How to Navigate the Family Court System in North Carolina: A Comprehensive Guide

family law court in North Carolina

No matter the situation, navigating the complex North Carolina family court system can be stressful and overwhelming. How can you hope to achieve a favorable result when just filing the correct paperwork feels daunting? You need a champion for your rights when confronting the challenges of family court.

When your family’s health, safety, and financial stability are on the line, turn to our experienced North Carolina family court attorneys for help. Working with our Wake County family court lawyers can result in a timely, consistent, and thoughtful resolution to your legal issues. It also means less stress and more peace of mind for you and your family.

At Charles R. Ullman & Associates, we have an extensive track record of helping North Carolina families seek favorable outcomes for their NC family court cases. From juvenile and domestic court cases to child custody and divorce, we have the knowledge and resources to help your family weather the storm and seek the best result.

For more information and personalized advice about your unique Wake County family law situation, contact our office and arrange a confidential legal consultation today.

Overview of the North Carolina Family Court System

family court hearing citationIn North Carolina, there is no local court system. The court system is managed under one unified state system. Family law issues can benefit from this approach because family legal matters are handled by judges and staff dedicated solely to family law cases. Family court judges are experienced in handling unique family situations and even receive specialized training to increase their expertise in the field.

Family court aims to consolidate family legal issues and present them to a single district court judge or team of judges. Why? Handling family law issues in this way allows judges to become familiar with the issue at hand, get to know the people involved, and better address a family’s issues. It also helps expedite the family law process because recounting family history to multiple judges at every hearing is unnecessary.

The North Carolina family law judges and staff also implement policies intended to promote the fair resolution of family issues. Effective case management by the family court system can include:

  • Court supervision of the legal process and case progress
  • Control of continuances
  • Early depositions
  • Firm trial dates 

The court’s goal is to help families resolve legal issues promptly and fairly.

Types of Family Law Cases We Handle

Family court can be instrumental in helping North Carolina families resolve disputes, settle legal questions, and move forward with their lives. At Charles R. Ullman & Associates, we solely focus on family law, which gives us the unique skills and experience to deal effectively with the numerous challenges family law cases can present.

Over our decades of helping families like yours, we’ve also gained the knowledge and resources to help North Carolina families through a wide range of family law issues. Some of the family law cases we handle include:

  • Domestic violence
  • Asset division
  • Spousal support and alimony
  • Child custody
  • Child support 
  • Legal separation
  • Family law mediation
  • Divorce
  • Stalking law
  • Postnuptial agreements
  • Prenuptial agreements
  • Annulments
  • Collaborative divorce
  • Family law arbitration
  • Property rights for unmarried couples 

We understand how to maneuver in the North Carolina family law system, and our skill means that you experience less stress and emotional strain than if you were managing the process alone.

Initiating a Family Court Case and Navigating the Family Court System

Being in the North Carolina family law court system can feel overwhelming without the help of an experienced North Carolina family court lawyer. The process for initiating a family court case varies depending on the situation. The process for moving forward with juvenile and domestic court cases differs from the process used in divorce court cases.

Step one is to involve a knowledgeable Wake County family court attorney from Charles R. Ullman & Associates. An attorney from our firm can review the specifics of your case and move you in the right direction.

Most family law matters begin with filing a petition and waiting for a response from the opposing party. Our attorney can ensure you are filing the correct legal paperwork and incorporating the information the family court needs to proceed with your case. If an agreement cannot be reached outside of court, your family court case may need additional services, such as court supervision or a case assignment.

The family law court can schedule firm trial dates and eliminate unnecessary continuances because your judge will be familiar with your situation. Effective case management is essential during this time. It means your attorney and the court system have ample time to review the situation, set standards, and resolve your family law issues.

How long does it take a family court judge to make a decision? The answer depends on the case type and the situation’s complexity. Divorce court judges can take months or years to resolve family issues if the case involves a high-conflict situation, high-dollar assets, or complex child custody issues. Juvenile and domestic matters may be resolved sooner, depending on the circumstances of the issue at hand.

Discuss your expectations with an experienced family law attorney at our law firm to better understand how the circumstances of your unique situation may impact the time it takes to resolve your legal issues.

Family Court Districts in North Carolina

At Charles R. Ullman & Associates, we are committed to offering families in Raleigh and throughout Wake County the legal advice they need to help them manage family court proceedings. However, identifying the relevant court system to help you address your legal matters is critical. There are several courts in the state, each of which serves a particular region or area. Superior Court District 10 and District Court District 10 serve Wake County.

You can find more information on North Carolina’s court services and courthouse locations in Wake County online at the  North Carolina Judicial Branch.

Seeking the Advice of a Skilled Family Court Attorney Today

At Charles R. Ullman & Associates, our family law attorneys offer legal advice and support to Wake County families who need help making their way through the North Carolina family court system. With over two decades of experience, we can provide you with the responsive legal advice and the compassionate support your family deserves.

Start your legal journey today by contacting our office to arrange a confidential and personalized case review.

About 

Charles Ullman & Associates provides you respected, experienced and knowledgeable divorce and family law attorneys. You can trust us to help you through the legal process efficiently and effectively so you can transition to the next phase of your life. Our community involvement reaches beyond charitable support of important causes. We launched our own movement in Fraternities4Family and provide scholarships to able students in need.