Charlotte Family Law Attorneys
Experienced, honest representation for family matters in North Carolina
Any life experience requiring a family law attorney can be challenging – whether it’s a happy occasion like an adoption, or a difficult one like a divorce. Our lawyers are here to make the process easier for both you and your family, keeping your and children’s best interests a priority above all else. Count on us to keep you feeling informed and secure when you come to us with your family law issue.
At Epperson Law Group, PLLC, our decades of experience enable us to focus on practical, strategic solutions for your family law, divorce and child custody matters. With offices in Charlotte, Concord, Raleigh, Asheville, Boone or Weddington, we provide local and personal representation when you and your family need it most. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation today.
If you have questions about the ins and outs of family law, we have answers.
How can we help?
- What is family law?
- How NC family law differs from other states
- When should you talk to a family law attorney?
- Our Charlotte family law practice areas
- How family law cases work in Mecklenburg County
- The Mecklenburg County family court system
- What is the adoption process in Charlotte?
- How does child custody work?
- Why do I need a parenting plan?
- How does the court determine child support?
- Can you help me with a paternity action?
- Is your family lawyer near me?
- Why do I need a Charlotte family law attorney?
- Frequently asked questions about NC family law
What is family law?
Family law encompasses a wide range of domestic and family-related matters. Typically, family law attorneys handle cases involving divorce and related issues – such as separation agreements, child custody, alimony, child support, and property division. It can also address agreements before marriage, such as pre- and post-marital agreements.
When we represent you, our attorneys work tirelessly to pursue the best possible outcome for your case. We understand that family law issues can affect the rest of your life, and we intend to stand by your side and fight for you with integrity and honesty. If you wish to appeal a family court order, we can explain your options and represent you in that appeal. Our years of experience with the family law court system serving Charlotte and Mecklenburg County work to your benefit.
Our legal team can help you with many complex family law issues with the knowledge and experience our clients have come to trust.
How NC family law differs from other states
North Carolina has nuances in its family law process that can surprise anyone coming from another state. For divorce, North Carolina requires spouses to live separately for at least one full year before filing, which isn't the rule in most other states. North Carolina also uses equitable distribution, which means property is split equitably, and not necessarily down the middle.
The court focuses on what it believes is fair (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50-20). Unlike some states with fault-based grounds for divorce, North Carolina’s grounds for absolute divorce are no-fault, including the rarely used ground of incurable insanity. Issues of fault may still be relevant when the court is deciding alimony (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50-16.1A, § 50-16.3A).
When should you talk to a family law attorney?
Many people wait until things have reached a breaking point before seeking advice, but it’s wise to talk with a family law attorney earlier than most think. If you have questions about separation, living arrangements, parenting schedules, or legal rights, starting a conversation early helps you safeguard what matters most.
Sometimes a quick consultation can prevent confusion, protect assets, or even improve family communication before problems spiral out of control. You don’t need to have all the answers; just reaching out is an important first step toward a fair resolution.
Our Charlotte family law practice areas
Navigating family legal matters can be stressful, emotional, and complex. Our Charlotte family law team combines legal experience with personalized support, providing you with legal care and a team that truly cares about you and your family. Below are some of the common areas we handle.
Divorce and legal separation
North Carolina requires couples to be physically separated for a year before they can file for divorce. During this period, many negotiate agreements about finances, property, and children, setting clear expectations early. If formal terms or help navigating separation are needed, our team explains your options and helps you reach your goals. Learn more about divorce and legal separation.
Equitable distribution and property division
NC courts use "equitable distribution." That means marital assets, like homes, retirement accounts, and businesses, and debts are split in a way the court deems fair; they are not necessarily split 50/50. We help protect what’s most important to you at every stage. Learn more about equitable distribution and property division.
Child custody and visitation
Custody and visitation prioritize your child’s best interests. We balance both parents’ involvement, flexible scheduling, future school and holiday arrangements, and unique family needs. Learn more about child custody and visitation.
Child support
NC child support rules consider both parents’ money, health, insurance, and overall needs. We will explain the guidelines, provide advice on any special factors or circumstances, and handle modifications to ensure your child’s security as life moves forward. Learn more about child support.
Alimony and spousal support
Alimony supports a spouse facing economic hardship after a breakup. It is awarded based on employment history, needs, marriage factors, and marital misconduct. We help clients protect their rights. Learn more about alimony and spousal support.
