NC H139

Amends G.S. 50-13.2 to require courts in custody proceedings involving service members to consider deployment only as one factor, not the sole basis, in determining best interest of the child.

Repeals G.S. 50-13.7A and enacts new Article 3 of Chapter 50A (Uniform Deployed Parents Custody and Visitation Act) establishing comprehensive procedures for temporary custody arrangements during military deployment.

Allows deploying parents and other parents to enter written agreements allocating custodial responsibility during deployment, or seek temporary court orders granting custody to nonparent family members or close associates.

Requires deploying parents to notify the other parent of pending deployment within 7 days and provide a custody plan; requires written agreements to be filed with courts that have existing custody orders.

Establishes procedures for terminating temporary custody arrangements within 60 days of the service member's return from deployment, with courts authorized to grant reasonable contact time during the transition period; effective October 1, 2013.