North Carolina family law resources
Free guides for parents in North Carolina custody and support cases, with links to the official statewide forms
What do you need help with?
I want to file for custody
Home state jurisdiction, the right county, your complaint, and the Affidavit as to Status of Minor Child
I was served with custody papers
The 30-day answer, a counterclaim for custody, and your own sworn child status information
I want to change a custody order
The Motion to Modify Custody and the changed circumstances requirement in G.S. 50-13.7
I need child support or want it changed
The statewide guidelines, Worksheets A, B, and C, and the 123 and 243 overnight thresholds
I have custody mediation coming up
Orientation, the mediation session, confidentiality, and when mediation can be waived
I want to move with my child
No separate relocation statute, so a move goes through the custody order and modification
The other parent is not following the order
Civil and criminal contempt, support enforcement, and parenting coordinators
I need an emergency or temporary order
Ex parte custody under G.S. 50-13.5 and domestic violence protective orders under Chapter 50B
The Family Court Playbook: North Carolina Edition
11 guides from start to finish
Step 1
How Custody Court Works in North Carolina
District court, the clerk of superior court, mediation, local rules, and e-filing
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Step 2
Custody Types and the Best Interest Standard in North Carolina
Legal and physical custody and the best interest standard in G.S. 50-13.2
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Step 3
How to File for Custody in North Carolina
Jurisdiction, venue, required disclosures, the summons, and the 30-day answer
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Step 4
How to Modify a Custody Order in North Carolina
The Motion to Modify Custody, changed circumstances, and out-of-state orders
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Step 5
Verifications and Affidavits in North Carolina Family Court
When papers must be sworn, Rule 11 verifications, and who can take an oath
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Step 6
How to Prepare Evidence for a North Carolina Custody Case
Discovery, subpoenas, authentication, and hearsay under the Rules of Evidence
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Step 7
How Child Support Is Calculated in North Carolina
Gross income, the three worksheets, added expenses, and how long support lasts
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Step 8
Income Documentation and Financial Disclosure in North Carolina
Income verification, the child support cover sheet, and local financial rules
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Step 9
How to Serve Custody Papers in North Carolina
The civil summons, Rule 4 service methods, the 60-day window, and proof
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Step 10
Custody Mediation in North Carolina
The statewide program, orientation, waiver, and parenting agreements
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Step 11
What to Expect at a North Carolina Custody Hearing or Trial
Getting on the calendar, the written findings, post-trial motions, and appeal
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More guides
Specific topics and situations
Relocation
How a move reaches the court without a separate relocation statute
Read guide →
EnforcementEnforcing an order
Civil and criminal contempt, support remedies, and parenting coordinators
Read guide →
EmergencyEmergency relief
Ex parte custody orders and domestic violence protective orders
Read guide →
Official North Carolina sources
Child custody help topic
The North Carolina Judicial Branch guide to custody cases and court process
Statewide court forms
Judicial Branch forms library, including custody, support, and domestic violence forms
Custody and Visitation Mediation Program
How the statewide custody mediation program works
Local rules and forms
Each judicial district’s domestic and family court rules
Child Support Enforcement
NC Department of Health and Human Services child support services
Domestic violence help
Judicial Branch information on domestic violence protective orders
Custody schedule builder
Lay out a custody schedule on a real calendar and count each parent’s overnights
Build a schedule →
Onbello is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. These guides are general legal information about North Carolina law and court rules, with sources listed on each page. North Carolina judicial districts run custody cases under their own local rules, so check with your district court as well.