When it comes to hiring a family lawyer, one of the most common questions that people ask is, “What is your winning percentage?” or “How many cases have you won?”
However, as Ron Payne, CEO and managing partner of Apple Payne Law in Kernersville, explains, this is not an easy question to answer in family law.
In fact, there really are no “wins” or “losses” in family law cases. In this blog post, we’ll explore why winning percentage is irrelevant in family law and why it’s more important to focus on finding a Kernersville family lawyer that will prioritize your family’s best interests.
In family law cases, the ultimate goal is to find a resolution in the best interests of the child. This means that there are no clear winners or losers.
For example, if parents are fighting over custody of their children—even if one parent is granted primary custody—it’s not really a win because the other parent is excluded from their children’s lives. This is not something that family lawyers feel good about, even if it’s the best outcome for the children.
Moreover, the standard for child custody in North Carolina starts at a 50/50 custody split. This means that in most cases unless evidence of abuse, neglect, substance abuse, or other factors would make one parent unfit, both parents will start with equal custody time. This makes it difficult to define what a “win” or a “loss” even means in the context of family law.
In North Carolina, before a family law case is heard by a judge, both parents must attend mediation to try and reach a resolution. Mediation aims to help parents reach an agreement that works for their family and, ideally, avoids going to court.
While not all cases will be resolved in mediation, it is often the best way to find a solution that is tailored to the unique needs of the family.
In fact, many family law cases are resolved outside of court. This is because when parents are able to work out the details of their custody arrangements, parenting plans, and other issues on their own, it can be far more beneficial for the children involved.
When parents can agree on the essential terms of custody, it can be 100 times better than having a judge who is a stranger to the family decide these issues.
At Apple Payne Law, the focus is always on what is in the family’s best interest.
While there may be cases where it is necessary to go to court to resolve a family law issue, this is not the desired outcome. Instead, the attorneys at Apple Payne Law strive to help families find solutions that are tailored to their unique needs and circumstances.
The attorneys at Apple Payne Law believe that the best custody resolution is the one that parents can reach on their own, without the need for court intervention. When parents are able to come to an agreement that works for their family, it sets them up for a successful co-parenting relationship in the future. This can be far more beneficial for the children involved than having a judge decide these issues for them.
Our attorneys understand that family law cases can be emotionally charged and stressful. We strive to help our clients navigate these difficult times by providing compassionate and personalized legal services. We believe every family is unique and requires a customized approach to find the best solution.
Our focus is not on “winning” cases but on helping families find resolutions that work for them. We understand that the outcome of a family law case can significantly impact a family’s future, and we work tirelessly to help our clients achieve the best possible outcome.
Contact us today for a consultation on your family law case!
Ronald D. Payne II is the CEO and Managing Attorney of Apple Payne Law, a North Carolina law firm he founded in 2018. With more than 11 years of experience practicing law, he is dedicated to representing clients in a wide range of legal matters, including business law, estate planning, family law, probate, and traffic law.
Ronald received his Juris Doctor from the Wake Forest University School of Law and is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including being awarded the 2020 Client’s Choice Award by Avvo and multiple Rising Star awards from Super Lawyers.
190 Charlois Blvd.
Suite 200
Winston-Salem NC 27103
At Apple Payne Law, we pledge to you prompt and courteous service, whether we are able to accept your case or not.
Contact us today!