Paternity and legitimation
NC procedures clarify parent-child status for unmarried mothers and fathers, essential for rights, custody, support, and benefits. From blood testing to court orders, we can help you throughout every step. Learn more about paternity and legitimation.
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements let you make clear plans around money, property, ownership, and debts before or after you are married. We make these agreements easy to understand and follow. Learn more about prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
Adoption
Adoption – whether by stepparents, grandparents, through an agency, or through a private process – follows strict NC rules and several steps. If you want to adopt or need approval in another state, we guide you to keep the process as straightforward as possible for you and your family. Learn more about adoption.
Protective orders and civil no-contact orders
If you need legal protection, NC has two key paths. One is for abuse involving a spouse, former partner, or family (50B), and the other covers stalking or nonconsensual sexual conduct by someone outside a qualifying personal relationship. We move quickly to help you with both types of orders. Learn more about domestic violence protective orders.
Modifications of custody, support, and alimony orders
Sometimes support, custody, or spousal orders no longer match the reality of your life after a major income change or family move. North Carolina courts can update these if you prove circumstances really changed, and we'll make sure you take the proper steps. Learn more about modifications.
Contempt and enforcement of family court orders
When someone ignores or violates a court order, we can help you get it enforced. This can be done by filing a motion with the court and may result in a finding of contempt or other sanctions against the party who isn't following the order. Learn more about enforcement and contempt.
Grandparent visitation rights in NC
North Carolina law is strict about when grandparents can seek custody or visitation. We outline realistic ways grandparents can stay involved according to what state law allows. Learn more about grandparent visitation rights.
High-net-worth and complex-asset divorce
If you hold business shares, investments, large estates, stock, or other complicated assets, you need experienced help making sure these are split fairly. Our firm values and negotiates all types of assets on behalf of clients. Learn more about high-net-worth divorce.
Collaborative divorce and family law mediation
Not every divorce needs to be fought in court; many are handled through mediation or other collaborative methods. We guide you toward lower-conflict resolutions to save you time, stress, and money. Learn more about collaborative family law.
Military family law
Charlotte’s many military families face unique issues involving pensions under the USFSPA, court proceedings under the SCRA, and deployment-related custody matters under North Carolina law. We’re knowledgeable in both state and federal military protections. Learn more about military family law.
LGBTQ+ family law
We advise same-sex and LGBTQ+ families on NC law for adoption, second-parent or surrogate rights, divorce, support, and recognizing parenting status without unnecessary obstacles. Learn more about LGBTQ+ family law.
With practical answers and clear advice through every step, we'll make sure you understand what you need to do to protect your rights and move forward with your family.
How family law cases work in Mecklenburg County
If you’re pursuing divorce, custody, or support in Mecklenburg County, your case will go through the county’s focused family court system. Understanding how it works can prepare you for the steps ahead and help your case move along smoothly.
The Mecklenburg County family court system
Cases are heard by the Mecklenburg County Family Court Division at the courthouse, which is designed specifically for divorce, custody, asset division, and family disputes. Programs like Family Financial Mediation and the Custody Mediation Program are designed to simplify resolving family conflict outside the courtroom, whenever possible.
Mediation requirements for custody and property cases
In most Mecklenburg child custody and property division (equitable distribution) cases, you must use state-approved mediation before you get to trial. Custody mediation gives parents space to sort out schedules and decisions. Family Financial Mediation focuses on dividing property or debts; many reach settlements through this process. Only if this fails will a judge hold a contested hearing for unresolved issues.
Typical timeline from first consultation to resolution
Every case is different, but once the one-year separation requirement has been satisfied, you can expect an uncontested or straightforward divorce to wrap up in as little as 90 to 120 days. Most child custody or property cases could take several more months, including the required mediation. This could be between 6 and 12 months total if hearings are needed.
How family law attorneys charge for cases
Attorneys generally bill hourly for most family law cases, starting with a retainer fee paid up front. For simple, well-defined matters, like uncontested divorces or some agreements, a flat fee might be possible. All expenses, including filing fees, are discussed in detail at the consultation so you aren’t surprised by costs as your matter moves through the system.
What is the adoption process in Charlotte?
Adoption is the process of establishing a legal relationship between a parent and child. The most important thing to remember about adoption, and the way North Carolina judges interpret the law, is that it is the process of finding the best parents for the welfare of a child – and not finding the best child for adoptive parents.
