Greensboro Domestic Violence Lawyer 50B

Q: How fast can I get a 50B order in Greensboro?

Many cases start with an ex parte request the same day, followed by a return hearing about 10 days later. Timing depends on the facts, the calendar, and service by the sheriff.

Q: Will the court make the defendant surrender firearms?

A 50B can include firearm surrender. The sheriff stores the items until the court allows return.

Q: How long does a 50B last and can it be renewed?

A final order can last up to one year. You can ask to renew before it expires if safety concerns continue.

Culbertson and Associates > Greensboro Domestic Violence Lawyer 50B

Greensboro Domestic Violence Lawyer 50B

Immediate help with 50B protective orders in Guilford County. We handle ex parte filings, sheriff service, return hearings, temporary custody and support, and firearm surrender steps.

Call 336-272-4299

Book a confidential consult

Your 50B Attorney

Krispen Culbertson, Greensboro domestic violence lawyer, practicing in Guilford County District Court for 20+ years. Focus on 50B Domestic Violence Protective Orders, emergency ex parte filings, return hearings, temporary custody and child support, firearm surrender, and 50C civil no-contact orders.

Memberships: North Carolina State Bar; local family law section. Courts: Greensboro and High Point District Court calendars.

Fast answers

Can I get protection today? Many 50B cases start with an ex parte request the same day, followed by a full hearing about 10 days later.

What can the court order? No contact, stay away zones, exclusive possession of the home, temporary custody and child support, firearm surrender, and tailored safety terms.

How is the order served? The sheriff serves the defendant. An order is enforceable once served or when the person is present in court and told the terms.

50B or 50C? 50B covers qualifying personal relationships. 50C is for stalking or harassment when there is no qualifying relationship.

What if a 50B is violated? Police can arrest for alleged violations. Criminal charges may follow.

Can a 50B be changed or renewed? Yes. You can ask to modify or extend before the order expires.

Helpful links: Greensboro Family Lawyer • Greensboro Divorce Lawyer • Greensboro Child Custody Lawyer • Greensboro Child Support Lawyer • Greensboro Civil No-Contact 50C • Greensboro Modification and Enforcement • Greensboro Appeals and Post-Judgment

What we handle in Greensboro

Emergency ex parte 50B filings and a clear plan for the return hearing
Sheriff service and proof-of-service tracking
Return hearings with focused exhibits and witness lists
Temporary custody and child support inside a 50B
Firearm surrender compliance and lawful return when allowed
Move-out terms and exclusive possession of the residence
50C civil no-contact orders when 50B does not apply
Modifications, renewals, and dismissals
Defense for respondents who were served and must appear
Coordination with related criminal, custody, support, or divorce cases

Who qualifies for a 50B in North Carolina

You may request a 50B Domestic Violence Protective Order if you and the other person are:

Current or former spouses
People who live or lived together as intimate partners
Parents and children or grandparents and grandchildren
Parents of the same child
People in a dating relationship as defined by law

If your situation does not fit one of these relationships, consider a 50C civil no-contact order.

Relief the court can order

No contact and stay away rules for home, school, and work
Exclusive possession of the residence and safe exchange of personal belongings
Temporary custody and visitation with safe exchange locations and school pickup rules
Temporary child support and payment of essential bills
Firearm surrender and a bar on new purchases while the order is active
Protection for pets and specific property
Other terms tailored to the facts when needed for safety

If you also need a long-term parenting plan or a support order outside the 50B, see Greensboro Child Custody Lawyer and Greensboro Child Support Lawyer.

The 50B timeline in Guilford County

Day 1
We take your sworn statement, prepare the forms, and request an ex parte order. If granted, the judge signs a short-term order and sets a return hearing in about 10 days.

Service
The Guilford County Sheriff attempts service on the defendant. We watch for proof of service and update you on next steps.

Return hearing
At the hearing, both sides can testify and introduce exhibits. If the judge grants a one-year order, we collect certified copies and walk through practical details for exchanges, school notifications, and firearm storage.

Renewal window
If safety concerns continue, we can renew the order before it expires.

