Few issues in family law are as emotionally charged as child custody. For parents in Union County, custody decisions don’t just determine where a child will live — they shape the child’s future and define each parent’s role moving forward. Because of what’s at stake, custody battles often become the most difficult part of divorce or separation.

In North Carolina, judges are required to make custody determinations based on the best interests of the child, a legal standard that considers a wide range of factors about each parent’s ability to provide a stable, safe, and supportive environment. Knowing what judges focus on can give you a critical advantage when preparing your case.

At The Khan Law Offices, we help parents across Monroe and Union County navigate custody disputes with clarity and confidence. Our attorneys bring more than 50 years of combined experience to protecting parental rights and securing custody arrangements that prioritize children’s well-being.

If you’re facing a custody battle in Union County, don’t wait — contact The Khan Law Offices today to start building a strategy that protects both your rights and your child’s future.

The Legal Standard in North Carolina Custody Cases

In North Carolina, custody determinations are governed by the “best interests of the child” standard, set out in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50-13.2(a). This law directs judges to make custody decisions that will “best promote the interest and welfare of the child.” The court’s primary responsibility is to ensure a child’s safety, stability, and overall well-being, even if that means awarding custody in a way that one parent might find difficult.

Custody can take several forms. Legal custody refers to the right to make major decisions about a child’s life, such as education, medical care, and religious upbringing. Physical custody determines where the child primarily resides. Courts may award joint custody, where both parents share decision-making and/or time, or sole custody, where one parent has primary authority or placement.

Judges in Union County District Court follow the same statewide legal framework but apply it to the unique facts of each case. Evidence presented — such as testimony, parenting plans, and witness accounts — helps the judge decide which arrangement best serves the child. Importantly, N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50-13.2(b) also allows judges to consider any history of domestic violence when making custody determinations, underscoring the court’s responsibility to protect children from harm.

Because the law gives judges wide discretion, the way your case is presented can make a significant difference in the outcome. Having an experienced attorney ensures the court sees your commitment to your child’s best interests clearly and persuasively. If you are preparing for a custody case in Union County, contact The Khan Law Offices today. Our team is ready to advocate for your parental rights and your child’s well-being.

Key Factors Judges Consider in Union County Custody Cases

While every custody case is unique, North Carolina law provides guidance on the issues judges weigh most carefully. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50-13.2(a), the court’s duty is to ensure that custody arrangements serve the best interests of the child. To do that, judges evaluate a variety of factors, including:

1. Stability of Each Parent’s Home Environment
Courts want to ensure children have a safe and consistent home life. A parent’s ability to provide housing, routine, and emotional support weighs heavily in custody decisions.

2. Financial and Emotional Ability to Provide Care
While financial stability matters, judges also look at a parent’s ability to meet emotional and developmental needs. A strong parent-child relationship can outweigh financial disparities.

3. History of Caregiving
Judges often consider which parent has historically been the child’s primary caregiver. Daily involvement in the child’s schooling, medical care, and extracurriculars demonstrates commitment and reliability.

4. Work Schedules and Availability
A parent’s ability to spend time with their child is important. Demanding or irregular work schedules may influence how physical custody is structured.

5. Evidence of Abuse, Neglect, or Substance Abuse
Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50-13.2(b), courts must specifically consider any evidence of domestic violence. Substance abuse or neglect will also weigh heavily against awarding custody or unsupervised visitation.

6. Child’s Preferences (When Appropriate)
While not determinative, older children may be permitted to share their custodial preferences. Judges consider these views carefully if the child is mature enough to express them.

Because judges in Union County have significant discretion, the way these factors are presented can directly impact the outcome of your custody case. Strong legal representation ensures that the court sees your strengths as a parent and understands why your custody proposal supports your child’s best interests.

At The Khan Law Offices, we build compelling cases that highlight our clients’ ability to provide safe, stable, and nurturing environments. Contact us today to discuss your custody concerns and learn how we can advocate for you in Union County court.

Custody and Parental Rights in Union County Court

Custody disputes in Union County are generally heard in Union County District Court, where family law judges apply North Carolina statutes to determine outcomes. The process begins when one parent files a custody action under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50-13.5, which governs custody and visitation proceedings. Once filed, the court may issue temporary custody orders to establish stability for the child until a final decision is made.

