Catawba County Family Lawyer

Catawba County Family Attorney

Taking family matters and relationships into the legal realm can be a delicate process. The topics are often sensitive, and the life changes that follow the proceedings are impactful. If you need professional representation and counsel, consider speaking to a Catawba County family lawyer.

At Cody Law Firm, our qualified team is experienced in helping families through a variety of legal issues, such as the divorce or separation process, drafting a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, and child custody and support. Whether you would like to fight for your rights to child custody, modify a child support order, or seek a favorable divorce agreement, a dedicated family attorney is ready to assist you through every step.

What a Family Law Attorney Does for You

A family law attorney is a dynamic and multifunctional legal professional who can provide you with various services, often within the context of a divorce or legal separation. They’re able to provide you with thoughtful counsel on the matters at hand as they get to know your goals and the specific circumstances of your case. Your family lawyer in Catawba County is also there to explain all of the available legal options at your disposal and ensure you understand the pros and cons of each.

A capable family law attorney is there to represent your cause with relevant and strong evidence, acting only with your interests in mind during all proceedings and meetings to make certain that your rights are not infringed upon. They can effectively negotiate with opposing parties and their legal team, as well as be prepared for litigation when necessary.

You may feel confident that you and your spouse will be able to resolve your issues without the assistance of a trained legal professional, but the truth is that you will most likely still benefit from an advisor to explain your rights, ensure that no legal errors are made, and protect you from an unfavorable outcome. Family lawyers are specifically trained and educated in all the minute details and technicalities of legal statutes that may have an influence on your case.

Additionally, even spouses on good terms can argue, causing the situation to quickly devolve. Disagreements often become inflammatory or cyclical in nature, which can prolong many family law cases unnecessarily. Thus, the presence of an attorney can only benefit you and streamline the overall process.

Divorce and Legal Separation in Catawba County

In addition to the legal process of the dissolution of marriage, divorce also involves various subtopics that each take time to appropriately conduct. Some of these issues include the division of property, child custody, and spousal support. A divorce can either be contested or uncontested, depending on whether or not you and your spouse disagree on the proceedings.

Divorces can be particularly complicated and potentially lengthy when there are minor children involved. A family lawyer is an invaluable resource during child custody negotiations, as they can help in determining what the court is likely to consider as in the best interest of the child, along with building a strong argument with evidence to support your claim.

Child support is also an important component of family law. The process of determining child support requires careful consideration of various factors, such as the annual income of both spouses, each parent’s available time and ability to provide sufficient care for the child, etc. The topic of paternity is another family law issue that may come up during separation or when filing for a divorce and/or child custody. A family law attorney is also able to help with paternity law proceedings.

Other Common Areas of Family Law

Another common family law matter is the drafting of a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. Both of these legal documents are precautionary measures that outline certain issues, such as how property would be divided, if a divorce were to happen later on.

Prenuptial agreements are created prior to a couple’s marriage, and postnuptial agreements have a similar function but are drafted after the spouses have married. A family law attorney in Catawba County, NC can sit down with you to determine all applicable terms that you could address in an agreement and proceed to draft a legally sound and binding agreement for you to sign. They can ensure that the agreement is fair to you, as both parties should have their own legal representation.

In the unfortunate event that you or a loved one is dealing with a situation of domestic violence, a family law attorney can also assist you in acquiring a protection order. These restraining orders can bring distressed victims peace of mind, prevent them from enduring further harm, and allow for any infringements of the court order to be met with legal repercussions.

Estate planning is an important family law issue that addresses what is to happen to your estate in the event of their death. Consulting with a family lawyer for estate planning can help you and your family prepare for your or your family member’s death by settling legal matters ahead of time. The estate planning process can involve drafting wills, setting up trusts, and instating power of attorney.

How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost in Catawba County, North Carolina?

It can be difficult to determine the total legal fees of your family law attorney, as each lawyer and legal matter can vary significantly. The exact issue or issues your family lawyer is assisting you with will have a large impact on how much you can expect to pay them. More tasks or more complex matters will require more work and effort from your attorney. This includes more time spent dedicated to your case while conducting research, planning, and representing you in court.

Another influencing factor is whether your family attorney has a particularly successful track record or possesses significant knowledge within a certain area of the law. If your lawyer has proven themselves to be a credible asset in family law cases, it’s likely they may charge more for their services.

It’s important to do your own research when looking for any legal help. You will likely want an attorney local to you to ensure they are familiar and experienced in any laws specific to your county, as well as how the local courts are expected to handle cases.

You should also make sure that your lawyer is educated and experienced in dealing with cases similar to yours. While it’s possible to enlist the help of any lawyer, those who have successfully worked on similar cases to yours are more likely to obtain a favorable outcome than those with little to no experience in the specific area of the law.

FAQs

Q: What Rights Does a Father Have in North Carolina?

A: A father has the same rights as the mother of the child in North Carolina. The law maintains that when determining the terms of child custody, the interests of the child should be considered above all else. This is why mothers and fathers have equal rights to both aspects of child custody: physical (where the child will primarily reside) and legal (the authority to make decisions regarding the child). Fathers also have the right to seek child support payments.

Q: How Much Does It Cost to File for Custody in NC?

A: How much it costs to file for custody in North Carolina can vary. If you cannot afford the fee, you may submit a Petition to Proceed as an Indigent to request that the court waive the expense. Child custody can be filed separately or along with a filing for divorce, legal separation, paternity, or domestic violence restraining order.

Q: Can a 12-Year-Old Decide Which Parent to Live With in NC?

A: A 12-year-old cannot decide which parent to live with in NC. North Carolina law does not specify an age where a child can decide the parent they prefer to live with. The court may take the child’s testimony into consideration if the child is considered to be at a suitable age to express their wishes with cognizance. The judge does not have to take the child’s preference into consideration, regardless of their age. The decision is ultimately at their discretion, as well as how much the child’s wishes influence their ruling.

Q: At What Age Can a Child Refuse Visitation in North Carolina?

A: As it is in most states, children cannot refuse visitation in North Carolina until they reach legal adulthood, 18 years old, or are legally emancipated. A child cannot refuse the court’s existing visitation order while the order is still legally applicable to them.

In the event the child refuses visitation, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to get the child to cooperate and not shift the blame for disobedience onto the child. Modifications to custody or visitation terms are also possible.

Reach Out to an Experienced Attorney for All Your Family Law Needs

The professional legal team at Cody Law Firm is ready to hear the details of your situation and make sure you feel properly represented while pursuing your goals. Schedule a free consultation with one of our dependable family law attorneys today.