Divorce is difficult for children as well as parents. Each family member must find new ways of interacting with each other. While both parents want what’s best for their children, they may disagree on what that means. During your divorce proceedings, you’ll need the help of an experienced attorney to maintain your rights as a parent. When you need an exceptional family law firm Greensboro NC residents trust, choose Morgenstern & Associates.
Determination of Child Custody Agreements
When couples with children divorce, the parents need to make some type of arrangement for their care. This arrangement is the custody agreement. It spells out the responsibilities and duties of each parent, living arrangements, and visitation schedule.
Sometimes, parents can agree and hammer out the details for child care issues on their own. When this occurs, we still recommend you have an experienced attorney review your agreement. Your divorce is an emotional time and a lawyer can examine your document to ensure you haven’t overlooked any details.
Other times, you may need the help of a mediator to sort out custody disagreements. A mediator is a trained, neutral third party who facilitates a compromise with the parents.
Unfortunately, sometimes parents just can’t agree on child care issues and the case must go to court. Accordingly, a judge will examine all relevant facts to determine what is in the best interest of the children.
Types Of Child Custody Agreements In NC
Basically, when hammering out your child custody agreement, you first need to decide where the children will live. This is physical custody. Often, one parent will have full physical custody and the other will have visitation rights.
Additionally, parents need to decide who will make decisions about education, religious upbringing, and medical care. This is legal custody. Parents can decide to share this responsibility jointly, or one parent can make these decisions alone.
Violation Of Custody Laws In NC
However, once couples finalize their child custody agreement, it’s an enforceable contract. Parents cannot simply disregard their obligations even in the case of suspected neglect. Of course, if you suspect malfeasance, it is critical to contact the appropriate authorities.
However, simply refusing to adhere to your child custody order has serious consequences. A judge may find you in contempt of court for violating the order. The penalties include a fine or jail time.
Sometimes, your circumstances may change and you need to alter your agreement. When this happens, you must file a Motion to Modify.
How To Find A Lawyer
Flip through the phone book for family law firm Greensboro NC and you’ll find dozens of lawyers dealing with personal injury, workman’s compensation, or estate planning. How can you find a good attorney specializing in the area of law you need?
Sometimes, you may have a friend or relative who can recommend one. Other times, you may have to find one on your own.
To begin your search, start with your local and state bar association. These organizations list lawyers’ specializations. You can also use the law directories Martindale-Hubbell and Avvo. Both are well-respected organizations offering ratings and client reviews to help you in your search.
Once you’ve decided on a lawyer, it’s important to meet in person or talk over the phone. This allows you to judge the attorney’s personality. It’s extremely important you feel comfortable with your lawyer. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time together throughout your divorce. Likewise, you’ll need to share very personal details.
When you need to find a divorce lawyer to navigate child custody issues, hire Morgenstern & Associates. Barbara Morgenstern and Ashley D. Bennington have extensive family law experience. Moreover, both Barbara and Ashley are compassionate people who understand the trauma of divorce.
FAQs For A Family Law Firm Greensboro NC Bar Association Member
Hiring the best family law firm Greensboro NC has to offer may seem a daunting task. To help you find a great attorney, we’ve put together a list of questions to ask potential lawyers.
How Many Years Have You Practiced Law In North Carolina?
At Morgenstern & Associates, our lawyers have a combined 40 years of experience in family law. Barbara began practicing family law in 1986 and Ashely in 2009. Both are Board Certified Specialists in Family Law.
In addition to knowing the rules and procedures in Guilford County, Barbara has extensive experience in Alamance and Rockingham Counties. Plus, U.S. News & World Report gives the firm a Tier 1 ranking. This ranking is the highest level a firm can earn.
What Is The Number Of Cases You’ve Tried in Court?
Although we have and can take your case to court, we prefer to settle issues without doing so. Initially, we try to settle issues through amicable agreement or mediation.
However, this may be impossible with a belligerent spouse. While court cases are expensive and stressful, we find sometimes they’re unavoidable. Ultimately, we focus on you and achieving a favorable outcome with long-term benefits.
What Will My Divorce Cost?
Generally, you’ll have court costs and filing fees. You may also need experts to appraise the value of some of your property. Plus, the facts and circumstances of each divorce are unique.
However, we understand many divorcing couples have many financial worries. We don’t want you to avoid legal representation because of the cost. Thus, one of our primary goals is to keep your expenses as reasonable as possible.
When Should I Consult A Lawyer?
Today. Chances are if you’re thinking about divorce, so is your spouse. It’s important to know and protect your rights should you decide to proceed with a divorce.
Call us today at 336-203-9110 to discuss the specifics of your case. You’ll find a compassionate, yet very knowledgeable advocate who’ll work hard to protect your rights.