CHILD CUSTODY & PARENTING RIGHTS · NORTH CAROLINA

Your child’s world is changing.
We help you stay in it.

A custody case is never really about a calendar — it’s about your place in your child’s life. Our North Carolina family-law team helps parents navigate their child custody journey with confidence.

★★★★★ 4.7 / 5 across 200+ Google reviews · confidential & judgment-free
Raleigh's Best 2025
Raleigh’s BestFamily Law · 2025
Father carrying his two children outdoors
Parent and child hands
G ★★★★★

“I will never recommend anyone else as this firm could not have done a better job. If you were looking to find representation please do yourself and family a favor call Kurtz & Blum.”

— Cody B.
26+Years protecting NC families
500+Custody & parenting matters
4.7★Google client rating
NCBA NCAJ AAJ National Trial Lawyers BBB WRAL Voters' Choice Cary DUI Lawyers 2025
Parent comforting child

“The knowledge, kindness, and professionalism that the attorneys and their office staff have consistently displayed are unprecedented in the field.”

— Thomas D.
We understand what’s really at stake

You’re not fighting over time. You’re protecting a relationship.

Maybe you’re afraid of becoming a weekend parent. Maybe the other side is rewriting history. Maybe you just want your kids to feel safe and steady through all of it. Whatever brought you here, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

We’ve guided hundreds of North Carolina parents through exactly this moment — and we lead with listening before we ever talk strategy.

A confidential, no-pressure first conversation — even if you’re only exploring options.
Honest expectations about what NC custody law means for your situation.
A plan built around your child’s real life — school, routines, and well-being.
Friendly attorney meeting with a parent
What judges look for in custody cases

NC courts decide on the child’s best interests — here’s what that means.

01

Stability & routine

Who provides a consistent home, school, and daily structure for the child.

02

Each parent’s involvement

History of caregiving — meals, bedtimes, doctor visits, school pickups.

03

Co-parenting willingness

Whether each parent supports the child’s relationship with the other.

04

Safety & well-being

Any history that bears on the child’s physical and emotional safety.

We help you document the things that matter — and present them clearly when it counts.

Grandparents walking with their grandchild
Protecting your relationship

We help you win so you get to stay close.

Custody outcomes shape birthdays, bedtimes, and the thousand ordinary moments that make you a parent. We approach every case with that weight in mind — pursuing arrangements that keep you present in your child’s everyday life, not just on paper.

When cooperation is possible, we protect it. When it isn’t, we’re prepared to advocate firmly in court — always anchored to what keeps your child secure.

Get custody support now
What to expect during the custody process

Expert guidance, no matter what may arise.

Most parents have never done this before. Here’s how it typically unfolds when you work with us.

Step 01

Listen & assess

A confidential consultation to understand your family, your fears, and your goals — and to map your realistic options.

Step 02

Build the case

We gather what matters — your parenting history, documentation, and a proposed plan rooted in your child’s routine.

Step 03

Negotiate or mediate

Many custody matters settle. We pursue a parenting agreement that protects your time without unnecessary conflict.

Step 04

Advocate in court

If a fair resolution isn’t possible, we’re trial-ready — presenting your case clearly to the judge.

How we help parents

Steady hands for difficult situations.

Custody rarely arrives on its own. Whatever your circumstances, we meet you where you are — without judgment.

Establishing custody

First-time custody orders for unmarried or newly separated parents — building structure where there’s none yet.

Modifying an order

When life changes — a move, a new job, a parent falling short — we petition to modify custody or support.

Enforcing your rights

When the other parent ignores the order or withholds your time, we move quickly to enforce it.

High-conflict & safety

For cases involving safety concerns or relocation, we advocate firmly while keeping your child’s welfare central.

Chuanita Williams-Smalls, Family Law attorney Jared Hammett, Family Law attorney
26+
Years
500+
Families
4.7★
Rating
Meet your advocates

A custody case is one of the most personal things a person goes through. Our job is to carry the legal weight, so you can stay focused on being there for your kids.”

Chuanita Williams Smalls
& Jared Hammett
Family Law Attorneys
Talk to a Custody Attorney
Parents we’ve stood beside

Real outcomes, in their own words.

Names shortened at our clients’ request. Verified Google reviews.

★★★★★

“Thanks to their help, my case was handled efficiently and with a good outcome. I’m very grateful to Matt and the Kurtz & Blum team”

Giorgi E.
Google Review
★★★★★

“From our first consultation, they were incredibly attentive and took the time to explain every step.”

Jacob M.
Google Review
★★★★★

“Mr Hammett did a wonderful job getting us the results we wanted, we are truly appreciative of him and his work!”

Audrey R.
Google Review
★★★★★

“Patient, understanding, professional, and willing to go the extra mile.”

Rona R.
Google Review
Questions parents ask

Plain answers, before you commit.

Can’t find an answer to your question? Contact our custody team today for fast, professional support.

Does North Carolina favor mothers in custody cases?

+

No. NC law does not presume either parent is the better custodian. Courts decide custody on the “best interests of the child,” weighing stability, caregiving history, and each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs.

What’s the difference between legal and physical custody?

+

Legal custody is the right to make major decisions (school, healthcare, religion). Physical custody is where the child lives day to day. Either can be sole or joint, and they’re decided separately.

Can a custody order be changed later?

+

Yes. If there’s been a substantial change in circumstances affecting the child, either parent can petition to modify custody. We handle modifications and enforcement regularly.

Do we have to go to court?

+

Often, no. Many custody matters resolve through a negotiated parenting agreement or mediation. We pursue those paths first — but prepare every case as if it may go to trial.

How much does a custody attorney cost?

+

We discuss fees transparently at your first consultation. The fee for the first consultation is $375 for up to an hour. Contact us today to learn more.

★★★★★

“Well-versed in the law, very thorough in preparation and know their way around the courthouse.”

— Leslie B.
Contact our custody team

Let’s protect your time together.

Tell us a little about your situation and a member of our custody team will contact you within one business day to arrange a consultation.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Your information is kept strictly confidential. No attorney-client relationship is formed by this submission.
Talk to a North Carolina custody attorney today.
Free & confidential · 4.7★ from 200+ reviews