Family Law Attorneys
Winston-Salem, Greensboro and High Point

If you’re bracing yourself for a divorce or custody case, you want an experienced and dependable family law attorney on your side. Contact us today to understand your best options.

Four convenient offices in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point, NC!

Contact an Attorney Today

Four convenient offices in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point!

Contact an Attorney Today!

Family Law Attorneys in North Carolina

There’s no better feeling than finding a family law attorney that you can trust with your family’s future. At Dummit Fradin, we take this responsibility very seriously. Our experienced family lawyers will work with you from day one to create a customized plan of action with your goals in mind. We’ll stay by your side through the entire process so you’ll never feel lost or alone.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a family law attorney near you. We have offices in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point.

Family Law Attorneys in North Carolina

There’s no better feeling than finding a family law attorney that you can trust with your family’s future. At Dummit Fradin, we take this responsibility very seriously.

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Meet Our Family Law Attorneys

Jessica Culver
Jessica CulverFamily Law Attorney
Heading up our Family Law Team in Greensboro is award-winning Attorney Jessica Culver. The proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove, Jessica is unyielding when it comes to protecting her client’s rights. However, her extensive experience in litigation and settlement resolutions gives her an uncanny ability to sense when a compromise that’s beneficial for everyone can be reached. If you’re facing a difficult domestic matter, call Jessica Culver.
Michael Fradin
Michael FradinFamily Law Attorney
Based in Winston-Salem, NC, Michael Fradin is a family law attorney known for his commitment to his clients and his exemplary legal representation. He possesses a wealth of courtroom experience but frequently attains positive outcomes through effective negotiation, sparing his clients from the complexities of litigation. But, if the situation calls for it, he is fully prepared to litigate in court. If you’re seeking an attorney who is adept at securing resolutions both inside and outside the courtroom, reach out to Michael today.
Molly Brazil
Molly BrazilFamily Law Attorney
Molly Brazil is a family law attorney in Winston-Salem, NC. Molly is known for achieving favorable negotiated settlements that can keep her clients from having to go to court. However, if litigation becomes necessary, Molly is well-prepared and has an exceptional level of readiness when stepping into the courtroom. She is dedicated to ensuring that each client feels at ease and secure. If you need an attorney that is fully prepared to try to get a resolution without a trial but is also ready to roll up her sleeves and battle it out in a courtroom call Molly today.
Jeannette Carson
Jeannette CarsonFamily Law Attorney
Jeannette Carson is a family law attorney in our Greensboro Office. Jeannette’s dedication to children and compassion for those in need makes her uniquely suited to the successful practice of domestic law. She is an effective communicator and fierce litigator, fighting for her clients and their rights unabashedly and without fear. When you need a partner who will defend you and your family, call Jeannette.
Cynthia Hager
Cynthia HagerFamily Law Attorney
Cynthia Hager is a family law attorney in Greensboro, NC. She is a dedicated attorney with a passion for family law and a commitment to making a positive impact on her clients’ lives. With a strong educational background and diverse experiences, she brings a unique perspective and unwavering dedication to her legal practice. Contact her today for help with your family law matters.
Kaitlin O'Reilly
Kaitlin O'ReillyFamily Law Attorney
Kaitlin O’Reilly is a family law attorney in our Greensboro Office. Kaitlin’s unwavering commitment to serving her clients’ best interests drives her to work tirelessly. Whether in or out of the courtroom, she effectively and persuasively represents her clients’ best interests. If you require an attorney who can amplify your voice, do not hesitate to reach out to Kaitlin today.
Kathryn Mangus
Kathryn MangusFamily Law Attorney
Kathryn Mangus is a family law attorney in our Greensboro Office. Kathryn is a reliable ally when it comes to family issues. She is committed to offering empathetic support to her clients during these trying times. Contact Kathryn today for help with any of your family law questions.
Jack Holbrook
Jack HolbrookFamily Law Attorney
Jack Holbrook l is a family law attorney in Winston-Salem, NC. Jack is a knowledgeable advocate to have on your side regarding family law matters. Recognizing the delicacy of cases related to divorce, child custody, and support issues he endeavors to offer support during these trying times. Reach out today for guidance in your family law issues.

What does a family lawyer do?

A family law attorney, or a family lawyer, can help you with a variety of family law issues in the courtroom. A few of the top family law issues include child support, child custody, adoption, property division, alimony, and more.

Our lawyers are dedicated to helping you understand how family laws affect you and walk you through any process step-by-step.

Below, you can learn more about our family services.

Divorce in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point

In the state of North Carolina a couple is only eligible for divorce after a year and one-day of separation has passed. This means that the parties have been physically separated and at least one of the parties intends to end the marital relationship permanently. One of the parties must also reside in the state of North Carolina for at least six months prior to filing for divorce.

