In North Carolina, there is no preference for mother or father to obtain custody of your children. The standard for determination of custody is the "best interest of the child" standard. The court uses this standard in its initial determination of custody. Biological mothers and fathers have a constitutionally protected right to the custody of their children.  The law in North Carolina stringently protects this right.  All persons, other than the biological mother and father, must convince the court that they have standing to seek custody before a court will make any determination of placement with a third party.