Legal Expertise for Families in North Carolina & South Carolina
Family Law Practice Areas
In addition to being factually complex, family law can be emotional and deeply personal. Attorneys who use templated legal strategies in family matters often fall short of expectations.
That’s why our family law firm uses an “advisory” approach, tailoring our legal strategies to meet your goals and desired outcomes. We aim to give you peace of mind as you deal with family law matters that can be stressful and emotionally tolling. Our clear and detailed legal guidance will give you the confidence to make sound decisions about your future.
What family outcomes are you looking for?
We’d like to help – schedule a one-on-one
consultation today.
In North Carolina, lawsuits are permitted against third parties that have interfered with a marital relationship. Consult with our firm to help you understand the law and how it applies to your situation. We’ll use our in-depth insight into the family courts to find the best possible outcome for you.
Child custody cases are often painful, overwhelming, and complex. Our experienced child custody attorney can help you understand the different types of custody available and advise you on the best custody arrangements for you and your family.
Whether you are seeking an initial child custody determination or looking to modify an existing child custody schedule, we will offer practical advice so you can achieve your desired outcomes.
Regardless of whether you are married or unmarried, every parent has an obligation to financially support his or her child. Though child support is often calculated according to state guidelines, they do not apply in every situation.
It is essential to seek the advice of an experienced child support lawyer to advise you on how guidelines apply in your case. Whether you are seeking an initial determination or looking to modify or enforce a prior agreement, our child support lawyer can answer your questions and ensure your children will be advocated for.
In North Carolina, non-married couples are not afforded the same legal protections as married couples. If you are not married but living with your partner, you can benefit from the security of a cohabitation agreement.
Similar to a prenuptial agreement, this can protect the interests of each partner if the relationship dissolves. A cohabitation agreement lawyer can advocate for you through this process.
Though divorce is a painful process, an experienced divorce lawyer can help you feel educated, empowered, and legally prepared. We will counsel you through the process from beginning to end regardless of the complexity of your situation.
Learn more about divorce in North Carolina.
When a party fails to fulfill their court-ordered obligations or comply with the terms of a prior agreement, an action to enforce the prior order or agreement may be appropriate.
Several different legal avenues can be taken to enforce prior obligations, such as a Motion for Contempt or a Breach of Contract claim. An experienced attorney at Carini Law can advise you on which legal avenue is best for your circumstances.
It can be daunting to be unsure of how your property will be divided or which assets and debts you are going to walk away with. The process of dividing assets and debts during a divorce is legally referred to as “equitable distribution.”
If you and your spouse are unable to reach an agreement on equitable distribution, the court will decide for you. At Carini Law, we will advise you on what qualifies as marital property and explain your rights to marital and separate property division.
In North Carolina, a couple must be physically separated for one year before they can get divorced. Though a separation agreement is not required during this period of physical separation, it can offer significant clarity. A separation agreement can encompass settlement terms related to child custody, child support, spousal support, and equitable distribution.
Since a separation agreement is a legally binding contract, you must understand and agree with the terms completely before signing the agreement. Our separation lawyer will advocate on your behalf to draft, review, or negotiate the terms of a separation agreement between you and your spouse.
Postseparation support and alimony are monies paid by a supporting spouse to a dependent spouse. Typically, postseparation support is paid on a temporary basis, whereas alimony is paid for a longer duration.
Alimony is determined based on various factors, including, but not limited to, the relative incomes of the parties, the standard of living during the marriage, and any instances of marital misconduct. Whether you require postseparation support or alimony or are worried about being required to pay either, Carini Law can help.
No one enters into a marriage with the intent to get divorced. A prenuptial agreement allows you to enter matrimony with the confidence that comes from having a detailed plan of action between you and your partner in the event of marital dissolution, separation, or annulment.
Carini Law can help you draft a comprehensive agreement that may reduce the extent of future litigation and offers you the security to offset any financial concerns.
A postnuptial agreement is a contract between you and your spouse that establishes how certain financial matters will be addressed in the event of marital dissolution. While a prenuptial agreement is signed prior to a marriage, a postnuptial agreement is entered into after you and your spouse are already married.
A postnuptial agreement can give you peace of mind knowing that your needs will be met no matter the outcome. Our postnuptial agreement lawyer will form a creative solution for your situation and establish a protective plan of action.
If you feel as if you are in danger, or are being harassed, stalked, or threatened, you should consider seeking a protective order. The relevant protective order for your case depends on your relationship with the individual against whom you are seeking the order. Whether you are seeking to obtain a protective order or have been accused of domestic violence, Carini Law can help.
Carini Law
Legal Strategies We Use
There is no one-size approach to a case. Carini Law works with you to become familiar with your situation, consider all relevant factors, and curate the most effective legal plan for you. Our firm acts as a strong advocate for clients, keeping them informed at every step of the process.
Collaborative Law
If litigation is not necessary for your case, an alternative dispute resolution might be best to reach a fair outcome. If you and your spouse both agree to the collaborative law process, each of you and your respective attorneys will work together through a series of joint meetings to reach an amicable settlement. Non-legal experts may also be jointly hired by the parties to assist in this process.
Carini Law is here to discuss if this is an appropriate strategy for your case and advocate for you through this process if it is.
Arbitration
Arbitration is another type of alternative dispute resolution where an Arbitrator, rather than a Judge, decides the outcome of your case.
Both disputing parties hire lawyers during this process, and the outcome is reached through a process that resembles a less formal court hearing. Arbitration is often a quicker route to resolution than a formal court hearing. Our firm can help you determine if arbitration is a suitable route for you.
Litigation
Some cases cannot be settled outside of court and may require a Judge to decide the outcome of the case at a court hearing or trial. If your case goes to court, you can count on our firm to be detailed, prepared, and ready to fight for you as your greatest advocate. Our firm is here to help you discern what is the most effective course of legal action for your situation and desired outcome.
Mediation
Your case may be settled outside of court through alternative dispute resolution. One option for alternative dispute resolution is mediation, which enlists the help of a neutral third party who helps you and your spouse reach an agreement. Though they don’t act as a lawyer, the mediator facilitates communication while minimizing the levels of emotion and stress as you reach a positive conclusion. Your attorney can attend mediation with you to provide legal guidance and negotiate on your behalf.
At Carini Law, we believe that many cases can be settled outside of court in an amicable manner that is most beneficial for you and your loved ones.