Child Custody Attorney Raleigh, Charlotte & Smithfield NC
Fighting for Your Children Since 1993
Top-rated custody lawyers serving Wake, Mecklenburg, Johnston Counties and Orlando FL. Emergency custody, modifications, fathers rights.
60+
Years Experience
30K+
Clients Helped
98%
Success Rate
24/7
Available
Our Services
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Emergency Custody Orders
Immediate protection for children at risk
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Custody Determination
Initial custody and visitation arrangements
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Father's Rights Protection
Equal parenting rights for fathers
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Custody Modifications
Changing existing custody orders
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Interstate Custody (UCCJEA)
Multi-state custody jurisdiction
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High-Conflict Custody
Complex custody litigation
Frequently Asked Questions
North Carolina Custody Factors - County Variations
| Factor | Wake County (Raleigh) | Mecklenburg (Charlotte) | Johnston (Smithfield) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mediation Required | Yes - Custody Mediation Program | Yes - Mandatory orientation | Yes - Court mediation |
| Average Timeline | 6-9 months to trial | 8-12 months to trial | 4-6 months to trial |
| 50/50 Custody Trend | Increasingly common | Preferred when feasible | Growing acceptance |
| Guardian ad Litem | Often appointed | High-conflict cases | Upon request |
Popular Custody Schedules in NC & FL
Equal Time (50/50)
- • Week on/Week off - Most simple
- • 2-2-5-5 - Consistent weekdays
- • 2-2-3 - Frequent exchanges
- • 3-4-4-3 - Alternating long weekends
- • Best for: Cooperative parents nearby
- • Courts in Raleigh/Charlotte favor this
Primary Custody Schedules
- • Every other weekend + midweek dinner
- • 1st, 3rd, 5th weekends + Wednesday
- • Extended summer/holiday time
- • Graduated schedules for young children
- • Distance parenting plans
- • Common when parents live far apart
Emergency Custody Grounds in North Carolina
Immediate Action Required When:
- ⚠️ Physical abuse or neglect
- ⚠️ Sexual abuse allegations
- ⚠️ Substance abuse affecting parenting
- ⚠️ Mental health crisis
- ⚠️ Domestic violence in home
- ⚠️ Threat to remove child from state
- ⚠️ Abandonment or extended absence
- ⚠️ Unsafe living conditions
- ⚠️ Medical neglect
- ⚠️ Criminal activity exposure
Wake County: File at Family Court, 10th Floor. Mecklenburg: 832 E. 4th Street. Johnston: Smithfield Courthouse.
Local Resources for Parents
Raleigh/Wake County
- • Wake County Courthouse - 316 Fayetteville St
- • Family Court - 10th Floor
- • Mediation Center - Suite 1004
- • Self-Help Center - Room 1101
Charlotte/Mecklenburg
- • Family Court - 832 E. 4th Street
- • Custody Mediation - Suite 300
- • Self-Service Center - 1st Floor
- • Law Library - Suite 260
Smithfield/Johnston
- • Johnston County Courthouse
- • 207 E. Johnston Street
- • Family Court Division
- • Mediation Services Available
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