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North Carolina Domestic Violence (50B) Lawyer

Safety first—then clean orders that work. We file, defend, and enforce 50B Domestic Violence Protective Orders (DVPO) statewide: ex parte relief, full hearings, firearm surrender, temporary custody, and enforcement that courts and agencies will follow.

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Your North Carolina 50B Lawyer

Krispen Culbertson, North Carolina family law attorney with 20+ years handling 50B DVPOs—emergency ex parte orders, full hearings, firearm surrender, temporary custody/support, move-out orders, and enforcement for violations.

Memberships: North Carolina State Bar; local family law sections. Courts: District Court calendars statewide with regular hearings in Guilford County (Greensboro/High Point).

Fast answers

Who qualifies for 50B: spouses, former spouses, dating partners, people who live(d) together, parents/children, co-parents. Others may need a 50C civil no-contact order.

Ex parte timing: judges can issue same-day emergency orders. A full hearing follows quickly with notice to the other side.

Available relief: no-contact, exclusive possession of residence, temporary custody, temporary support, firearm surrender, and other safety terms.

Violations: criminal charges are possible. We coordinate with law enforcement and seek civil contempt when appropriate.

Related: NC Child CustodyNC Child SupportModification & EnforcementAppeals and Post-Judgment

Emergency ex parte DVPO

We prepare your sworn complaint and affidavit, meet the judge for emergency review, and coordinate immediate service with the sheriff. Ex parte orders often set temporary no-contact and possession terms and a near-term hearing date.

The full hearing

At the hearing, both sides can present evidence and witnesses. We organize texts, call logs, photos, medical records, and testimony into a clear timeline tied to statutory factors so the judge can grant the relief you need.

Common 50B relief

  • No-contact and stay-away zones (home, work, school)
  • Exclusive possession of the residence and move-out orders
  • Temporary custody, safe exchanges, parenting rules
  • Temporary support and possession of a vehicle
  • Firearm surrender and restrictions
  • Other safety terms the Court finds necessary

Firearm surrender & return

Orders can require immediate surrender to the sheriff. We document compliance, track renewals, and handle return procedures when the order expires or is dissolved.

Evidence that helps

  • Time-stamped texts, emails, voicemails, social posts
  • Photos of injuries, property damage, location markers
  • Medical and counseling records (HIPAA-compliant)
  • Witnesses, police reports, prior orders
  • Parenting calendars and exchange notes (for custody relief)

Violations & enforcement

We coordinate criminal enforcement and pursue civil contempt for violations. Clear documentation and fast filings protect safety and increase accountability.

Extend, modify, or dismiss

Before expiration, we can seek an extension with continued fear evidence. Changed facts may support modification or—when appropriate—termination. We also align 50B terms with any ongoing custody/support orders to avoid conflicts.

If you don’t qualify for 50B

People without a qualifying personal relationship (e.g., neighbors, co-workers) may be eligible for a 50C civil no-contact order. We assess eligibility and file under the correct statute.

What to bring & your first 72 hours

Documents & proof

  • Sworn statement of recent incidents (dates, times, locations)
  • Texts, call logs, emails, social DMs
  • Photos/video; medical/ER discharge papers
  • Police reports, prior orders, witness names
  • For custody/support relief: income proof, schedules, exchange notes

Your first 72 hours with our team

1) Safety plan
Immediate risk review; filing venue; ex parte strategy.

2) File & serve
Sworn complaint/affidavit; sheriff service tracking.

3) Hearings
Prepare exhibits/witnesses; request specific relief.

4) Compliance
Firearms, move-out, exchanges—written instructions.

5) Next steps
Modify/extend, align with custody/support, enforcement plan.

FAQs

How fast can I get a 50B order?

Ex parte orders can be issued the same day. A full hearing is set quickly with notice to the other party.

Will I have to testify?

Usually yes at the full hearing. We organize your testimony and exhibits so the judge hears the key facts tied to the statute.

Can a 50B give me temporary custody?

Yes. Judges can enter temporary custody and safe-exchange terms when needed for safety.

What happens if the order is violated?

Violations can lead to arrest and criminal charges. We also seek civil contempt and update protective terms if needed.

How long does a DVPO last?

Most DVPOs last up to one year and can be extended. We file on time with the evidence required for renewal.

What if I don’t qualify for 50B?

We evaluate a 50C civil no-contact order or other remedies that may fit your facts.

Why North Carolina families choose Culbertson & Associates


  • 20+ years filing, defending & enforcing 50B DVPOs across NC

  • Clean, enforceable orders for courts, sheriffs, schools & employers

  • Integrated strategy with custody & support when safety requires it

  • Evidence-first approach: texts, photos, medical records, witnesses

Client reviews

★★★★★

They filed my ex parte the same day and walked me through every step. I finally felt safe.

A. Thompson • Greensboro, NC

★★★★★

The hearing prep was meticulous—texts, photos, and a clear timeline. The judge granted everything we asked for.

M. Patel • High Point, NC

★★★★★

When the order was violated, they coordinated with the sheriff and secured swift enforcement.

J. Rivera • Winston-Salem, NC

★★★★★

They aligned my 50B with temporary custody terms so exchanges were safe and predictable.

K. Nguyen • Burlington, NC

★★★★★

Professional, calm, and focused on safety. The process felt organized from start to finish.

S. Morgan • Asheboro, NC

★★★★★

Firearm surrender and return were handled correctly—no confusion with the paperwork.

D. Harris • Greensboro, NC

Visit Our Greensboro Office

Culbertson & Associates
315 Spring Garden St Ste #300, Greensboro, NC 27401

(336) 272-4299 • Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5:00 PM

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