# Custodial parent **URL:** \ **Category:** Divorce and Separation Answers\ **Created:** [December 3, 2006, 8:49pm UTC](https://forum.rosen.com/t/custodial-parent/3910 "2006-12-03T20:49:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![JanetFritts](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d2c977/32.png) [@JanetFritts](https://forum.rosen.com/u/JanetFritts)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2006, 8:49pm UTC](https://forum.rosen.com/t/custodial-parent/3910/1 "2006-12-03T20:49:21Z")
Dear August: Greetings. What type of document do you have determining custody - a court order or a separation/parenting agreement? What is the title on the document? Your course of action depends on the document you have. If you do not have a document or if you have a separation/parenting agreement, you would have to file a custody action. If you have a court order, you may be able to have local law enforcement help you and you would also file a motion to show cause. Good luck. Janet L. Fritts Attorney with Rosen Law Firm 4101 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 500 Raleigh, North Carolina 27607 919.787.6668 main phone 919.256.1665 direct fax 301 McCullough Drive Suite 510 Charlotte, North Carolina 28262 704.644.2831 main voice 704.307.4595 main fax 1829 East Franklin Street, Bldg 600 Chapel Hill, NC 27514 919.321.0780 main phone 919.787.6668 main fax > **[North Carolina Divorce Law - Legal Answers and Info](https://www.rosen.com/)** > > The best resource for divorce in NC. Find accurate, legal, family law advice from attorneys practicing in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill. The response posted above is based upon the limited factual information made available and is not intended as a full and complete response to the question. The only reliable manner to obtain complete and adequate legal advice is to consult with an attorney, fully explain your situation, and allow the attorney sufficient opportunity to research the applicable law and facts required to render an accurate opinion. The basic information provided above is intended as a public service but a full discussion with an attorney should be undertaken before taking any action. ---
**Author:** ![August](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d26b3c/32.png) [@August](https://forum.rosen.com/u/August)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2006, 7:07pm UTC](https://forum.rosen.com/t/custodial-parent/3910/2 "2006-11-02T19:07:35Z")
Exactly what does this mean? I’m divorced (absolute divorce), which states nothing about custody of our child (1). Through a mediator we had settled on who got what, how dept was to be paid etc. Custody is stated to be joint with our child living with me. This has been the statis quo for 7 years. My X is grumbling about having the child live with him. What happens if when my child goes for a visit and my X won’t bring the child back? What is my course of action? Is there something I should do now to better prepare if this situation does occur?