{"id":375390,"date":"2025-04-30T23:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-01T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/north-carolina-law\/north-carolina-child-custody-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-04-30T23:00:00","modified_gmt":"2025-05-01T04:00:00","slug":"north-carolina-child-custody-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/north-carolina-law\/north-carolina-child-custody-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"North Carolina Child Custody Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

North Carolina Child Custody Laws<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Jordan Walker, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

\n

North Carolina child custody laws require parents to agree on custody arrangements during separation, focusing on the minor child’s best interests to determine custody matters. Legal custody of a child involves major decision-making authority, while physical custody determines where the child lives. Joint custody allows shared co-parenting responsibilities, whereas sole custody grants exclusive parental rights to one parent. In child custody disputes, courts consider factors like domestic violence history, the child’s needs, and each parent’s ability to provide a stable home. Grandparent visitation rights and the child’s preferences for custody agreements are also recognized under these laws.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

State child custody laws<\/a> are fairly similar from one state to the next. All states, except Massachusetts, have adopted the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act<\/a> (UCCJEA). This law requires states to recognize and enforce court orders made by the child’s home state to ensure consistency and prevent jurisdictional conflicts in custody matters.<\/p>\n

This article provides a brief overview of child custody laws in the state of North Carolina.<\/p>\n

North Carolina Child Custody: At a Glance<\/h2>\n

Learn more about North Carolina’s child custody laws in the chart and summary below. See FindLaw’s extensive Child Custody<\/a> section for additional articles and resources.<\/p>\n\n

Code Section<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

\u00a7 50-11.2 et seq.<\/a> of the North Carolina General Statutes<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Year Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act Adopted<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

1999<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Joint Custody an Option?<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

Yes, \u00a7 50-13.2<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>

Grandparent Visitation Rights Recognized?<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

Yes, \u00a7 50-13.2(b1)<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>

Child’s Own Wishes Considered?<\/p>\n<\/th>\n

Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\n

How Custody is Determined<\/h2>\n

North Carolina courts decide child custody issues based on what they believe to contribute to the best interest and overall welfare of the child. This is called the best interest of the child standard. Some of the factors courts will consider before issuing a child custody order are:<\/p>\n