About Us
Our Mission
NC Shared Parenting, a North Carolina non-profit corporation, seeks to improve the lives of children through shared parenting responsibilities and equal custodial time. We seek happier and more developed children of divorced, separated, and non-cohabiting parents.
Our Goal
NC Shared Parenting’s goal is to codify the presumption of equal custodial time in North Carolina.
Our Vision
- To see happier, more fulfilled children who can experience life with both parents following the separation or divorce of their parents.
- To increase the appreciation of the important role fathers have in the life of their children.
- To see the normalization of shared parenting across the state.
What is Shared Parenting?
Shared parenting is the equal responsibility of both fathers and mothers in the care and upbringing of their children. Separation, divorce, and non-cohabitation of parents should never prevent a parent from spending a significant proportion of time with their children. Multiple studies have concluded that shared parenting offers the best possible outcomes for the growth and development of minor aged children.
It's preferable for parents to work together to create a shared parenting plan that meets the children's needs and allows frequent, regular parenting time. Unfortunately, separation and divorce may negatively impact parental communication as one parent seeks to dominate the decision making and restrict the other parent's time with the child. This often forces a parent to spend thousands of dollars in legal fees, experience extreme distress, and navigate a family court system that can be less than fair.
According to the National Parents Organization "Shared Parenting Report Card," the state of North Carolina received a "D" grade in a review of the state's child custody statues relating divorce and separation hearings. The National Parents Organization found the following:
• North Carolina has no statutory preference for, or presumption of, shared parenting (joint legal custody and shared physical custody) for temporary or final orders.
• North Carolina statutes do not explicitly provide for shared parenting during temporary orders.
• North Carolina statutes do not require courts to consider “friendly parent” factors in awarding custody.
• North Carolina statute does not contain any policy statement or other language encouraging shared
parenting.
NC Shared Parenting advocates for the creation and passing of legislation that presumes equal custodial time as being in the best interest of the child in custody cases.