When married couples decide to end their marriage in North Carolina or elsewhere, issues of child custody and child support can often be the most contentious. That appears to be true for one couple. Investigators believe the father of a two-year-old girl has fled to Mexico. If that is the case, he would be in violation of his child custody agreement with his ex-wife.

According to police, the 45-year-old father picked up his little girl from his ex-wife in the parking lot of a church on Jan. 15. However, the girl's mother received a call the next day from her ex-husband saying he had taken the two-year-old girl to Mexico and was not planning to return.

Police have begun working with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, along with federal officials in the United States and Mexico. Authorities have charged the man with interference with child custody.

Although this case took place in Texas, these types of issues can come up in any state, including North Carolina. When child custody issues do arise, it is important to remember that children are at the center of the dispute. In any case, parents should do whatever is in the child's best interest.

Often, couples are not able to resolve child custody issues on their own. When that is the case, individuals may wish to work with someone who has a firm understanding of the relevant laws. Attorneys who have experience with family law issues can help parents reach an agreement that is fair for all parties involved.

Source: American-Statesman, "Police believe missing girl may have been taken to Mexico," Jan. 26, 2012