With more than 200 years of combined experience, our compassionate attorneys serve North and South Carolina in all areas of family law and elder law.
Family Lawyers in North & South Carolina
Finding Solutions for Your Family’s Legal Challenges
Family law issues are sensitive and surrounded by complex laws. At Collins Family & Elder Law Group, we have the proven dedication and the right combination of compassion, legal knowledge, and experience to help you navigate the process successfully. We understand that emotions are high, and our goal is to guide you through this difficult time by giving you the best possible legal advice to address present issues and protect your future.
Our commitment starts with understanding each client's unique needs and circumstances. We focus on providing personalized guidance, whether through in-person consultations or convenient remote options, ensuring every client feels supported and understood. By fostering a collaborative approach, we aim to achieve outcomes that safeguard your family's interests now and in the years to come.
Any skilled and passionate family law attorney at our firm is prepared to help you with any family law matter. As we have considerable experience handling mediation and collaborative law matters, we have the insights and care you need on our side to pursue creative, peaceful resolutions and build a stronger future.
Understanding North Carolina Family Law Trends
Staying abreast of current trends in family law can significantly affect the outcome of family-related legal matters. In recent years, North Carolina has seen an increasing emphasis on mediation and collaborative approaches to divorce, which offer a less adversarial and more cost-effective way to settle disputes. Additionally, there is heightened awareness about the importance of protecting children's well-being, which is reflected in more balanced custody arrangements.
At Collins Family & Elder Law Group, we incorporate these trends into our practice to provide services that are not only legally sound but also in tune with modern family dynamics. Whether it's through using advanced technology for secure virtual consultations or applying creative problem-solving techniques, we're committed to innovative and personalized legal solutions.
Are you facing a family law challenge in North Carolina? Let Collins Family & Elder Law Group provide the compassionate and experienced guidance you need to protect your family’s future. Call Collins Family & Elder Law Group today at (704) 289-3250 or contact us online for a consultation!
What Does a Family Lawyer Do?
Hiring an experienced North Carolina family lawyer can offer numerous benefits, especially in legal matters involving family, relationships, and domestic issues. Here are some key advantages:
- Legal Expertise: Our family lawyers are well-versed in North Carolina's family law and can provide you with knowledgeable guidance tailored to your unique situation. We understand the intricacies of state laws, which can be complex, and help you navigate them effectively.
- Objective Advice: Emotions can run high in family disputes, making it difficult to think objectively. Our family lawyer can provide a rational perspective and help you make informed decisions based on legal principles and your best interests.
- Effective Communication: Our family lawyers are skilled in communication, crucial in negotiations, mediation, and courtroom proceedings. We can represent your interests effectively and help resolve conflicts more efficiently.
- Paperwork and Procedures: Legal processes often involve extensive paperwork and specific procedural requirements. Our family lawyer can manage the paperwork and ensure all procedures are followed correctly to avoid delays and potential legal pitfalls.
- Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution: Our family lawyers can often facilitate mediation and alternative dispute resolution methods, leading to more amicable and less adversarial solutions in family disputes.
- Minimized Stress: Dealing with family legal matters can be emotionally taxing. Having a lawyer by your side can alleviate stress, allowing you to focus on healing and moving forward.
- Contingency Planning: In estate planning and asset protection, family lawyers can help you create contingency plans for unforeseen circumstances, ensuring your family's financial security.
- Courtroom Representation: If your case goes to court, our family lawyer will represent your interests and present a strong legal argument on your behalf.
Hiring a North Carolina family lawyer from Collins Family & Elder Law Group can provide invaluable support and legal expertise in various family-related matters. We can help you achieve fair and just outcomes while alleviating stress and emotional turmoil, making the legal process smoother and more manageable.
Beyond the courtroom, we prioritize educating our clients on their rights and available legal pathways. This empowerment ensures that our clients are prepared for the present and equipped for future scenarios. Our holistic approach encompasses every facet of family law, providing a robust support system at every stage of family dynamics and transitions.
"I could never tell you how much I appreciate what you have done for me"Emiline Northcut
-
Shawna Collins Founder -
Isla Tabrizi Partner & Chief of Legal Development
-
Candace S. Faircloth Partner & Chief of Trial Strategy
-
Rebecca Watts Partner & Chief Legal Officer
-
Jennifer Rodrigue Partner & the Regional Director of Lowcountry
-
Kathryn Cook DeAngelo Senior Counsel
-
Chelsea Josey Attorney at Law
.2407050835546.jpg)
Family Law Cases We Handle
Divorce
An absolute divorce is severing the legal relationship between husband and wife. Although the procedure for obtaining an absolute divorce may be straightforward, it affects your rights and responsibilities. We can explain these rights and responsibilities to you and assist you in obtaining a divorce without negatively affecting your other rights.
Understanding the emotional toll divorce can take, we offer services focused on both legal and emotional support. Our team facilitates open communication between parties to minimize conflict and encourage amicable resolutions. By prioritizing collaborative methods wherever possible, we work towards outcomes that serve the best interests of all involved parties.
Child Custody
The process of determining a custody and visitation schedule can be emotional. If parents cannot agree on what’s best for the child, the court has to make that decision. We can help you negotiate a resolution or litigate the issue if necessary.
