the child will undergo a major medical procedure. If the parents cannot agree, a court may be obliged to make the decision.
Child Support
Child support disputes frequently coincide with child custody disputes in North Carolina. Under North Carolina law, both parents are obligated to provide financial support for a child. GPS Law Group can help you negotiate or litigate a child support obligation.
Child support is money paid by a parent to meet the reasonable needs of the parent’s child for health, education, and maintenance. Child support can be agreed upon in several ways, such as:
- Parents can agree on an amount for child support in a separation agreement.
- Parents can sign a Voluntary Support Agreement (VSA), which is a child support agreement signed by both parties and then by the judge. Once the judge signs the VSA, it becomes a court order and is enforceable by the court.
- Child support can be processed through the Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSE).
- A person who wants to receive child support can file a civil action in the district court.
Any parent or caretaker of a minor child living in their home can file for child support, meaning that if you are caring for a child who lives with you, you do not need to have a court order granting custody before filing for child support. More even, Parents may be obligated to pay child support even if they have joint custody of their children.
All parents are responsible for child support unless the parent’s rights have been terminated. If a parent is a minor, their parents may be obligated to pay child support until they turn 18. Otherwise, non-parents are not liable for child support.
Consult a Family Law Attorney for Advice on Your Next Steps
If you are dealing with a family law matter, it is essential to understand the nuances of your case and the potential implications that you may face. GPS Law Group is a knowledgeable family-law law firm in North Carolina that is adept at helping people go through the emotionally and legally complicated process of contending with family law disputes.
GPS Law Group has ample experience in handling cases involving international family law disputes and cases involving high-net-worth individuals.
We Offer Comprehensive Family Law Representation Backed by Experience
Family law situations are often intense, emotionally charged, and difficult for the individuals involved, especially in cases involving separation or divorce, even worse if the cases include children.
Our attorneys at GPS Law Group understand the difficulties family law cases present and are prepared to provide compassionate representation throughout many family law matters. We have handled family law cases for nearly 25 years and understand how the courts in North Carolina operate, so we know how to best represent our clients in a court of law. We provide family law legal services, such as:
- Divorce and separation
- Separation agreements
- Child custody/visitation
- Alimony
- Adoptions
- Name Change
We will handle your family law case with the attention it deserves. Call us at 704-549-1950 to schedule a confidential meeting to discuss your needs.
At GPS Law Group, we offer family law services to those in Charlotte, Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill, Pineville, Concord, Harrisburg, and Kannapolis, North Carolina.