Child custody includes the right to make major life decisions about a child and the right to have the child in your care. The general rule is that North Carolina state courts have power (jurisdiction) to hear a custody case if North Carolina is considered your child's "home state.Once a custody case is filed, the Judge has the power to make the decision about where the child lives and who will get to make decisions for the child. Custody is the physical care and supervision of a child under 18 years of age. Generally when you file a custody action you are given a temporary hearing as it is the fastest way to get some visitation established. (13) "Person acting as a parent" means a person, other than a parent, who: a. The term "custodial parent" typically refers to the parent who has physical custody of the child most of the time. Once a parent is identified as the primary caregiver, often the court awards custody to that person. In North Carolina, Courts will determine custody based on what is in the "best interests of the child. Custody to two or more persons, agencies, organizations, or institutions.