Evidence that helps your case

Photos, screenshots, texts, messages, emails, voicemails, call logs, and social media posts
Medical notes, urgent care or ER records, and any follow-up instructions
Police reports or incident numbers
Witness statements or notes from school or daycare
A simple timeline with dates, locations, and who was present
Any prior court orders involving the same people

Keep copies in a safe place. Do not contact the other party to collect evidence if that would break a no-contact rule.

If you were served with a 50B

Read the papers carefully. The return hearing date is usually soon.
Follow the order exactly. No contact means no contact, including indirect messages through friends or social media.
Gather your proof such as messages, location data, and witnesses.
Plan safe exchanges for personal items through counsel or the sheriff when allowed.
Ask about consent orders when both sides can agree to practical terms.

If the order affects custody, see Greensboro Child Custody Lawyer. For help with changes or enforcement, visit Greensboro Modification and Enforcement and Greensboro Appeals and Post-Judgment.

50B vs 50C in Greensboro

50B DVPO: requires a qualifying personal relationship. The judge can address temporary custody and support and firearm surrender.
50C civil no-contact: for stalking or unwanted contact when there is no qualifying relationship. Relief is narrower and does not include firearm surrender.

We help you choose the right path and draft terms that fit your facts. Learn more at Greensboro Civil No-Contact 50C.

Temporary custody and school issues inside a 50B

Parenting time with safe exchanges at public locations
School notifications and who can pick up the child
Travel limits tied to safety or existing orders
Coordination with any current custody order so the directions do not conflict

If you need a longer-term plan after the 50B, start with Greensboro Child Custody Lawyer.

Firearm surrender and return steps

The court can require surrender to the sheriff or approved storage with a detailed receipt
Keep inventory lists and copies of all paperwork
Ask about return procedures when the order expires or is dismissed
Federal law may apply if a qualifying protective order is in place

Safety planning and community resources

Use a confidential mailing address when possible
Update phone settings, passwords, and shared accounts
Save evidence safely and avoid risky confrontations
Plan safe routes for school and work
Ask about local shelters and courthouse logistics before your hearing

Your first 72 hours with our team

Call and assessment
We review your facts, immediate risks, and goals.

Draft and file
We prepare your sworn complaint and proposed order, or your response if you were served.

Evidence pull
We organize exhibits, witness names, and a short timeline.

Hearing plan
We script direct testimony and prepare cross-exam questions that stay on point.

Order language
We write terms that schools, payroll, and the sheriff can follow without confusion.

Call 336-272-4299

Book a confidential consult

FAQs

How fast can I get a 50B order in Greensboro?

Many cases start with an ex parte request the same day, followed by a return hearing about 10 days later. Timing depends on the facts, the calendar, and service by the sheriff.

What proof do I need for a 50B?

Bring photos, messages, call logs, social media posts, medical notes, police reports, and a simple timeline. First-hand testimony from you and any witnesses is key.

Can a 50B include temporary custody and support?

Yes. Judges can set short-term custody, exchanges, and child support while the order is in place.

What happens if the defendant violates a 50B?

Police can arrest for alleged violations, and criminal charges may follow. Keep a copy of the order and call law enforcement if you need help.

How is a 50B different from a 50C?

A 50B requires a qualifying personal relationship and allows broader relief such as temporary custody, support, and firearm surrender. A 50C covers stalking or harassment without that relationship and offers narrower remedies.

Do I need a lawyer for the return hearing?

The rules of evidence apply. A lawyer helps organize exhibits, handle objections, and present a clear record for the judge.

Will the court make the defendant surrender firearms?

A 50B can include firearm surrender. The sheriff stores the items until the court allows return.

How long does a 50B last and can it be renewed?

A final order can last up to one year. You can ask to renew before it expires if safety concerns continue.

I was served with a 50B. What should I do before the hearing?

Read the order, follow it exactly, gather your proof, and talk with counsel about witnesses, location data, and any consent terms that might resolve the case.

Can we agree to terms and avoid testimony?

Yes. In some cases both sides sign a consent order with clear rules. This can reduce conflict and shorten the process.

Why Greensboro clients choose Culbertson & Associates

20+ years helping clients with 50B and 50C cases in Guilford County District Court
Same-day filings when the facts support it and steady follow-through to the hearing
Focused exhibits and clear testimony plans
Coordination with related custody, support, and criminal matters
Straightforward fees and timelines

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