When you’re thinking about how to navigate custody decisions, it’s natural to wonder what 50/50 custody really means in North Carolina. You want to do what’s best for your child, but you might also be feeling uncertain about how it all works. We get it.
Let’s walk through the ins and outs of how joint custody works here. We’ll cover what the courts consider, how time is divided, and what your family can expect along the way. By the end, you’ll feel more prepared and confident about this important decision.
How Does 50/50 Custody Work in North Carolina?
When determining custody arrangements in North Carolina, a 50/50 custody setup can be a great way to ensure that both parents remain active in their child’s life. However, achieving equal parenting time comes with its own challenges, especially when you factor in the child’s age, family dynamics, and other considerations.
What Is 50/50 Custody?
50/50 custody, or shared physical custody, means that a child spends equal time with both parents. This arrangement allows each parent to take on shared responsibilities and remain actively involved in their child’s daily life.
In practice, this could mean alternating weeks or creating a schedule where the child spends time at both parents’ homes throughout the week. This type of custody agreement helps build meaningful relationships between the child and both parents, offering stability and consistency in their routine.

Factors That Influence 50/50 Custody Decisions
When it comes to setting up a 50/50 custody schedule, the court looks at several factors to determine what’s in the child’s best interest. Some of these include:
- The child’s age
- The child’s emotional and physical health
- Each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment
Younger children may need more frequent exchanges between households to maintain consistency, while older children can adapt more easily to longer stays in each parent’s home.
Additionally, the court considers many factors to decide on the best schedule for the child, including:
- Work schedules
- Where parents live
- Logistical issues like school and extracurricular activities
Challenges of 50/50 Custody
While shared parenting can create a healthy balance for children, there are certain challenges that families must navigate. Frequent transitions between households can be difficult, especially for younger children who thrive on routine.
Additionally, ongoing conflict between parents may complicate communication and make it harder to maintain a stable, consistent routine for the child. It’s essential to have effective communication in place to avoid misunderstandings and ensure that the child’s well-being is always the priority.
How to Create a 50/50 Custody Schedule
A successful 50/50 custody arrangement requires careful planning. Some common options include alternating weeks, where the child spends one week with one parent and the following week with the other parent.
Another popular option is the 2-2-3 schedule, where the child spends two days with one parent, two days with the other, and then alternates weekends. Each schedule comes with its own advantages, and it’s important to consider what works best for your family’s specific needs.
At Simmons and Hill Legal Group in Fayetteville, NC, we’re ready to guide you through the legal complexities of child custody and help you create a plan that works for your family. Contact us today online or at 910-779-2416for a consultation. Let’s work together to secure the best future for your child.

Ensuring the Child’s Best Interests
In any custody arrangement, the child’s best interests are the most important factor. Family law courts in North Carolina prioritize the child’s emotional and physical health, ensuring that they maintain a meaningful relationship with both parents.
By working together to create a balanced parenting plan, you can give your child the opportunity to grow up in a stable, loving environment that supports their well-being.
While 50/50 custody may not work for every family, it can be a great solution for parents committed to shared parenting. When structured effectively, it allows the child to benefit from the love and guidance of both parents, fostering healthy relationships that last a lifetime.
Other Types of Custody Arrangements in North Carolina
When determining custody arrangements in North Carolina, it’s important to know that there are several options beyond a 50/50 split. Every family is different, and the court works to find a solution that best serves the child’s emotional and physical well-being.
Let’s explore the most common types of custody arrangements and what they might mean for you and your family.
Primary Physical Custody
In cases where one parent is granted primary physical custody, the child spends the majority of their time living with that parent. This arrangement often works best when the other parent’s schedule or location makes equal parenting time difficult.
While the child spends most of their time with the first parent, the other parent still has scheduled visitation, which can range from an extended weekend every other week to holiday visits or alternating weeks during the summer.
The court focuses on creating a schedule that supports the child’s best interests, balancing stability with maintaining a meaningful relationship with both parents.

