Family law issues are, in a word, intense. The well-being of your family is riding on the court’s decision, and it’s taking everything in you not to completely lose it.
We get it—when you’re facing a legal crisis, you don’t know who you can trust, let alone where to get help.
Sure, you should hire a lawyer, but how do you know they’re really looking out for you?
At Apple Payne Law, we’re not just a family law firm. We’re real people with real families and issues. And when we’re fighting for your rights in divorce, child custody, or other family law disputes, that’s where we’re representing from a place of—a place that puts family first.
Let us help you. Speak with a Kernersville family lawyer today for a consultation.
Although people routinely think of family court as a place where spouses present their divorce cases, family law is more than that, involving many different legal actions.
Here are a few family matters that judges hear in the Kernersville area.
When you’re in a child custody dispute, you may be confused about your rights. In North Carolina, there are two types of custody: physical and legal. Physical custody refers to where the children live on a day-to-day basis, while legal custody is the ability to make important decisions about the child’s future. These are typically rights that parents gain immediately at birth.
But when couples decide to separate or were never married in the first place, custody disputes can arise. A child custody lawyer can help you determine what custody arrangement and visitation schedule works best for your family and uphold your parental rights in court.
Child support is a court-ordered payment made by the noncustodial parent to the custodial parent. In North Carolina, child support is calculated based on the combined income of both parents and the number of children they have together.
An experienced family law attorney can help you resolve child support issues and fight for a fair outcome for both parents. Whether you’re trying to file for child support or modify or enforce an existing order, our child support attorneys can help. We’ll help you prepare your petition, calculate how much you may be entitled to or responsible for, and represent your interests in court.
Going through a divorce can be one of the most difficult and emotionally taxing experiences in a person’s life. It can be overwhelming to deal with the legal process while coping with the emotional fallout of a failed marriage. That’s where a family lawyer can help. We can provide not only legal guidance but also emotional support during this challenging time. Our family lawyers work closely with you to understand your unique circumstances and help you achieve your goals for the divorce settlement. They can provide a listening ear, offer practical advice, and help you make informed decisions that will affect your future. Don’t face the divorce process alone. Contact a compassionate and experienced family lawyer today for your help and support.
Marriage is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. You and your spouse will share a lifetime of memories, good times and bad. You will work hard to raise your children and build a safe and stable home.
But what happens if the marriage doesn’t work out? What if you want to end it? Divorce is an unfortunate fact of life, but it doesn’t have to be painful or expensive. Our marital agreements lawyer can help you draft a pre-marital or post-marital agreement that protects you no matter what happens.
When you’re ready to adopt, a family lawyer can help. Adoption is one of the most rewarding choices you can make. It gives children who need permanent homes a chance to be part of a loving family.
If you’re considering adoption, it’s important to choose an attorney who understands how adoption laws work and crosses all the t’s, and dots all the i’s, so it doesn’t fall through at the last minute. Reach out to a Kernersville adoption lawyer for guidance.
Each family matter has a unique set of rules and legal procedures that must be followed to achieve the best possible outcome. A family attorney could help you navigate various complex circumstances involving your spouse or children.
Spousal support, also known as alimony, is a payment made by one spouse to the other after a divorce or separation. It is intended to provide financial assistance to the receiving spouse, who may have a lower income or may not have been employed during the marriage. Spousal support can be a complicated and contentious issue in divorce cases, and it is important to have a skilled family lawyer to help you navigate the legal system and negotiate a fair settlement.
Like many states, North Carolina law permits ‘no-fault’ divorces, meaning neither spouse needs to have a specific reason to get divorced. These cases are often resolved more quickly because neither spouse blames the other for the dissolution of the marriage.
To proceed under “no-fault: grounds: 1) at least one of you must have lived in the state for six months, and 2) you and your spouse must live apart for at least one year before filing a complaint for divorce.
State law also allows a ‘divorce from bed and board.’ This is not a final divorce but a court order declaring a couple legally separated. In this action, spouses may seek relief similar to that in a final or ‘absolute’ divorce, including spousal support and child custody, but neither is free to remarry.
It is wise to consult an experienced family attorney in Kernersville to determine whether an absolute divorce or a ‘divorce from bed and board’ is the better option.
Under the North Carolina law, a judge must award custody based on what will “best promote the interest of the child.”
To make this determination, some of the factors a judge may consider are:
In some cases, if the child is mature enough, a judge may consider the child’s preferences regarding custody.
North Carolina judges are now being instructed to “default” to a 50-50 custody arrangement, and to challenge that as not in your child’s best interests, you’ll need a skilled attorney.
Family law matters can be challenging, and even more so when you try to face them on your own. Complex laws and courtroom procedures can be difficult to understand without formal legal training and extensive experience in North Carolina’s courts.
If you’re battling a family law case, consider seeking the support and guidance of a skilled NC family law attorney.
Reach out to our law office today to schedule a consultation. Our office is located at 900 Old Winston Rd. Suite 212, Kernersville, NC 27284.
How much can I get for child support in North Carolina?
Family law courts calculate child support payments based on several factors, including child care costs, each party’s income, and the child(ren)’s living situation. To get the most accurate idea of what may be available, reach out to a North Carolina child support attorney.
Is there a waiting period to get divorced in North Carolina?
North Carolina requires spouses to live separately for at least one year before filing a divorce petition.
Is it better to hire local family law attorneys?
A lawyer who practices in the community may be a better match when you’re looking to win a family law case. At Apple Payne Law, our attorneys are born and bred in North Carolina. We not only have a solid understanding of family law but of local politics and court systems to aid your case.
"*" indicates required fields
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!