Family Law – Monroe Law Firm

Family Law

Monroe, NC-Based Family Law Attorneys

Family law disputes, such as contested separation, can be expensive, stressful, and time consuming. The attorneys at Leitner, Bragg & Griffin, PLLC truly understand the level of emotional and financial stress a divorce can put on you and those closest to you. When you choose to work with our firm, you become a part of our family. We will make sure to take that extra step for you. We will listen to your goals, carefully guide you through your familial dispute, and work with you toward a resolution that preserves your interests and is amicable for your loved ones.

We provide answers, assistance, and legal representation in a wide range of family law issues, including:

Adoption
Alienation of affection
Child custody, visitation, and modification
Child support
Criminal conversation
Divorce (including absolute divorce)
Domestic violence
Equitable distribution and property settlement
Grandparent’s rights
Post-separation spousal support and alimony
Separation agreements
Termination of parental rights
Other special proceedings

Contact our office by calling (704) 447-7473 to schedule a consultation with our family law attorneys in Monroe, NC.

Our Family Law Services in Union County and Surrounding Areas

DIVORCE

If you are facing a divorce, there are several important steps you must take. First, it’s important to know that North Carolina requires a separation period of 1 year before formally filing for an absolute divorce. During this time, spouses must live apart from one another, with arrangements for child support and alimony (if applicable). Furthermore, in addition to the separation itself, you’ll also need to settle related issues, such as the division of marital property, the applicability of spousal support, visitation rights, and so forth. We can help you with all of this and more.

SPOUSAL SUPPORT

Alimony is the money an individual pays to or receives from their spouse or former spouse. There is also postseparation support, which refers to a temporary form of spousal support that the court may award before making a final determination on alimony. In determining alimony and postseparation support matters, the court will consider several factors to determine whether it is necessary and, if so, to calculate its amount and duration. This includes each spouse’s income, earning potential, and standard of living during the marriage. In most cases, alimony payments are temporary for a period of time; however, in some instances, spousal support may be permanent. Our lawyers can work with you to determine how North Carolina’s alimony laws apply to your circumstances.

CHILD CUSTODY

Do you know your custody rights? Children are often the most important considerations for parents planning to separate. As such, they’re often the center of contested divorce disputes. If you’re battling for custody of your children, it’s vital that you have an experienced and knowledgeable legal team on your side. We handle child custody cases with the compassion and attention they deserve. Our number one priority is to work with you toward a solution that best serves you and your child.

PROPERTY DIVISION AND EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION

North Carolina is an equitable distribution state, meaning the court will make an effort to divide property equitably based on a number of factors; however, the State does presume an equal split of all marital assets and debts to be equitable. The court will account for a number of factors to determine whether an unequal split is equitable. To prepare for property division, you’ll need to survey all your assets and debts. This may include real estate, investments, vehicles, bank accounts, debts, and anything else that was either acquired during the marriage or that co-mingled with recognized marital assets. Working closely with experienced attorneys like Leitner, Bragg & Griffin can help ensure your financial interests are protected throughout the equitable distribution process.

ADOPTION AND OTHER SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS

There are several different kinds of adoption. A common scenario is when a stepparent enters into a new parental role as primary guardian (stepparent adoption). Another type of adoption is a private or independent adoption, where an individual or couple will work with a lawyer or agency to adopt a child from the biological parent(s). Each of these scenarios requires unique considerations. For example, most private adoptions will require a preplacement assessment, or “home study,” which is a comprehensive investigation into the lives of the prospective parents.

To begin the adoption process, you must file a “special proceeding form.” At Leitner, Bragg & Griffin, we advise clients with adoptions and other special proceeding cases brought before the Clerk of Superior Court (name changes, competency matters, etc.).

If you are preparing to or have separated from your spouse, or need to address other family law issues, we invite you to discuss your case with one of family law attorneys by calling (704) 447-7473.

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