Family Law
Charlotte, North Carolina: Experienced Family Law Attorneys
Family law, sometimes known as "domestic law," is a broad area of legal practice covering any situation in which family relationships must be formalized, regulated, monitored or dissolved by North Carolina's family courts.
At Douglas K. Simmons & Associates, PLLC, we understand that family law situations are often emotionally charged and difficult for the individuals involved, especially in a divorce or separation. Our Charlotte family law attorneys provide compassionate representation in divorce cases and other family law matters, using our deep experience to guide spouses or parents through difficult decisions.
- Divorce : Typically, in North Carolina you can only get a divorce if you live in separate residences for a year or more.
- Separation agreements : If both members of a couple agree on the need to separate, they can do so with a formal separation agreement. Separation agreements, sometimes called "legal separations," include formal agreements about issues like child custody, child and spousal support, the division of assets, and all other issues incident to a divorce. North Carolina law does not require separation agreements, just physical separation. However, separation agreements can be a useful tool when separated spouses cannot rely on informal agreements.
- Child custody: Many parents want to know what their rights are in terms of child support and custody even before beginning the divorce process. Our lawyers can answer your questions in a fully confidential setting.
- Child support : Find out how much child support would be payable in your case. Child support is available to both married and unmarried parents. Our lawyers can also help with child support modifications or enforcement.
- Alimony and post-separation support: These forms of spousal support are sometimes available to the spouse who makes less money.
- Division of marital assets : Under North Carolina law, marital property and debts are usually divided equally. However, in certain circumstances an unequal distribution may be warranted. Our attorneys fight for a fair result in property division negotiations.
- Adoptions: Our attorneys handle open agency adoptions, closed agency adoptions and stepparent adoptions in and around Charlotte, North Carolina.
- Termination of parental rights: Sometimes in cases of abuse or neglect, it is necessary to seek a court order terminating the parental rights of the abusive or neglectful parent.
- Restraining orders: Our lawyers can help you obtain or enforce a restraining order in either civil or criminal court.
- Premarital agreements: Couples should consider prenuptial agreements if one or both are entering into the marriage with a lot of assets or debts.
- Name changes: We can efficiently file necessary court documents to formalize a name change after marriage, divorce or adoption.
North Carolina is one of the few states in which you can still sue for adultery. Technically, these cases fall under "alienation of affections" and "criminal conversation," and are handled in civil court rather than family court. Alienation of affections need not involve adultery; it may include relationships outside of marriage that were not consummated.
Contact Douglas K. Simmons & Associates, PLLC
If you need help with any of the above matters, please call us at (704) 549-1950 or use our online contact form. An attorney or staff member from our office will be in touch with you as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you!
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