Scenario:

A male member of the group says, “My wife left the state with my kids.  I would like to know what to do.  I have not seen my kids for months.” However, “I am caring for my teenage daughter whom is pregnant”.  He said, “I do not even know where to go or what to do.” 

Answer:  It is called filing for custodial rights/visitation as a parent of a child.  If you are sure you are the parent of a child, and want to see that child, then file for custody/visitation.  Once you make a claim/complaint for custody/visitation, the court process begins.  Most people find it easier once that court process begins to go ahead and use court mediation services in North Carolina. Start by going to the local court-house and ask some questions about how to file for custody.  They often have forms you can fill-in, but be sure to take identifying information like dates of birth, complete legal names, and social security numbers, if you know them.  And, if he/she took all the papers with him/her, then, you can go to the county registrar’s office to get copies of birth certificates, and then go to the social security office to get copies of social security cards, etc.  It takes a lot of running around, but, guess what, you can apply for many things online now. 

The biggest heart-ache I have seen is Grand Parents whom say they have not seen their grand children.  Well, Grand-parent(s) can file for custody and visitation rights too.  The courts generally look favorably towards Grand-parent(s) whom want to see their kids.  While you still have to file court papers, it is usually not as disruptive and tedious as divorce/custody proceedings.  Just because the adult children(s) cannot work it out, that does not mean they cannot see Grand(ma)(pa).  God Bless. 

Believe it or not, court clerks can be very friendly and helpful, while they cannot give you legal advice, they can sure enough give you prefab forms already made by the courts.

http://www.nccourts.org/