Coming to a resolution regarding child custody issues, especially those pertaining to custody exchanges, can result in some of the most combative negotiations in a separation. However, parents in North Carolina should know that making these arrangements are necessary to complete a divorce.
Custody and visitation schedules are the primary elements of a child custody arrangement. They detail when, where, and how an exchange will occur. A child custody exchange or swap happens every time children go from the physical care of one parent to the other. These exchanges are an extension of visitation rights and based on the belief that both parents ought to spend time with their children. This will be true no matter what kinds of additional child custody issues may need to be addressed, such as the non-payment of child support and other problems.
The nature of child custody as well as the intense emotions surrounding its issues can make the exchange more complicated than it should be. If parents are holding a grudge or simply unable to come to a consensus about the issue, they may engage in emotionally abusive behavior in the presence of their children. In some cases, this may include striking, shoving, or calling the ex names. However, most swaps take place without any issues.
A family law attorney may help a parent protect their child custody rights. This may entail engaging in litigation to compel the court to resolve custody disputes that arise regarding visitation rights, child custody modifications, relocation requests, and arrangements for exchanges.