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








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