In Re Shelton

The law in this State recognizes the natural right of parents to the custody and control of their child or children during infancy. Thus in Brickell v. Hines, 179 N. C., 254, 102 S. E., 309, Hoke, J., says: “It has been held in several recent decisions, where the question was directly considered, that parents have prima facie the right to the custody and control of their infant children, and that the same being a natural and substantive right, may not be lightly denied, or interfered with by action of the courts. It is further held in these and other cases that this right of the parents is…