After a child is adopted, the relationship between that child and their natural biological parent is legally severed, except that a stepparent adoption does not sever the relationship with the parent married to the stepparent. And, after the child is adopted, they now have all the same legal rights as a biological child born to the adoptive parents.
How does child custody work?
When creating a child custody agreement, the court has no preference for either parent. All decisions are made for the best welfare of the child. Typically, either parent can file a request for a custody order or custody modification; however, only a judge can make a final decision. In the case of a custody modification order, a parent must show a substantial change in circumstances affecting the welfare of the child. Changes in circumstances could include when a parent is relocating or if a parent can no longer work with the custody schedule.
Why do I need a parenting plan?
Parenting plans are part of the child custody process in Charlotte and throughout North Carolina. If you and your co-parent have come up with a parenting plan on your own, the court can give its approval. If you and your co-parent are in disagreement, then the court will decide. With the help of your attorney, a well-drafted parenting plan can result in a fair and equitable custody agreement that protects your rights and the rights of your child.
Parenting plans include things like shared parenting time, where children spend holidays, who claims children on their taxes, or education and discipline decisions.
How does the court determine child support?
According to state law, both parents have a legal obligation to support their children. Typically, this obligation ends when your child turns 18 (though some exceptions apply). The court determines the amount of child support using North Carolina Child Support Guidelines, which take into account each family’s unique circumstances – including each parent’s income, the child’s expenses, and each parent’s other relevant financial obligations.
Our Charlotte family law attorneys can also assist you with child support enforcement when your child’s parent isn’t cooperating with the agreed-upon child support agreement.
Can you help me with a paternity action?
Paternity actions can help serve many purposes. The other parent can seek child support from the biological father by establishing paternity; a father can assert his parental rights, or a putative father can contest paternity. Establishing paternity may sometimes also be necessary for medical and genetic reasons.
Is your family lawyer near me?
Epperson Law Group has offices in Charlotte, Concord, Raleigh, Asheville, Boone and Weddington, but we serve clients throughout North Carolina. Rest assured, however, that if you are unable to come to us, we will travel to visit you. We also offer virtual conferences and telephone consultations.
Why do I need a Charlotte family law attorney?
Your family law matters do not begin and end in the courtroom. Whether you’re going through a separation or a child custody dispute, a successful outcome begins with thorough preparation for what’s to come. Our legal team walks you through the process and lets you know what to expect. We ensure you’re treated with honesty and fairness, and work only in the best interests of you and your child.
Frequently asked questions about NC family law
Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce in NC?
A lawyer isn’t legally required for an uncontested divorce. However, because separation agreements or property waivers can create permanent, sometimes unwanted results, it’s smart to get legal advice before you sign anything.
How long do I have to be separated before divorcing in NC?
North Carolina requires you and your spouse to live separately for at least one year and one day before you can file for divorce.
Is North Carolina a 50/50 state for property division?
No. NC is an equitable distribution state. Marital assets are divided fairly, but not always 50/50, based on each family’s circumstances.
Do mothers always get custody in NC?
No. NC courts do not favor mothers or fathers; they base custody decisions only on the best interests of the child.
Can I get a restraining order without my spouse knowing?
Yes. Courts can issue a temporary “ex parte” 50B protective order without the other party present if there’s evidence of a danger of serious and immediate injury.
How much does a Charlotte family law attorney cost?
Costs depend on your case. Hourly rates often range from $200 to $400+, and most firms require a retainer, usually a few thousand dollars, to begin work.
Can I modify a custody or support order later?
Yes. Modifications are possible if you show there’s been a substantial change in circumstances since the last order.
What if my ex isn’t following our court order?
You can file a motion for contempt with the court, asking the court to enforce the original order and possibly impose penalties.
Contact our Charlotte family law firm today
The legal team at Epperson Law Group, PLLC has decades of experience protecting the rights of people just like you. If you need help with a family law matter – divorce, child support, child custody – talk to one of our lawyers today to find out how we can help. We’re right off the NC-16 on Sikes Place. To reserve a consultation at one of our offices in Charlotte, Concord, Raleigh, Asheville, Boone or Weddington, please call 704-850-9288 or fill out our contact form.
Related articles
Charlotte Office
10851 Sikes Place
Charlotte, NC 28277
704-859-2264