Boone Family Lawyer

Family Attorney In Boone, NC

When your family life is changing, it can be overwhelming to face your new reality. Whether you are going through a divorce and the many issues that have to be finalized, or welcoming a new member into the family through adoption, you need a skilled Boone family lawyer to ensure the process runs smoothly. You can also start preparing emotionally and practically by reading helpful guidance on becoming good co-parents after divorce, especially if children are involved in your case.

Hire a Family Lawyer in Boone, NC

Family law cases can be highly emotional and require a legal team with the experience and compassion to help you through the process. At The Jonas Law Firm, P.L.L.C., we are Certified Family Law Specialists. For nearly 40 years, our lawyer team has helped North Carolina families handle sensitive family law cases with care. When you hire a family lawyer, you gain your strongest advocate. If you are worried about juggling court dates, work, and everyday life, it may help to review practical tips for balancing work with the stress of divorce.

Family Life in Boone, NC

Boone blends urban and suburban living in the Blue Ridge Mountains. With a strong tourism economy and influx of young students studying at Appalachian State University, Boone is a wonderful place to raise a family. With a population of 19,534, Boone is home to 5,874 households. As your family and assets grow, a local Boone estate planning lawyer can help you coordinate wills, powers of attorney, and other long-term plans that align with your family law decisions.

Types of Cases Handled by Family Law Attorneys in Boone, NC

Family law is a broad category of law that addresses legal issues affecting the family unit. Family law attorneys often have experience in some areas of family law. It is important to find a family law attorney skilled in the specific area of family law you need assistance with. Some common types of family law cases include:

• Divorce or separation. Even the most amicable divorces require adherence to North Carolina divorce laws.
• Property division. Decisions have to be made on an equitable way to distribute marital assets and debts.
• Spousal support. If one spouse is to receive spousal support, also known as alimony, the amount and duration should be determined.
• Child custody and support. Child custody and support issues can arise during a divorce or between separated parents. The needs of the families can evolve as children get older or as one or both parents have more children or marry. Many parents find it helpful to review how child custody is determined in North Carolina so they know what factors the court will look at.
• Premarital agreements. Drafting a legally binding premarital agreement ensures that assets are protected in the event of a divorce. It is also helpful to have a family law attorney review any proposed agreements before signing to ensure fairness.
• Adoption. The adoption process is complicated and can be delayed if deadlines are missed or documents are filed incorrectly. Resources that explain how to ensure you are handling the adoption process correctly can give you a clearer picture of what to expect and which steps to take.
• Paternity and legitimation. Establishing paternity allows fathers to exercise their rights to visitation and custody, while mothers can seek financial support and provide legitimacy for their children.
• Domestic violence. Domestic violence cases can benefit from a third-party advocate to ensure that the victim’s safety and rights are upheld.

Family Law Cases in North Carolina

In Boone, family law matters are handled in the District Court at the Watauga County Courthouse at 842 W. King St. North Carolina’s statewide “One Judge, One Family” approach is implemented here, meaning once a case is filed, it’s typically assigned to a single District Court judge (or a small team) who oversees all related matters for that family throughout the case and often for any future filings.

This helps the judge build familiarity with your family’s history and dynamics, leading to more consistent rulings and potentially faster resolutions. It is also beneficial to have a dedicated family law attorney to oversee all of your family law matters. This method streamlines the court process, which allows matters to be handled more quickly.

Watauga County does not have one of the state’s full “Family Court” programs, which feature judges dedicated exclusively to family law, as well as coordinators and streamlined dockets. Instead, District Court judges in the county handle a mix of family, civil, and some criminal/traffic cases. The one-judge-per-family assignment still applies to prioritize continuity, even if your judge rotates through other case types.

FAQs

How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost in North Carolina?

The cost of a family lawyer in North Carolina varies with the specifics of your family law needs. Simple matters, such as uncontested divorces or drafting agreements, could be charged on a flat fee basis. More complex issues or those requiring litigation may be charged on an hourly basis. You may also be required to pay a retainer fee before your case is handled. Fee structures can be discussed during your initial consultation.

At What Age Can a Child in North Carolina Choose Which Parent to Live With?

In North Carolina, there is no specific age at which a child can unilaterally choose which parent to live with. If the court determines the child is mature enough and the choice is not coerced, judges may consider the child’s preference in custody and custody modification cases. The court generally prioritizes the child’s optimal interests over the child’s wishes.

What Is a Spouse Entitled to During a Divorce in North Carolina?

North Carolina is an equitable distribution state in which marital assets are divided equitably between both spouses. An equal 50/50 division is legally considered equitable, but judges have the discretion to modify the distribution.

Judges consider spouses’ age, health, incomes, separate property, and debts. A judge may also consider the length of the marriage and how each spouse contributed to the other’s earning power. North Carolina always considered divorce no-fault, so misconduct is not taken into consideration during distribution.

Can I Wait and File for Property Division or Spousal Support After the Divorce is Finalized?

No, if you wait until the divorce decree is finalized, you lose your right to request property division and spousal support from the court. Once the divorce decree is finalized, any property in your name or possession is legally your property. Any property that is jointly owned remains jointly owned. An experienced family law attorney can ensure that the proper motions are filed during the divorce process, thereby ensuring that your rights are protected and honored.

Contact The Jonas Law Firm, P.L.L.C.

Handling changes in your family dynamic can leave you feeling stressed and unsure about your future. Don’t navigate divorce, child custody, or adoption issues without an experienced Boone family attorney to guide you through the process. Contact The Jonas Law Firm, P.L.L.C. today to schedule your initial consultation.