Putting together a child custody and visitation schedule is one of the most emotionally difficult aspects of the divorce process. As a loving parent, you want to spend as much time with your kids as possible, but it’s essential to respect the other parent’s rights and work with them to create a schedule that benefits everyone. In this blog, we’ll go over some commonly-used North Carolina custody schedules, one of which may work for your family.
Physical vs. Legal Custody
There are two types of child custody in North Carolina- physical and legal.
Unless one parent has a history of domestic violence or substance abuse, or some other significantly concerning behavior, courts prefer to order joint legal custody and a physical custody arrangement that gives both parents as much time with the kids as possible.
Sample Custodial Schedules
Below are some common examples of custody and visitation schedules.
It is important to note that these are only examples. You and the other parent can work out an arrangement that accommodates everyone’s work schedules while giving the children a sense of stability and routine. You can also agree to change these written schedules, should you need to, if everyone is in agreement.
Also note, we are currently dealing with schedules that are likely to change in the next 12-18 months due to COVID-19 and school closures, as well as remote working environments. Many parents have worked with us to create temporary schedules for these unique times, knowing that if/when things change, we will likely need to modify the schedule for the new environment we will all be facing.
Contact a North Carolina Child Custody Attorney Today
At Easterling Law, we understand that it can be challenging to select the right custody and visitation schedule for both children and parents. Our child custody attorneys will help you create a plan that addresses your children’s needs, your own availability, and the family traditions that you want to preserve. If you would like to speak to our team, let’s connect today.