how to reply to a complaint for custody, visitation, and attorney fees nc

by Lois Goyette 5 min read

File an answer. An answer is a direct response to the other party's original complaint. An answer will respond to each paragraph of the other party's complaint by allowing you the opportunity to admit, deny, or state that you do not have enough information to respond to each paragraph at issue.

Full Answer

What is an answer to a child custody complaint?

One is for you. The second copy is for the other parent. Serve your papers on the other parent. Serve a copy of the Response to Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order ( Form DV-120) and Request for Child Custody and Visitation Orders ( Form DV-105) on the other parent. These papers can be served by mail.

When to respond to court papers about child custody and visitation?

harm to the child; provided, that the complaint or motion shall specify in detail why the relief is necessary to prevent harm to the child. 14. Under D.C. Code § 16-831.06 (a), the Court shall award custody of the child to the third party upon determining: (1) the presumption in favor of parental custody has been

How much does it cost to respond to a custody case?

1: Read the complaint and decide what to do. Ignoring the papers will not make the case go away. You need to understand what the other party is asking for so you can decide what to do. 2. Know your deadline! You have to act quickly if you disagree with anything the other party is asking for. 3.

What happens if you don’t respond to a child custody order?

custody/visitation. There are two (2) ways to respond to the Plaintiff’s Complaint: 1. You can file an Answer, responding to the Plaintiff’s allegations against you. THERE IS NO FILING FEE FOR THIS. 2. You can file an Answer AND a Counterclaim. THERE IS A FILING FEE FOR THIS, unless you qualify to have the fee waived.

How do I answer a complaint in NC?

You must answer the complaint and file it at the office of the Clerk of Court within 30 days from the date you personally received the complaint or if received by registered mail, the date when you signed for the complaint. If you cannot respond within that time you must request additional time to answer.

At what age can a child refuse visitation in North Carolina?

18Can a Child Refuse Visitation in North Carolina? When someone asks "what age can a child leave home in North Carolina", the answer is 18.

At what age can a child choose which parent to live with in NC?

​There is no magic age number when a child can decide who to live with under North Carolina law. When a child turns age 18 and becomes an adult they can choose to live wherever they want, but before then a judge can dictate where that child must live.Jul 23, 2018

How do you win a custody modification case?

How to Win a Custody Modification Case?Proving the Child's Physical Placement with the Defendant Exceeds DeFacto Custody. ... Proving the Other Parent is Unfit. ... Proving Serious Issues for Child That Are Irreparable by Other Parent. ... Spend as Much Time as Possible With Your Children. ... Be Dependable. ... Be Flexible.More items...

How do I get visitation rights in NC?

If the non-custodial parent wants additional time, an agreement must be reached with the parent who has primary physical custody. If two parents cannot agree, the non-custodial parent may file a visitation complaint with the court to request increased visitation time.

Is Parental Alienation recognized in NC?

North Carolina's recognition of parental alienation Under North Carolina law, only two appellate cases mention PAS or PA. In Kilian v. Kilian, 175 N.C.App. ... Even though NC appellate courts have not fully addressed the PA issue, our trial courts here such evidence frequently.Mar 28, 2010

Can a 10 year old decide which parent to live with?

A child cannot legally decide who they want to live with until the age of 16. However, this may extend to 17 or 18 if there is a child arrangement order in place that specifies where a child should live.Jun 3, 2020

What makes a parent unfit in NC?

Factors Judges Use to Determine if a Parent is Unfit The safety, health, and welfare of the child. Evidence of a history of abuse or violence against the child, another child, the child's other parent, or another romantic partner. A parent's history of substance abuse, including drugs and alcohol.May 26, 2021

What age can a child stay overnight with father?

The welfare of the child is always the court's top priority, so those under 18 months old are considered suitable to visit their father (or noncustodial parent) for a few hours at a time, but due to their need for routine and familiarity, overnight stays are generally not recommended.

What is an unstable parent?

An unfit parent is one who is incapable of providing a nurturing, safe, and appropriate environment for their child when that inability puts the child at serious risk of harm.