Importantly, North Carolina is a “no-fault” divorce state; meaning that factors such as infidelity or abandonment are not considered for the purpose of actually securing a divorce.

A divorce, in and of itself, does not allow the court to consider other issues like:

These are separate matters that you’ll need to discuss with your family law attorney.

Understanding Legal Separation

Many couples commonly misunderstand the concept of “separation” and frequently seek clarification on the term “legal separation.” The initiation of physical separation, indicating that the involved parties no longer share the same residence and at least one party has the intention of terminating the marital relationship, marks the commencement of the one-year statutory separation period. No official documentation is necessary to confirm the separation of a husband and wife.

Yet, in many cases, a separation agreement can be used to resolve most of the marital issues that are a result of a separation without the necessity of litigation. These include child custody and visitation, spousal support, and property distribution.

The Benefits of a Separation Agreement

Separation agreements can be done in preparation of a couples’ separation or after the parties are living separate and apart.

Separation agreements have many advantages, as they avoid litigation and having a judge make the decisions. They put the power into the hands of the couple, who can reach an agreement on the terms of their separation and make the major decisions for their families and property. Separation agreements are enforceable by the courts through breach of contract claims. This can occur in various forms, including a claim for damages or specific performance for the other party to comply with the terms of the agreement.

Once a couple has been legally separated for at least one year and a day, they are entitled, under N.C.G.S. § 50-6, to a divorce. A separation agreement can be incorporated into the divorce decree upon request of one of the parties in the divorce complaint. Once a divorce decree is entered incorporating a separation agreement, it then becomes part of the court order and is enforceable as such by the courts.

Understanding Legal Separation

Many couples commonly misunderstand the concept of “separation” and frequently seek clarification on the term “legal separation.” The initiation of physical separation, indicating that the involved parties no longer share the same residence and at least one party has the intention of terminating the marital relationship, marks the commencement of the one-year statutory separation period. No official documentation is necessary to confirm the separation of a husband and wife.

Yet, in many cases, a separation agreement can be used to resolve most of the marital issues that are a result of a separation without the necessity of litigation. These include child custody and visitation, spousal support, and property distribution.

The Benefits of a Separation Agreement

Separation agreements can be done in preparation of a couples’ separation or after the parties are living separate and apart.

Separation agreements have many advantages, as they avoid litigation and having a judge make the decisions. They put the power into the hands of the couple, who can reach an agreement on the terms of their separation and make the major decisions for their families and property. Separation agreements are enforceable by the courts through breach of contract claims. This can occur in various forms, including a claim for damages or specific performance for the other party to comply with the terms of the agreement.

Once a couple has been legally separated for at least one year and a day, they are entitled, under N.C.G.S. § 50-6, to a divorce. A separation agreement can be incorporated into the divorce decree upon request of one of the parties in the divorce complaint. Once a divorce decree is entered incorporating a separation agreement, it then becomes part of the court order and is enforceable as such by the courts.

Equitable Distribution

When a couple decides to get divorced, they need to divide their property, assets, and debts from one household into two. It’s best if the two people can reach an agreement of what to do with their property. If you cannot come to an agreement the court will divide up your property with your spouse. In these cases, it is critical that all the assets of the marriage be properly accounted for and valued. You divorce attorney will walk you through this process and protect your interests.

Under North Carolina Law there is a strong presumption that dividing the marital assets equally (50/50) is equitable. But, in many situations, there is a reason for the court to divide them unequally to make the situation equitable. You can do this with a voluntary agreement or through a claim for Equitable Distribution.

Alimony & Spousal Support

Alimony is money paid from the supporting spouse to the dependent spouse after a divorce. The money is meant to ease the transition and to help the dependent spouse keep the standard of living they enjoyed during the marriage. The amount and duration of alimony depends on a variety of factors. There is no “set formula” for alimony, but rather calculations that are generally accepted by the court to be reasonable amounts.

Equitable Distribution

When a couple decides to get divorced, they need to divide their property, assets, and debts from one household into two. It’s best if the two people can reach an agreement of what to do with their property. If you cannot come to an agreement the court will divide up your property with your spouse. In these cases, it is critical that all the assets of the marriage be properly accounted for and valued. You divorce attorney will walk you through this process and protect your interests.

Under North Carolina Law there is a strong presumption that dividing the marital assets equally (50/50) is equitable. But, in many situations, there is a reason for the court to divide them unequally to make the situation equitable. You can do this with a voluntary agreement or through a claim for Equitable Distribution.

Alimony & Spousal Support

Alimony is money paid from the supporting spouse to the dependent spouse after a divorce. The money is meant to ease the transition and to help the dependent spouse keep the standard of living they enjoyed during the marriage. The amount and duration of alimony depends on a variety of factors. There is no “set formula” for alimony, but rather calculations that are generally accepted by the court to be reasonable amounts.

