Child custody is a complicated legal matter, and it can be very difficult emotionally for parents, children, and extended family. As a North Carolina Board Certified Specialist in Family Law, Caleigh Evans has represented fathers, mothers, grandparents, stepparents, and other third parties in nearly every kind of child custody case ranging from amicable parents who have reached an informal agreement between themselves to trials involving parental abduction of a child across state lines, cases involving a parent (or parents) with significant substance abuse or mental health concerns, and most everything in between.

There are two aspects of custody Caleigh will discuss with you and address in a custody agreement or court order: “legal custody” and “physical custody.”  “Legal custody” refers to a parent’s right to make fundamental parenting decisions about important matters that impact the welfare of a child such as health care, academics, religion, extracurriculars, and other similarly important matters concerning the child.  “Physical custody” refers to the day-to-day parenting schedule and the child’s living arrangements between homes. 

If there is a way to resolve custody without having to go to court, Caleigh will make every effort to help you accomplish that, whether through negotiations, mediation, or another settlement-focused process.  Caleigh has been in the courtroom enough to know custody trials are challenging for all involved and are not the ideal path of resolution for families.  She has drafted countless custody agreements for families that include all kinds of provisions to address the specific concerns of caregivers and needs of the child.  These custody agreements help set minds at ease, keeping the child’s best interest at the forefront of consideration, and allow families to stay out of the courthouse entirely.  There are times, however, when settlement of custody is not possible, or there are emergency circumstances, and in those instances, Caleigh will talk with you about the necessity of pursuing resolution through the litigation process.  Courts make custody decisions based on what is in the best interest of the child and will promote the child’s general welfare.  Many factors will come into consideration, and there is no magic age in North Carolina at which a child can simply tell the court where the child wants to live and have that be the decision.  Caleigh is a knowledgeable and experienced family law attorney who has decades of courtroom experience involving complex and hotly-contested custody determinations, and she will guide and stand with you through the process if it is needed in your circumstance.

Please contact Caleigh at EVANS FAMILY LAW for a consultation to discuss establishing a child custody arrangement, emergency custody, or modification or enforcement of an existing child custody determination.