North Carolina Child Custody and Parenting Time Resources

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Custody in North Carolina is decided in the District Court. Most states split the question in two: who makes the big decisions for the child, and what the day to day schedule looks like. Both usually end up written into one order or parenting plan the judge approves.

The wording differs from state to state, so read the official North Carolina documents below rather than assuming a term you heard elsewhere means the same thing here. Courts decide these cases on the best interests of the child, and the official forms are written to collect the facts a judge needs.

Official North Carolina custody resources

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North Carolina family law forms (official index) (North Carolina judicial branch): The official statewide collection of North Carolina family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://www.nccourts.gov/documents/forms

North Carolina court self-help resources (North Carolina courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own North Carolina family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://www.nccourts.gov/help

North Carolina mediation and dispute resolution (North Carolina judicial branch): Official information on mediation and other ways to settle a North Carolina family case without a trial. https://www.nccourts.gov/programs/mediation

eCourts File & Serve (Odyssey) (Tyler Technologies): The eCourts rollout is finished: since October 13, 2025 all 100 North Carolina counties are on the Odyssey system. Attorneys must e-file, but if you do not have a lawyer e-filing is optional and you can still file on paper. https://efilenc.tylertech.cloud/OfsEfsp/ui/landing

North Carolina rules of procedure (North Carolina judicial branch): The court rules that control deadlines, service, and how family cases move in North Carolina. https://www.nccourts.gov/documents/rules

Verified official North Carolina custody documents

These official documents cover asking for custody, setting a schedule, and putting a parenting plan in front of the judge.

Complaint for Child Custody / Visitation (AOC-CV-609), form AOC-CV-609 (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.nccourts.gov/assets/documents/forms/cv609.pdf

Official link data for North Carolina was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.

Frequently asked questions

Which court hears family cases in North Carolina?

Family cases in North Carolina are heard in the District Court. In North Carolina, divorce, custody, and support are heard in the District Court (not Superior Court). North Carolina's 100 counties are grouped into judicial districts.

Does North Carolina favor one parent over the other?

Custody decisions are made on the best interests of the child, not on which parent asks first. Judges look at things like stability, each parent's involvement, the child's needs, and whether a parent supports the child's relationship with the other parent. Read the official North Carolina forms and self-help material for the factors this state asks about.

Do we have to go to mediation first?

Many courts send custody disputes to mediation before a hearing, and some require it. The official North Carolina mediation page linked above explains what this state offers and when it applies.