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What to Expect in Family Court - What You Need to Know About Divorce Court in Charlotte NC 
It’s OK to be scared. That’s entirely normal. Being anxious about what will happen in family court is often related to not knowing what to expect.
An important part of legal representation for family law cases involves explaining things to clients. We want to make sure you understand your rights.
Over the years we’ve found good decisions are often predicated on having good information. Forget what you think the law says or what people may have told you about their experience in divorce court.
Divorce and Alimony Laws in NC
Family law clients are often surprised to learn how things really work. It’s not always a nightmare. It’s not always traumatic. It doesn’t have to be contentious.
“We’ll go through legal lingo, let you know your options, and provide sound legal advice. That’s what we do”
– Bill Powers, Charlotte Family Law
Going to court may seem like a daunting endeavor. Handling matters in court, going to trial, are second nature to the attorneys at Powers Law Firm PA.
Our legal opinions are formed by, at least in part, substantial trial experience in both civil court and criminal court.
We’re courtroom advocates, dedicated to courtroom skill, preparation, and hard work. We’ll stand literally side-by-side with you in court. You need not go it alone.
Know this about our legal system in North Carolina:
A lot of cases never go to trial. Many family law disputes are settled through mediation, collaborative law, and settlement agreements.
Indeed, you may not see the inside of a courtroom. Filing important paperwork and presenting matters in divorce court may, in appropriate circumstances, be handled through the lawyers and Judge.
It’s generally better to settle, if that’s possible. A lot depends on the nature of any legal dispute and as you likely realize, issues concerning divorce, who gets the kids (child custody), child support, and alimony may involve a fair amount of emotions.
If We Say, “We’ll see You in Court,” We Mean itOur firm motto at Powers Law Firm PA is this: Si vis pacem, para bellum. Translated from Latin that means, “If you want peace, plan for war.”
If you want to settle amicably, it helps to be prepared for the worst. We believe there is no substitute for hard work and diligence in Family Court.
A divorce trial or full-scale litigation on Equitable Distribution and Alimony is not necessarily the first option we'd recommend. Sometimes there is no other option.
At times, the is no way to reason with the unreasonable. Some litigants want to fight for the sake of fighting. We’re prepared for that.
We do not recommend you adopt that mindset. It rarely works out how you might imagine and frankly, it’s expensive to litigate cases in family court.
Arguing a case in court may prove necessary in family law cases when dealing with a combative former spouse who is difficult, abusive, dishonest, and/or disrespectful to you and the process.
If you’re separation and divorce involve allegations of domestic violence or a DVPO Domestic Violence Protective Order a court appearance very well may be required.
You need to prepare for litigation, knowing that often results in settlement in complex ED Equitable Distribution claims or determining how much is alimony in North Carolina.
The divorce attorneys (family law lawyers) at Powers Law Firm PA recommend preparing your case for trial, just in case.
What may start as a smooth process of negotiations can always hit a roadblock, leaving no choice but to pursue court action.
“Our goal is to always be over-prepared. Information and prior preparation are power in Charlotte divorce court”
– Bill Powers, Family Lawyer
Contact us online or by telephone at 704-342-4357 to arrange an initial consultation with Charlotte divorce court attorney Bill Powers. You may also reach Bill by email at Bill@CarolinaAttorneys.com
Common Terms in Family Court Legal Matters- Filing for Divorce – Complaint for Divorce, Lawsuit
- Plaintiff – The person who first files a Complaint or other legal filing
- Complaint – Legal filing in Court that sets forth the Legal Issues and Demands for Relief
- Defendant – The responding party to Plaintiff’s lawsuit or “complaint”
- Prayers for Relief – What the parties seek to be resolved, the results of litigation which may involve distribution of assets, attorneys fees, and child custody
- Counter-Claim – Defendant's claims against Plaintiff
- 8th Floor – Where most of the Family Law cases are handled in Mecklenburg County Courthouse
Just because a complaint has been filed, you may still have options to resolve your divorce amicably.
In fact, while your case is pending trial, the attorneys at Powers Law Firm PA will continue efforts to resolve the matter without litigation. That may include settlement negotiations and mediation in Charlotte family court.
Contact Our Charlotte Divorce Court Attorneys TodayIf you are looking for hard-nosed representation for your divorce, contact the Divorce Litigation Attorneys at Powers Law Firm PA now!
Call us today at 704-342-4357 to set up a consultation. For family law matters in Charlotte, we charge hourly rates and a consultation fee. A True General Retainer may be required.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Charlotte Divorce Self-Help Center click here
Service of Process Laws in NC, click here
