Charlotte Child Custody Hearings

When a couple separates and cannot agree on a parenting plan for the children they share, a court case may be on the horizon.

Our team understands that child custody is one of the most emotional aspects of a divorce. In addition to gathering vital evidence, a dedicated child custody attorney could help you calm your nerves and prepare before your day in court. For more guidance with Charlotte child custody hearings, reach out now.

Preparing for a Child Custody Hearing

A “hearing” is the word for any formal proceeding that takes place in court. When your custody arrangement is being reviewed, there are a few essential things you can do to show the court that you are providing a safe and stable environment for your child:

• Gather the child’s school records, medical records, and more.
• Run through possible questions with your attorney and work together to prepare answers.
• Collect expert witness testimony. If the child is in therapy, attorneys might subpoena therapists.
• Always stay honest and be aware that the other side will dig up anything and everything they can from your past.
• Appearance is important; a neat and sharp appearance makes a good first impression and shows the judge that you respect the court.

Our trusted team could go into more detail about how to prepare for child custody hearings in Charlotte.

Mediation for Custody Hearings

Parenting plans are created in mediation, which is required in North Carolina for anyone who files for custody. During the mediation phase, the two parents and a mediator collaborate to come up with a parenting plan. The plan outlines who has physical and legal custody, explains each parent’s legal rights, and proposes a schedule for visitation dates, including holidays and birthdays.

Mediation allows co-parents to set aside their differences and work together without input from the judge. This process helps keep as many cases out of court as possible—but not all parents can agree. If co-parents do not reach an agreement on their parenting plan and visitation schedules, then the custody case goes to Charlotte family court for a hearing.

Determining Who Gets Custody

At a custody hearing, the judge will ask many questions about the child’s daily life, including their schooling, who picks them up, who they live with, where they live, and their home environment.

While financial status can impact child custody decisions, it is not the sole factor. For example, a loving mother may be temporarily living in a hotel and on unemployment, but her children are safe and are regularly attending school, and she has plans to improve their situation. In this case, the judge may still award primary physical custody to her.

Furthermore, preexisting formal or informal child custody arrangements will also influence the judge’s decision. They won’t want to disrupt a child’s schedule unless absolutely necessary.

How Long Do Child Custody Hearings Typically Last?

A child custody hearing could last for two hours or two days. It all depends on the problems that are being discussed in the case and how much evidence has to be presented. Hearing from expert witnesses like therapists and educators takes even longer.

Emotions often run high in child custody hearings, but a Charlotte attorney could put you on the right path.

Reach Out To Discuss Your Upcoming Child Custody Hearings in Charlotte

If you are involved in a custody case, do not hesitate to reach out for help. Since we know the rules of the court, we could help you run through hypothetical scenarios and ensure you enter Charlotte child custody hearings as prepared as possible.

With years of trial experience under our belt, we are ready to hear your story. Contact us now for world-class client service.