If you are getting married, getting divorced, or are having child custody problems, you need an experienced family lawyer to help you through what can be a difficult and emotional process.
At the
Ward Law Firm, P.A., we help people with all aspects of family law, from prenuptial agreements to the difficult process of divorce. We can also help with ongoing issues associated with custody and support, including:
- Divorce by Mail
- Divorce
- Domestic Violence
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Post-Separation Support
- Alimony
- Equitable Distribution
- Separation Agreements
- Prenuptial Agreements
- Alienation of Affection and Criminal Conversation
Child Custody
Child custody is one of the most troublesome issues for people who are divorcing. Who will the children spend most of their time living with? What to do about holidays and vacations? Who has the decision making power when it comes to finding a school or choosing a doctor? What happens if one parent needs to move because of a job? These are all common issues that parents have difficulty reaching an agreement on.
In North Carolina, the courts have jurisdiction over children until they reach the age of 18. That means that custody issues can arise long after a divorce is final. As circumstances change, one parent may find it necessary to try to change the terms of a custody arrangement.
Child Support
North Carolina courts use a set of standard guidelines to determine child support based on the parents' incomes and the amount of custody time each one has with the children. Complications can and do arise in determining support, from a parent deliberately depressing his or her income to avoid paying support to disputes over who will claim tax exemptions and credits for the children each year.
Post-Separation Support and Alimony
There are two kinds of support available to spouses who are divorcing. Post-separation support is temporary and is ordered by a court to help one spouse meet his or her expenses after separation. Many people sacrifice careers for the sake of their marriage and find themselves with few job prospects immediately after a separation. Post-separation support can be critical to those who find themselves suddenly without their spouse's income and still needing to pay rent or a mortgage and keep up with the bills. Alimony is a long-term support that continues after divorce and is intended to help maintain an accustomed standard of living while a person gets back on their feet.
Equitable Distribution
In North Carolina, property acquired during a marriage is usually considered to be jointly owned by husband and wife. When a couple divorces, that property needs to be divided fairly. Wake County family lawyer can help you with the complex issues of equitable distribution, from determining what to do with your home or business to dividing retirement accounts and investments.
Domestic Violence
When confronted with violence in the home, stalking or harassment, many people feel like there is nowhere to go and no one that they can turn to. The laws of North Carolina include protections for victims of domestic violence that can enable you to stay in your home, keep custody of your children, and prevent an abusive partner from approaching you.
Temporary Restraining Orders can be issued by the court. They remain in effect for 10 days. At the end of those 10 days, the court will hold a hearing and decide whether to issue a Domestic Violence Restraining Order that will remain in effect for a year or more.
If you feel that you are the victim of domestic abuse, or if you believe you have been wrongly accused of domestic violence, it is important that you contact an experienced attorney quickly after receiving a Temporary Restraining Order. You need someone who will go to court and fight to protect your rights. Raleigh family law attorney of the Ward Law Firm, P.A., will fight for you.
Alienation of Affection
North Carolina is one of the few states that will still hear claims for alienation of affection. When one spouse has an affair, the other spouse can sue that person for alienating the affection of his or her partner. In other words, it is suing someone for breaking up a marriage. These cases can be costly and difficult, and over the past several years there have been judgments in excess of a million dollars against some defendants.
Family law attorney has experience with alienation of affection cases and will fight for you.