Children in North Carolina or elsewhere may benefit from having both parents in their lives. A parent and child are generally able to have a good relationship even if the child’s parents are no longer married. However, there may be challenges in ensuring that parents and children can have a meaningful relationship.
For instance, if a parent and child don’t live close to each other, it may not be possible for a parent to spend time with the child. In some cases, moving a child closer to a parent may result in opportunity and financial costs. These costs may include moving a child away from friends or a community that he or she has strong ties to.
Custodial parents may have to move out of their homes and rent apartments to keep their children close to the noncustodial parent. However, children tend to become productive adults when they have both parents in their lives. Therefore, custodial parents are urged to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that the noncustodial parent remains involved. A parent who doesn’t live with their child is urged to remain in his or her life in any way possible.
In general, a custodial parent does not have final say over the custody or visitation rights of the noncustodial parent. The law states that both parents have equal rights assuming they are fit to raise a child. In most cases, allowing equal rights is in the best interest of the child, which is typically the top priority in a custody case. Parents who have questions about their case may benefit from talking with an attorney.