In North Carolina, “legal custody” determines which parent has the authority to make decisions for a child while “physical custody” refers to the schedule by which each parent spends time with the child. Child support is calculated based upon the unique circumstances of each case, including each parent’s schedule of custodial time with the child, the insurance and work-related child care expenses paid by each parent for the benefit of the child, and the income of each parent.

Jackson Family Law has years of experience with handling child custody cases of all kinds, from amicable co-parenting relationships to complex high-conflict situations, and the child support arrangements that are appropriate for each case. We also are knowledgeable about third-party custody situations, same-sex parents, and the constitutional issues that sometimes arise in parenting and custody cases.

North Carolina provides for an equitable distribution between spouses of all marital property and marital debt that was acquired during the parties’ marriage and prior to their separation. The distribution of marital property and debt may be equal between the parties, or a greater share of the marital property and debt may be distributed to one party based upon various factors that justify an unequal distribution between the parties.

Jackson Family Law strives toward creative and sensible solutions in equitable distribution that maximize the financial security of our clients. We handle equitable distributions cases of all size, including large and/or complex estates, and we frequently consult with other professionals (tax professionals, trust & estate lawyers, business valuation experts, real estate appraisers, professional organizers, and whoever else may be needed in a particular case), to ensure that we address every aspect of our client’s needs.

North Carolina law gives broad flexibility to spouses (and future spouses!) to agree about what will happen with their finances and property in the event of a future separation. These agreements can be simple or complex, depending on the needs and wishes of the spouses.

Jackson Family Law offers insightful and practical advice to clients at all stages of the marriage process and in all phases of life as they consider whether a marital contract is appropriate for their situation and how it may impact their future.