My question involves a child custody case from the State of: North Carolina
Child protective services removed my 2 year old son from his mother's care when she presented him at the hospital with clear signs of physical abuse ( severe bruising to cheeks, purple swollen ears, human bite mark, and strangulation bruising on neck). I am a full time student at a university, living in student housing. I will graduate in 6 months time and will be returning to my parents home and wish to take full custody of my son at that time. In the meantime, CPS placed my son in kinship care with my parents, as it was not possible for him to reside with me in student housing. Being so close to graduation, I felt the best choice for my son and myself to sacrifice a few months living apart, so that I could finish my degree and our future would be better. I know he is being well cared for by my parents in my absence. I come home and see him at least once a week overnight (I work a full time job and go to school full time and school is over 100 miles from my home....so I don't get the chance to visit as much as I want to). Will the courts look down on my because I did not quit school in order take custody of my son immediately?
There is a criminal investigation on my son's mother for the abuse he endured. CPS is also conducting their own investigation. It seems like both agencies are moving very slowly (already 7 weeks have passed and no answers). Is this normal? The police are having a hard time with prosecuting because there are no witnesses and my son cannot talk yet. If police choose not to prosecute, will CPS automatically give custody back to my son's mother? If I file for custody, will a judge consider the abuse allegations and evidence? (the hospital took numerous photos of the injuries and stated that it was abuse and the mother's explanation of injuries was not remotely plausible). If I retain an attorney, would he be able to do anything at this point, since CPS is still investigating?