In contentious custody battles, our focus is on the child's welfare. We advocate for solutions that reflect family dynamics and respect the child's voice. With comprehensive legal strategies, we strive to secure arrangements that ensure stability and nurturing environments for children.
Child Support
Although child support is determined by applying the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines in most cases, disputes can arise if the parties cannot agree on what income or expense numbers to use or if a party ordered to pay support does not make payments. We can help ensure that the correct child support obligation is established and collected.
We provide detailed guidance on the nuances of child support calculations and enforcement. Our proactive approach includes future-proofing agreements to adapt to changes in circumstances, ensuring lasting compliance and the child's financial well-being.
Separation Agreements
Many couples enter a separation agreement instead of asking the court to resolve their legal issues. We will help you explore the differences so you will know whether this approach may be a good option for your family.
Separation agreements can be tailored to the family's specific needs, covering aspects like finances, child custody, and property division. Our customized agreements aim to protect both parties' interests while fostering an environment conducive to mutual respect and cooperation.
Spousal Support
In determining whether to award spousal support, the trial court examines each party’s income and expenses and then considers whether an alimony award would be equitable. Because of the complexities involved, you need an attorney who understands the law and has experience making arguments to the court.
We delve into comprehensive financial assessments to ensure fair spousal support arrangements. Our analysis includes lifestyle considerations and future earning capacity to uphold the client's living standards post-divorce and support financial independence over time.
Property and Debt Division
In equitable distribution, marital assets and debts are supposed to be divided equitably. Unfortunately, parties may not always agree on what is equitable. Our experienced trial attorneys can present your best case to the trial court.
Our property division process involves a meticulous evaluation of all assets and liabilities. We strive for fair distribution, considering both tangible and intangible contributions to the marriage, ensuring a financially secure transition into post-marital life for both parties.
Need help navigating a family law matter? Our experienced attorneys are ready to assist you with personalized legal solutions that meet your unique needs. Contact us to schedule your consultation today!
We Also Handle…
Relocation
Moving can pose many challenging child custody issues. Discover your options and what factors the court will consider when deciding if the relocation is in the child's best interests.
Our firm provides insights into how relocations can impact custody arrangements, including potential modifications to existing agreements. We work to protect your rights and advocate for solutions that consider the child's entire support structure, including extended family and educational opportunities.
Adoption
We can help ensure that welcoming a child into your family remains exciting and joyful. Our team is by your side, from filing paperwork to attending court hearings so you can focus on growing your family.
Navigating the legal intricacies of adoption requires understanding state-specific regulations and processes. We offer guidance on different adoption types, including stepparent and agency adoptions, to facilitate a seamless journey to expanding your family.
Domestic Law Appeals
If the trial court incorrectly applied the law or did not adequately consider the evidence, you may be able to appeal that decision to the North Carolina Court of Appeals or the North Carolina Supreme Court. This also applies to the South Carolina Court of Appeals or the South Carolina Supreme Court. Our experienced appellate attorney can present your case for you.
Appealing a court decision is a critical endeavor that requires a strong grasp of legal precedent and procedural rules. Our attorneys bring meticulous attention to detail and strategic insight to each appeal, advocating for judicial reconsideration when essential rights are at stake.
Enforcement of Court Orders
Even after a court order has been entered, you may face legal battles with the other party if they fail to comply with it. We will work to ensure the court holds them accountable.
We use all available legal mechanisms to ensure compliance with court orders and protect your interests. From wage garnishments to contempt proceedings, our firm is proactive in defending the rights granted by the court.
Fathers’ Rights
Many fathers feel helpless during child custody and child support cases. Understand your rights so you can fight for your family.
We champion fathers' rights, promote fair treatment in custody, and support cases. Our supportive environment encourages open communication, empowering fathers to maintain active roles in their children's lives and uphold parental rights.
Grandparents’ Rights
Grandparents' rights are typically sought when a grandparent believes it is in the best interest of a grandchild to have a relationship with them, and they are being denied access or contact. Hiring an attorney for help with a grandparents' rights case is crucial because an attorney can navigate the complexities of family law, guide grandparents through the legal process, and advocate for their rights in court.
Our firm supports grandparents in asserting their rights and exploring avenues to maintain family bonds. Whether through mediation or litigation, we work tirelessly to provide grandchildren with the stability and continuity of care they deserve.
Mediation / Collaborative Law
A negotiated resolution is usually better for you than a court-imposed resolution. Whenever possible, we strive to resolve family law disputes amicably and cost-effectively through mediation or collaborative law.
Our mediation strategies focus on partnership and open dialogue, fostering environments where all parties can voice their concerns and seek common ground. By exploring all mediation opportunities, we aim to reduce the emotional and financial burdens associated with prolonged litigation.
Modification of Court Orders
Over time, circumstances may change in a way that renders a custody order no longer in the child's best interests or support no longer equitable. We will work with you to determine whether your order may be subject to modification and to present your case for entry of a new order.
Changes in job status, relocations, or shifts in children's needs can all prompt modifications. Our legal team assesses these evolving circumstances comprehensively, providing tailored advice to secure fair adjustments that reflect your current realities.
If you’re ready to find a peaceful resolution, reach out to Collins Family & Elder Law Group now for a consultation with one of our skilled North Carolina & South Carolina family law attorneys. We're here to guide you every step of the way!