Who is most likely to win a custody battle?

Editor's Choice. Parents settle 90% of child custody cases without a judge's ruling. The United States has about 12.9 million custodial parents.Jun 21, 2021

What is a stable living environment?

A stable environment provides a sense of constancy, predictability, routine, and continuity, essential to child well-being. ... Inasmuch as parents are able to maintain a stable environment for their children, and limit upheaval in their living arrangements, they are respecting children's need for order and stability.Feb 22, 2015

What is an answer in a complaint?

An "Answer" tells the judge and the other parent what parts of the complaint you agree with and disagree with. For instance, you might agree with paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 7, 8 of the complaint, but disagree with paragraphs 4, 5, 6. Write that in the Answer. You do not have to give any reasons.

How to make a complaint go away?

1: Read the complaint and decide what to do. Ignoring the papers will not make the case go away. You need to understand what the other party is asking for so you can decide what to do.

How to respond to a symlink?

To respond to the case, fill out these forms: 1 Answer (and maybe a Counterclaim) - Required. 2 Financial Disclosure Form - Due within 30 days of your answer. 3 Joint Preliminary Injunction - Optional

What to do if you are unsure what to do?

If you are unsure what to do, it is always best to talk to a lawyer. Visit Lawyers and Legal Help for information on lawyers and free / low-cost legal help.

How long does it take to get a custody decree?

If you agree with everything the other parent is asking for, you may not need to file anything. The other parent can request a default Custody Decree in 21 days that matches everything requested in their complaint if you do not respond. If you disagree with even one thing the other parent is asking for, you will need to file a response.

What is the FDF form?

The FDF gives information about your employment, your income, and your expenses. You do not need to complete the "Personal Asset and Debt" information in this form. The information on this form helps the judge determine child support and any other financial issues.

How long do you have to file a financial disclosure?

Financial Disclosure Form ("FDF") You (and the other parent) have to file a Financial Disclosure Form ("FDF") within 30 days of when you file your Answer. It is best to file it with your Answer so you do not forget later. The FDF gives information about your employment, your income, and your expenses.

What paragraphs in a complaint must be listed in the answer?

Any paragraphs in the Plaintiff’s Complaint that you deny, you must list in #2 of your Answer. Again, if an allegation in the Complaint is partially admitted and partially denied, list it in #2 and deny the entire allegation. If you fail to respond to an allegation, the Court may deem it as “admitted.”

Where to put CVD number in complaint?

07 CVD 9999) in the top right hand corner (you can find this number in the same location on the Complaint.

What does it mean to file papers?

NOTE: Filing papers means giving a copy of the papers to the Clerk of Court who will stamp the papers with the date and time you gave them to him or her.

What to do if you have not hired an attorney for child custody?

If you have not hired an attorney and are filing an answer in a child custody case on your own, use a form whenever possible. Using forms will ensure you follow the necessary format and include the information required. Check with your local clerk of courts and ask if they have any forms for you to work off of. Thanks!

What is an answer in a complaint?

An answer is a direct response to the other party's original complaint. An answer will respond to each paragraph of the other party's complaint by allowing you the opportunity to admit, deny, or state that you do not have enough information to respond to each paragraph at issue.

What is a summons in court?

The summons. The summons is a document issued by the clerk of courts where the lawsuit was filed and it tells you , the defendant, how long you have to respond to the complaint. The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act affidavit.

What is a motion to dismiss?

A motion to dismiss is a document asking the court to throw out the lawsuit. There are a number of reasons a lawsuit could be thrown out including a lack of jurisdiction or a failure to state a claim. For more information about writing and filing a motion to dismiss, look here.

What is a service form?

A service form is a certification that will be used when the other party is served and will provide the court with a guarantee that service was conducted.

Do you have to sign a document in front of a notary?

Once you have created your answer, you will need to sign the document, make copies, and include a service form. When you sign the document, you may have to do it in front of a notary or in person at the courthouse, so be sure you follow the rules in your jurisdiction.