Child Custody (N.C. Gen. Stat. Section 50-13.1)
As amended through June 18, 2024
"When reviewing a trial court's decision to grant or deny a motion for the modification of an existing child custody order, the appellate courts must examine the trial court's findings of fact to determine whether they are supported by substantial evidence. Shipman v. Shipman, 357 N.C. 471, 474, 586 S.E.2d 250, 253 (2003). "In addition to evaluating whether a trial court's findings of fact are supported by substantial evidence, this Court must determine if the trial court's factual findings support its conclusions of law. Id. at 475, 586 S.E.2d at 254.
"Absent an abuse of discretion, the trial court's decision in matters of child custody should not be upset on appeal. Everette v. Collins, 176 N.C. App. 168, 171, 625 S.E.2d 796, 798 (2006).