Many couples in North Carolina going through divorce don’t know much about how child custody works. According to NC child custody laws, there’s no preference for either of the parents in a dispute for custody. The family court judge will decide on child custody and visitation based on the best interests of the child. There’s no longer a presumption that the child’s mother should be awarded primary custody, except in cases of neglect and abuse. When it comes to the time spent parenting, both parents must determine their wishes but must take into account the preferences of the child and their long-term living and work plans.