If a lesbian or gay man has custody of her or his child, the lover frequently assumes the role of a co-parent. This is especially true when a child is born as the result of a joint decision made by the couple. No North Carolina statutes or cases speak directly to the rights of the co-parent (the non-birth mother or father), but basic family law principles would apply as they do with heterosexual couples facing the same issues. The foremost principle, particularly with respect to a co-parent, is that decisions will be made in accordance with what is deemed to be the best interest of the child.