Child Custody

Perhaps the most contested area of family law and divorce involves child custody. When parents separate, they must still make decisions regarding their children. If the parents are not able to resolve the custody or financial support of their children, a judge will make this decision for them. It is important for parents to pick their family law attorney with care.
 
In most North Carolina counties, after filing for child custody, the parties need to attend mediation. Mediators are provided by the state. If parents are unable to reach an agreement in mediation, the legal system authorizes a district court judge to make a decision. The judge will decide who should have custody, how much visitation the non-custodial parent will have and how much child support the non-custodial parent will be obligated to pay. North Carolina law directs the courts to protect children until they reach the age of majority (usually age 18).
 
Generally speaking, parents should focus on the child’s welfare and interests. Ideally, parents should attempt to reach an agreement rather than going to litigation over custody. But, often parents are incapable of reaching an agreement and a judge must make the decision. Clearly, a family law attorney is important in these situations.

Child Support

In North Carolina, both parents have a duty to support their children. Child support is based on the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines (“the Guidelines”), which create a presumed reasonable amount of monthly child support. The Guidelines are intended to provide adequate awards of child support that are fair to the child and both parents. The Guidelines take into account a variety of factors to determine each parent’s obligation, including:

  • The number of overnights with each parent;
  • The relative gross income of each parent;
  • Whether either parent has a prior child support obligation;
  • Whether either parent has other minor children living in the home;
  • Which parent provides health insurance for the minor child;
  • Which parent provides work-related childcare for the minor child;
  • Extraordinary expenses of the minor child.

The Guidelines will ultimately dictate each parents’ child support obligations. But, it is often a complex process to determine the parent’s incomes and which factors apply. It is important to have a family law attorney review your income and deductions to ensure that you are either receiving or paying the correct amount under the Guidelines.

Note that in North Carolina, child custody and child support are entirely dependent upon one another. Neither parent has the right to withhold support or visitation from the other parent. Some parents refuse to allow visitation if the supporting parent has not made timely child support payments. Other parents refuse to pay child support if they are unable to see the child. In these situations, the aggrieved party must seek help from the Court.

If child support can be resolved amicably, it is beneficial to both the parents and the minor child and avoids the expense of litigation.

Child Custody

Perhaps the most contested area of family law and divorce involves child custody. When parents separate, they must still make decisions regarding their children. If the parents are not able to resolve the custody or financial support of their children, a judge will make this decision for them. It is important for parents to pick their family law attorney with care.
 
In most North Carolina counties, after filing for child custody, the parties need to attend mediation. Mediators are provided by the state. If parents are unable to reach an agreement in mediation, the legal system authorizes a district court judge to make a decision. The judge will decide who should have custody, how much visitation the non-custodial parent will have and how much child support the non-custodial parent will be obligated to pay. North Carolina law directs the courts to protect children until they reach the age of majority (usually age 18).
 
Generally speaking, parents should focus on the child’s welfare and interests. Ideally, parents should attempt to reach an agreement rather than going to litigation over custody. But, often parents are incapable of reaching an agreement and a judge must make the decision. Clearly, a family law attorney is important in these situations.

Child Support

In North Carolina, both parents have a duty to support their children. Child support is based on the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines (“the Guidelines”), which create a presumed reasonable amount of monthly child support. The Guidelines are intended to provide adequate awards of child support that are fair to the child and both parents. The Guidelines take into account a variety of factors to determine each parent’s obligation, including:

  • The number of overnights with each parent;
  • The relative gross income of each parent;
  • Whether either parent has a prior child support obligation;
  • Whether either parent has other minor children living in the home;
  • Which parent provides health insurance for the minor child;
  • Which parent provides work-related childcare for the minor child;
  • Extraordinary expenses of the minor child.

The Guidelines will ultimately dictate each parents’ child support obligations. But, it is often a complex process to determine the parent’s incomes and which factors apply. It is important to have a family law attorney review your income and deductions to ensure that you are either receiving or paying the correct amount under the Guidelines.

Note that in North Carolina, child custody and child support are entirely dependent upon one another. Neither parent has the right to withhold support or visitation from the other parent. Some parents refuse to allow visitation if the supporting parent has not made timely child support payments. Other parents refuse to pay child support if they are unable to see the child. In these situations, the aggrieved party must seek help from the Court.

If child support can be resolved amicably, it is beneficial to both the parents and the minor child and avoids the expense of litigation.

Grandparent Rights (Third-Party Custody)

While grandparent rights and third party custody are rapidly evolving areas of family law matters, grandparent rights are currently quite limited. State law presumes that a child’s biological parents are the fit and proper persons to care for the minor child. However, in many cases, this is not the case and grandparents and other family members step in to raise the children.

