In re N.T.S.

STEPHENS, Judge.

I. Procedural and Factual Background

N.T.S.1 was born to Respondent-mother T.S. and her husband, Respondent-father L.S., on 3 January 2005. Respondent-parents sepa*732rated on or about 10 May 2007, and N.T.S. resided with Respondent-mother.

A. Chapter 50 Custody Action

On 1 August 2007, Respondent-father filed a complaint pursuant to Chapter 50 of the North Carolina General Statutes in Columbus County District Court (07 CVD 1232) seeking custody, visitation and support.2 On 7 May 2008, the district court awarded joint custody of N.T.S. to Respondent-parents. On 14 August 2008, the…