Greensboro Domestic Violence Lawyer – 50B Protective Orders
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Immediate safety, clear steps, and orders that work in the real world. Our Greensboro domestic violence lawyers help with 50B protective orders, safety planning, custody and support terms inside a DVPO, and enforcement when orders are violated.
Fast answers
50B DVPO is a civil protective order for people with a personal relationship. It can include no contact, possession of the home, temporary custody, support, and firearm surrender.
Ex parte orders can be entered the same day when there is a risk of immediate danger. A full hearing is typically set within about 10 days.
Length of a final 50B order is usually up to one year. It can be renewed with proof that protection is still needed.
Service is by the sheriff. There is no filing fee to request a 50B protective order in North Carolina.
Violation of a DVPO can lead to arrest and criminal charges. Keep a copy of your order with you.
50C is for stalking or harassment when there is no qualifying personal relationship. See the comparison below.
Who qualifies for a 50B order
- Current or former spouses
- People who live together or have lived together
- People in a dating relationship
- Parents and children, or people acting as a parent
- People who have a child in common
- Household members
Domestic violence under North Carolina law includes causing or attempting to cause bodily injury, placing a person or a child in fear of imminent serious bodily injury, and certain sex offenses. Threats that create a reasonable fear can qualify.
How to file a 50B in Guilford County
- File the complaint at the Guilford County Courthouse in Greensboro or High Point. You can request same day ex parte relief when needed.
- Ex parte hearing can be heard by a judge or magistrate on a short record if there is immediate danger.
- Service by sheriff delivers the order and sets the next hearing date.
- Full hearing is usually within about 10 days. Bring witnesses, photos, texts, call logs, and medical or police records.
- Final order can last up to one year and may be renewed.
What a 50B order can include
- No contact, no harassment, and distance requirements
- Exclusive possession of the residence and a plan for retrieving personal property
- Temporary child custody and a safe exchange schedule
- Temporary child support and postseparation support when appropriate
- Firearm surrender and no new firearm possession
- Counseling or batterer intervention when supported by the record
- Other safety terms that fit your situation
Emergency ex parte orders
Ex parte DVPOs are designed for immediate protection. These orders can be issued the same day based on your sworn statement and any proof you can safely provide. The order takes effect once the sheriff serves it. Keep a copy with you at home, work, and school, and share it with school staff if children are covered.
Evidence and preparation
- Save text messages, call logs, emails, social media messages, and voicemails
- Keep photos of injuries, damaged property, and screenshots with dates
- Collect medical records and police reports when available
- List witnesses who saw or heard threats, injuries, or violations
- Prepare a short timeline that covers the most recent incidents first
- Bring copies for the court and the other party
Violations and safety planning
If a DVPO is violated, call law enforcement and show your order. Violations can lead to arrest. Keep notes of the date, time, and what happened. We can request a show cause order, seek additional restrictions, or ask for bond conditions that address safety. If the accused needs to retrieve property, we ask the court for a supervised plan with the sheriff.
50B vs 50C in North Carolina
| 50B – Domestic Violence Protective Order |
50C – Civil No-Contact Order |
| Personal relationship required |
No qualifying relationship required |
| Can include custody, support, home possession, and firearm surrender |
Focuses on no contact and harassment only |
| Violation can lead to arrest |
Enforced by contempt and related remedies |
Related Greensboro services
Your first 72 hours with our team
Intake and safety plan – confirm safe contact methods, discuss immediate needs for an ex parte request
Document pull – gather messages, photos, medical records, and a short incident timeline
File and serve – prepare the complaint, attend ex parte, coordinate sheriff service
Full hearing prep – organize exhibits, confirm witnesses, draft a proposed order with specific terms
FAQs
How fast can I get a 50B order in Greensboro?
Many requests for ex parte DVPOs are heard the same day the paperwork is filed, and a full hearing is usually set within about 10 days.
Does a 50B include child custody and support?
Yes. Judges can add temporary custody schedules, safe exchanges, and temporary financial support when supported by the record.
What proof should I bring to court?
Bring messages, photos, call logs, medical records, police reports, and witnesses. A short timeline that highlights the most recent incidents helps the judge follow your story.
What happens if the order is violated?
Call law enforcement and show the order. Violations can lead to arrest and new conditions. Keep notes and save any new messages or calls.
How long does a final 50B last?
A final DVPO typically lasts up to one year. You can ask the court to renew it before it expires if protection is still needed.
When should I use a 50C instead of a 50B?
Use a 50C if there is stalking or harassment and there is no qualifying personal relationship. A 50C can set no contact rules but does not add custody or support.
Talk to Your Local Domestic Violence 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, Winston-Salem, Asheboro, High Point, Burlington, Jamestown, Summerfield, Oak Ridge, and greater Guilford County.
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