Grandparent (third party) rights are governed by N.C.G.S. 50-13.1, which provides that;

“any parent, relative, or other person, agency, organization, or institution claiming the right to custody of a minor child (who has not as yet attained the age of eighteen years) may institute an action or proceeding for the custody of such child.”

In order for a grandparent or third party to be awarded custody of a child, they must show that the biological parents are either unfit and/or have acted inconsistent with their constitutionally protected rights as parents.

Alternatively, if there is an ongoing child custody dispute between the parents, grandparents may request to intervene in that lawsuit and ask for custody or visitation. This option is only available where the mother and father have already started a lawsuit. In each of these cases, it is important to hire an attorney who can communicate the needs and desires of your particular situation.

Father’s Rights

There is no presumption as to which parent is more fit. Both parents are deemed to be fit and capable of caring for their children. Child custody is determined based on the best interests of the children. Both parents are afforded the opportunity to present to the court why they would be a fit parent. Factors the court considers include the safety of the children and acts of domestic violence. However, a judge may consider any factor that he or she deems relevant to the best interest of the child.

At Dummit Fradin, we have a long history of fighting for equal rights for our clients, including men in child custody and child support cases. That means we will seek a fair arrangement allowing for joint legal and physical custody for fathers. While it may seem like you have an uphill battle, trust in our family lawyers to fight for you.

Grandparent Rights (Third-Party Custody)

While grandparent rights and third party custody are rapidly evolving areas of family law matters, grandparent rights are currently quite limited. State law presumes that a child’s biological parents are the fit and proper persons to care for the minor child. However, in many cases, this is not the case and grandparents and other family members step in to raise the children.

Grandparent (third party) rights are governed by N.C.G.S. 50-13.1, which provides that;

“any parent, relative, or other person, agency, organization, or institution claiming the right to custody of a minor child (who has not as yet attained the age of eighteen years) may institute an action or proceeding for the custody of such child.”

In order for a grandparent or third party to be awarded custody of a child, they must show that the biological parents are either unfit and/or have acted inconsistent with their constitutionally protected rights as parents.

Alternatively, if there is an ongoing child custody dispute between the parents, grandparents may request to intervene in that lawsuit and ask for custody or visitation. This option is only available where the mother and father have already started a lawsuit. In each of these cases, it is important to hire an attorney who can communicate the needs and desires of your particular situation.

Father’s Rights

There is no presumption as to which parent is more fit. Both parents are deemed to be fit and capable of caring for their children. Child custody is determined based on the best interests of the children. Both parents are afforded the opportunity to present to the court why they would be a fit parent. Factors the court considers include the safety of the children and acts of domestic violence. However, a judge may consider any factor that he or she deems relevant to the best interest of the child.

At Dummit Fradin, we have a long history of fighting for equal rights for our clients, including men in child custody and child support cases. That means we will seek a fair arrangement allowing for joint legal and physical custody for fathers. While it may seem like you have an uphill battle, trust in our family lawyers to fight for you.

Read our Family Law Blog

We want you to be able to make an informed decision. That’s why we’ve taken the time to curate a family law blog that covers various topics from divorce to child support.

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Does the NC Stay at Home Order Impact My Custody Order?

Many parents are concerned about how the current Stay at Home Order will affect their current custody order or agreement. Should they suspend one parent’s visitation? Will they be charged criminally for leaving their homes [...]

What Our Clients Say

I would like to thank Jessica Culver and her team very much for helping me with my case . I really appreciate her candor, honesty, patience and hard work with my situation . She is a great lawyer also a good negotiator and a deal maker. I am very pleased with the outcome and her handling of my case . Proudly Thank you Dummit Fradin, Attorneys at Law For having Jessica Cluver in your office. I will gladly recommend her to anyone that need her services. Can’t thank you all enough.

We went to Dummit Fradin for a custody case. Our attorney made us feel great about our case. They went above and beyond to get us what we were asking for. Our attorney was so amazing and stood by us the entire way. They made everything clear. We cant thank Dummit Fradin enough for the results that we got. We would highly recommend them to anyone and everyone.

April G., Google Review

Our attorney was very professional and easy to work with. They explained everything where I could understand it and I went away feeling like I was being represented very well. The paralegal was extremely helpful with the follow up also. Everyone including the receptionist wee very friendly and pleasant to work with. I would highly recommend these people to anyone requiring this type service.

James M., Google Review

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Visit One of Our Office Locations

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Winston-Salem

Criminal Attorneys
1133 West First Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 485-4907

Winston-Salem

Family Law Attorneys
3400 Healy Drive
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
(336) 962-7221

Greensboro

Criminal, Family, & Immigration Law
328 E. Market Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
(336) 360-5528

High Point

Criminal & Injury Law
820 North Elm Street
High Point, NC 27262
(336) 814-8118

Our service area includes Alamance County, Davidson County, Davie County, Forsyth County, Guilford County, Randolph County, Surry County, Stokes County,  and Yadkin County.