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Greensboro Family Lawyer

North Carolina Family Law

Local help for divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, property division, and protection orders in Greensboro and Guilford County. We explain the process in plain language, set a clear plan, and draft orders that work in the real world.

Fast answers

One year separation is the usual ground for absolute divorce in North Carolina under G.S. 50-6. Residency for one spouse must be six months before filing.

Property division follows Equitable Distribution under G.S. 50-20. The court classifies, values, and distributes marital assets and debts.

Alimony and postseparation support are decided under G.S. 50-16.3A based on dependency, ability to pay, and listed factors.

Child support uses the North Carolina Guidelines under G.S. 50-13.4 with Worksheets A, B, or C and allowed add ons.

Custody follows best interests with jurisdiction under the UCCJEA. Relocation and emergency issues have special rules.

Safety options include 50B protective orders and 50C no contact orders when needed.

Start by situation

Greensboro Divorce Lawyer Greensboro Child Support Lawyer
Greensboro Property Division Lawyer Greensboro Alimony Lawyer
Domestic Violence 50B Civil No-Contact 50C
Separation Agreements Prenup and Postnup
QDRO and Retirement Division Greensboro Military Divorce
Divorce Mediation Collaborative Divorce
Gray Divorce Relocation and Move Away

Divorce in Greensboro

Most cases start after twelve months of living separate and apart with intent that the separation be permanent. You can proceed by uncontested path with signed agreements or by contested track that involves discovery, mediation, and hearings in Guilford County District Court.

Child custody and parenting time

Orders cover legal decision making and time schedules. Plans can set exchanges, school year routines, summer weeks, travel, and virtual contact rules. Jurisdiction follows the UCCJEA. If a move is planned, we assess relocation risk and the correct forum.

Child support

Guidelines use Worksheets A, B, or C based on overnights and add ons such as health insurance and work related childcare. Courts can deviate with specific findings when proof supports it. Modification may be requested when circumstances change.

Property division under Equitable Distribution

The court classifies assets and debts as marital, separate, or divisible, then values and distributes. Common files include the home, retirement and brokerage accounts, stock awards, vehicles, and small businesses. Tracing can show separate property and passive increases.

Alimony and postseparation support

The court first decides dependency and ability to pay, then sets amount and duration after weighing listed factors in G.S. 50-16.3A. Postseparation support may be ordered early to stabilize bills while the case is pending. Alimony can be modified or end by rule or agreement.

Domestic Violence 50B protective orders

When safety is a concern, you can seek a temporary 50B order followed by a full hearing. Relief can include no contact, residence possession, temporary custody terms, and firearm restrictions. Violations carry criminal and civil consequences.

Civil No-Contact 50C

For non domestic stalkers or harassment, 50C orders can set no contact and place restrictions. We explain the filing process and help prepare the record for the hearing.

Separation agreements

Private contracts can settle property, support, and parenting rules. Terms must be clear and enforceable. We draft agreements that clerks and payroll can follow and that reduce the chance of repeat hearings.

Prenup and postnup

Agreements can define marital and separate property, address support, and set disclosure standards. We focus on clear language, signatures, and proper execution to avoid enforceability challenges.

QDRO and retirement division

Many retirement plans require a Qualified Domestic Relations Order or similar order to divide benefits. We coordinate plan requirements, draft the correct order, and track administrator approval so the split can be processed.

Greensboro military divorce

Active duty and retired service members face special rules. We address jurisdiction, deployment schedules, and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act for stays when service prevents attendance. We handle division of military retired pay under federal rules and help with Survivor Benefit Plan choices. Parenting plans can include notice, make up time, and communication during training or deployment.

Mediation and collaborative options

Private mediation can resolve property and support in one session when both sides bring accurate documents. Custody mediation may be required by the court. Collaborative cases use interest based meetings, neutral experts when needed, and a disqualification clause that keeps the process settlement focused.

Gray divorce

Later in life cases often involve retirement timing, health coverage, Social Security timing, and housing decisions. We build a plan that fits budgets and makes next steps clear.

Relocation and move away

Moves are assessed under best interests and jurisdiction rules. We prepare a record that covers notice, travel costs, school impact, and schedule changes. Courts look for stability and workable plans.

Your first 72 hours with our team

Intake and goals We confirm the separation date, identify urgent issues, and check local requirements.
Document pull Pay stubs, tax returns, bank and card statements, housing, insurance, and any business records.
Early orders or early settlement We file for temporary relief if needed or set a fast document exchange and mediation date.
Clean drafts We prepare agreements or consent orders with dates, amounts, exchange rules, and any QDRO language.
Next steps We track deadlines, confirm mediation, and keep you updated on court calendars.

Evidence checklist

  • Pay stubs for the last three months and your most recent W-2 or 1099
  • Tax returns for the last two years if available
  • Bank and card statements that match your monthly budget
  • Deeds, mortgage or lease, car titles, and insurance declarations
  • Retirement and brokerage statements, including any stock awards
  • Business financials if a company is involved
  • Health or childcare records that affect work hours
  • A simple parenting time calendar for the last 60 to 90 days
  • Any prior orders or written agreements

FAQs

Do I have to be separated for a year to file for divorce?

Most absolute divorces follow one full year of separation under G.S. 50-6. One spouse must have lived in North Carolina for six months before filing.

Where will my case be heard in Greensboro?

Family law cases are heard in Guilford County District Court with courtrooms in Greensboro and High Point. Scheduling depends on the type of hearing and local calendars.

How is child support calculated?

North Carolina applies the Child Support Guidelines with Worksheets A, B, or C. Inputs include each parent’s gross income, overnights, health insurance share, and work related childcare. Courts can deviate with specific findings.

Do I need a separation agreement before filing?

You can file the divorce without a separation agreement. That said, agreements and consent orders can settle property, custody, and support and often reduce hearings.

What special issues arise in a military divorce?

Service can affect timing and attendance. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act may allow a stay. Division of military retired pay follows federal rules and may require specific language. Parenting plans can include notice and make up time around training and deployment.

Can orders be modified later?

Child support and custody can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. Alimony may be modified based on the order and statute. Property distribution is generally final once entered.

Talk to Your Local Family Lawyer in Greensboro, NC

Culbertson and Associates
315 Spring Garden St Ste #300, Greensboro, NC 27401
Phone: (336) 272-4299
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5:00 PM

Areas we serve: Greensboro, High Point, Jamestown, Summerfield, Oak Ridge, Burlington, and greater Guilford County.




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