During the case, both parents have the opportunity to present evidence supporting their claims. This may include testimony from the parents themselves, school or medical records, witness statements, and proposed parenting plans. In some cases, the judge may appoint a guardian ad litem under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7B-601 to represent the child’s best interests, particularly if there are allegations of abuse or neglect.

Judges also have the authority to craft detailed custody schedules. These may outline holidays, school breaks, and day-to-day arrangements to minimize conflict between parents and maintain stability for the child. If one parent poses a safety risk, the court can limit visitation or require supervision. Importantly, the court’s custody orders are binding—failure to comply can result in contempt proceedings under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 5A-21.

Because every case involves both legal and emotional complexities, having experienced representation ensures your rights are protected throughout the process. The way evidence and testimony are presented in Union County court can make all the difference in securing a fair outcome.

If you are preparing for a custody hearing in Monroe or Union County, contact The Khan Law Offices today. Our team understands the local courts and has the experience to protect both your parental rights and your child’s future.

The Role of Child Support in Custody Decisions

While custody and child support are separate legal issues, they are closely connected in North Carolina. Custody arrangements—specifically the number of overnights a child spends with each parent—directly affect how support is calculated. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50-13.4, both parents have a legal duty to provide financial support for their children, regardless of custody status.

Child support is calculated using the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines, which establish a formula based on several key factors:

• Each parent’s gross income.
• The number of overnights the child spends with each parent.
• Work-related childcare costs.
• Health insurance premiums and medical expenses for the child.
• Other extraordinary expenses (such as tuition or special medical needs).

While the guidelines provide a standard formula, judges have discretion to deviate from them if applying the formula would be unjust or not in the child’s best interests. For example, in cases involving high-income parents or unusual financial situations, the court may issue a support order that better reflects the child’s needs.

Because custody directly impacts child support obligations, parents must carefully consider the financial implications of their proposed custody arrangements. Failing to present accurate income information, documentation, or evidence of expenses can result in an unfair order that is difficult to change later.

At The Khan Law Offices, we help parents navigate both custody and support so that the final orders reflect not only the child’s needs but also a fair division of financial responsibility.

If you are facing custody and support decisions in Union County, contact The Khan Law Offices today. Our attorneys will fight to protect your parental rights and ensure your financial obligations are fair and manageable.

Protecting Your Relationship with Your Child

Securing custody is not just about the immediate outcome of a case—it’s about preserving and protecting your relationship with your child for the years ahead. Even after a custody order is in place, life changes. A new job, relocation, remarriage, or changes in a child’s needs can make an existing arrangement unworkable. In these situations, parents may seek a modification of custody under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50-13.7, which allows courts to change custody orders if there has been a “substantial change in circumstances” affecting the child’s welfare.

Judges in Union County take these requests seriously, but they require strong evidence that a modification is truly in the child’s best interests. Without proper legal representation, parents risk losing valuable parenting time or being saddled with an arrangement that doesn’t fit their child’s needs.

At The Khan Law Offices, we don’t just help clients win custody battles—we help them maintain strong, lasting relationships with their children long after the court order is signed. Whether you’re entering an initial custody dispute or seeking a modification, our team provides the legal strategy and advocacy needed to safeguard your role as a parent.

If your custody arrangement no longer works for your family—or if you’re beginning the process for the first time—call The Khan Law Offices today. We are here to fight for your rights and protect the bond you share with your child.

Protect Your Future with Experienced Union County Child Custody Lawyers

Child custody disputes are among the most important—and most stressful—issues a parent can face. In Union County, judges base their decisions on the best interests of the child, weighing factors such as stability, caregiving history, and overall safety. While the law provides guidance, every case depends on how those facts are presented in court. Having the right attorney on your side ensures your voice is heard and your parental rights are protected.

At The Khan Law Offices, our attorneys bring more than 50 years of combined experience to helping families in Monroe and throughout Union County. We understand how local courts handle custody cases, and we use that knowledge to advocate for outcomes that protect both parents and children.

If you are facing a custody battle in Union County, don’t go through it alone. Contact The Khan Law Offices today to schedule a consultation and secure the legal representation you need to protect your relationship with your child.