Sole Custody
Sole custody, which gives one parent full legal and physical custody, is usually reserved for situations where shared custody is not in the child’s best interest. This can happen in cases involving:
- Domestic violence
- Substance abuse
- Other factors that make it unsafe for the child to spend time with the other parent
In these cases, the court grants sole custody to one parent, while the other may have limited or supervised visitation. Family law courts in North Carolina take the child’s safety and well-being as the most significant aspect in making this decision.
Joint Legal Custody
With joint legal custody, both parents share the responsibility of making important decisions for their child. These decisions can include education, medical care, and other significant aspects of the child’s life.
Even if one parent spends more time with the child, both parents remain involved in making important choices. This type of custody agreement requires a high level of cooperation and effective communication between the parents to ensure that the child’s needs are met consistently.
Split Custody Schedules
In some rare cases, split custody might be an option, where each parent has custody of one or more of the children. For example, one parent may have physical custody of one child, while the other parent has custody of another.
While this arrangement isn’t common, it can work for families where the children have different needs or interests or when one child may benefit more from living with one parent. Courts will look at the best interests of each child individually when making these decisions.

Visitation Rights and Parenting Time
When one parent is awarded primary or sole custody, the other parent usually has visitation rights. The court establishes a visitation schedule that can vary depending on several factors, such as the parent’s availability and the child’s school schedule.
Some visitation schedules include alternating weekends, weekday visits, or extended holidays. It’s important to ensure that the parenting time allows the child to maintain a strong relationship with the non-custodial parent while preserving stability in their routine.
Understanding which custody arrangement is right for your family requires careful consideration of your child’s emotional and physical needs, as well as the practicalities of how each parent can contribute to their well-being. Whether you’re looking at primary custody, joint custody, or another arrangement, the key is finding what works best for your child while allowing both parents to remain involved in their life.
How Simmons and Hill Legal Group Can Help You With Child Custody in Fayetteville, NC
Navigating child custody can be one of the most emotional and challenging parts of a family separation. Whether you’re looking at joint custody, physical custody, or visitation rights, each step of the process requires careful attention to what’s best for your child.
At Simmons and Hill Legal Group in Fayetteville, NC, we understand that your child’s well-being is your top priority, and we’re here to guide you through every stage of the legal process.
Experienced Guidance Through Complex Custody Laws
Child custody laws in North Carolina can be complex, especially when it comes to differentiating between legal and physical custody. Whether you’re dealing with shared custody arrangements or need help with sole custody, we offer personalized legal strategies designed to protect your rights as a parent while focusing on your child’s best interests.
Our extensive knowledge of family law ensures that every decision we make is based on your child’s needs, and we’re prepared to assist you in crafting the best possible custody agreement for your family.
Tailored Solutions for Your Family
Every family is unique, and so is every custody case. At Simmons and Hill, we take the time to fully understand your family’s situation. Whether you’re facing a straightforward custody schedule or navigating more complex issues, like domestic violence or out-of-state parents, we provide customised solutions that reflect your child’s specific needs.
Our goal is to help you achieve a resolution that creates stability and security for your child.

Support Through Every Step of the Process
From initial consultations to courtroom representation, we’re with you every step of the way. If you’re entering custody negotiations, we can help you understand your rights, prepare your case, and advocate for your interests.
Should your case proceed to mediation or court, our attorneys will ensure you’re fully prepared, whether it’s presenting key documents, negotiating visitation schedules, or modifying an existing order.
We know how important it is to get the best outcome for your child, and we’ll work tirelessly to make that happen.
Committed to Protecting Your Child’s Best Interests
When it comes to your child’s future, we believe in advocacy rooted in compassion and experience. Our team brings both legal expertise and a deep understanding of the emotional strain you’re facing.
We’re committed to protecting your parental rights while keeping your child’s well-being at the center of every decision.
Whether you’re negotiating a parenting plan or seeking a modification of your custody agreement, we’re dedicated to helping you build a secure and positive environment for your child.
Need Help Working Out Child Custody for Your Child?
At Simmons and Hill Legal Group in Fayetteville, NC, we’re ready to guide you through the legal complexities of child custody and help you create a plan that works for your family.
Contact us today online or at 910-779-2416 for a consultation, and let’s work together to secure the best future for your child.