Frequently Asked Questions

The term visitation is often coupled with the term 'custody'. Previously, when a court ruled on the issue of custody, the court would order 'custody' of a minor child to one party and 'visitation' of the minor child to the other party. Now, the court typically refers its custody determination in terms of primary and secondary custody where, depending on the circumstances, both parties are entitled to exercise visitation with the minor child. There is no answer which is codified in North Carolina's law.  Each case is different and the court is empowered to order the parties whichever type of visitation with their chidren it believes is in the best interests of the children.