North Carolina Interstate & International Family Lawyer (UIFSA & UCCJEA)

Register, enforce, or modify out-of-state and international family orders—cleanly and fast. We handle UIFSA (support) and UCCJEA (custody) jurisdiction, Hague service, and cross-border logistics so your order works in North Carolina and beyond.

Call 336-272-4299

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Your Interstate & International Family Lawyer

Krispen Culbertson, North Carolina family law attorney with 20+ years handling UIFSA registration/enforcement of child support, UCCJEA custody jurisdiction and emergency orders, Hague Service and Hague Child Abduction issues, military family protections (SCRA), and cross-border modifications.

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

Start by situation

Enforce unpaid support across state lines

Modify support when everyone moved

Figure out which court has jurisdiction

Serve someone abroad (Hague Service)

Hague child abduction / returns

Military cases & SCRA stays

Fast answers

Support vs custody: UIFSA governs child support; UCCJEA governs custody/visitation. Know which statute you’re under before you file.

Registration first: To enforce or modify a foreign order here, register it in North Carolina the right way with certified copies and required statements.

Jurisdiction traps: You can’t modify if the issuing state still has continuing, exclusive jurisdiction—unless everyone moved or consents in writing.

International service: Many countries require Hague Service via central authority; improper service can void your judgment.

Registering out-of-state orders in North Carolina

We prepare the registration packet—certified order, arrears statement (if any), and required affidavits—then file in the correct county. Once registered, we notice the other side and move to enforcement or modification as allowed by UIFSA or UCCJEA.

Enforcement across state lines

Support: income withholding, liens, contempt, license holds, and arrears judgments after proper registration.
Custody: expedited enforcement, pick-up orders in emergencies, and coordination with law enforcement under the UCCJEA.

When can you modify?

Under UIFSA, the issuing state keeps continuing, exclusive jurisdiction until nobody lives there (or everyone consents). We confirm residency and venue before filing so your modification sticks.

Custody jurisdiction (UCCJEA)

The child’s home state usually controls (6 months’ residence). Emergency jurisdiction can apply for safety. For relocations, we coordinate with the issuing court to avoid dueling orders.

International service of process

Hague Service Convention: we route through the proper central authority and track completion for admissible proof of service.
Non-Hague nations: letters rogatory, local counsel, or treaty-compliant alternate methods where allowed.

Hague child abduction

We assemble the Convention petition, coordinate with the U.S. Central Authority, and present exceptions and defenses where relevant. Early filings and evidence control outcomes, act fast.

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Military families & SCRA

Active duty can affect appearances and timelines. We use SCRA stays where appropriate and set remote options when the court allows.

What to bring and your first 72 hours

Proof and documents

Certified copies of your orders and any arrears/accounting statements
Prior registration records (if any) and service proofs
Residency proof for each party and the child
Travel documents (passports, itineraries) for international issues

Your first 72 hours with our team

1) Jurisdiction audit
Confirm home state, CEJ, and the correct venue before filing.

2) Registration packet
Certified order, arrears statements, and required affidavits.

3) Service & notice
Domestic or Hague service with trackable proofs.

4) Enforcement or modification
Move for wage withholding, contempt, or guideline modification.

5) Orders that agencies follow
Language payroll, schools, and Vital Records can implement.

FAQs

Do I have to register an out-of-state order before enforcement in NC?

Yes. Registration creates a North Carolina record so courts and agencies can enforce or, when permitted, modify it.

Can North Carolina modify my child support if the original state still has jurisdiction?

Usually no—unless nobody lives there anymore or all parties file written consent. We check CEJ before filing.

What if the other parent lives overseas?

We use the Hague Service Convention when available; otherwise, treaty-compliant alternatives. Proper service protects your judgment.

Will North Carolina honor my custody order from another state?

Yes—once registered under the UCCJEA. In emergencies, NC can act temporarily to protect a child.

How long will registration and enforcement take?

Timelines depend on certified copies, service, and the court calendar. We front-load documents to move quickly.

Why North Carolina families choose Culbertson & Associates

20+ years in interstate & international family matters
Weekly District Court calendars; clean, enforceable orders
UIFSA/UCCJEA, Hague Service/Abduction, and SCRA proficiency
Clear steps, timelines, and costs from day one

Visit Our Greensboro Office

Culbertson & Associates

315 Spring Garden St Ste #300
Greensboro, NC 27401

(336) 272-4299 • culbertsonatlaw.com

Office hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5:00 PM • Area served: North Carolina

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