Local Family Law Representation Backed by Courtroom Experience
Our attorneys have built their careers representing people in eastern North Carolina. We combine practical guidance with strong advocacy in settlement discussions, mediation, and contested hearings.
Clients choose our firm for:
- More than 50 years of combined family law experience
- Offices in New Bern, Beaufort, and Raleigh
- Experience with high-conflict custody and complex property cases
- Recognition from Business North Carolina Legal Elite and Super Lawyers
- Personalized legal strategies based on each family’s circumstances
Attorney Juliana Styron handles complex family law matters and high-conflict custody disputes. A Carteret County native raised on Cedar Island, she brings strong local ties to clients throughout eastern North Carolina.
What Family Law Cases Do We Handle?
We represent spouses, parents, and other family members in negotiated and contested matters, including:
- Separation agreements and divorce
- Equitable distribution of marital property
- Child custody, visitation, and child support
- Post-separation support and alimony
- Domestic violence protective orders
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
- Paternity, grandparents’ rights, and adoption
Some cases can be resolved through an agreement or mediation. Others require temporary hearings, discovery, or trial. We will evaluate your priorities and recommend an approach suited to your case.
How Does Divorce Work in North Carolina?
North Carolina allows a spouse to seek a divorce, legally known as an absolute divorce, after the parties have lived separate and apart for at least one year. At least one spouse must also have lived in North Carolina for six months before filing. The other spouse does not have to consent.
The divorce judgment ends the marriage, but it does not automatically divide property or award spousal support. Claims for equitable distribution and alimony generally must be asserted before the divorce judgment is entered. If they are not, those rights may be permanently lost.
We can identify which claims need to be preserved and address related issues involving homes, retirement accounts, businesses, debts, post-separation support, and alimony.
How Do North Carolina Courts Decide Child Custody?
North Carolina courts decide child custody according to the child’s best interests. There is no automatic preference for a mother or father. Custody addresses where the child lives, the parenting schedule, and who has authority to make significant decisions about education, health care, and upbringing.
Contested custody cases generally proceed through court-ordered mediation before trial. If the parents cannot agree, we help present evidence concerning the child’s routine, each parent’s caregiving role, safety concerns, and the practicality of the proposed schedule. We also handle relocation disputes, interstate jurisdiction questions, high-conflict cases, and requests to modify existing orders.
How Are Support and Marital Property Addressed?
Child support is generally calculated under state guidelines using both parents’ incomes, the custody schedule, health insurance, childcare expenses, and other relevant information. Courts may depart from the guidelines in appropriate cases.
North Carolina recognizes post-separation support and alimony. Eligibility and amount depend on financial need, the other spouse’s ability to pay, and statutory factors that may include marital misconduct.
Property division begins with a presumption that an equal division of marital property and debt is equitable. A court may order a different division after considering the circumstances. Waterfront property, family businesses, pensions, and military retirement benefits may require careful valuation before they can be divided.
Talk With a Family Law Attorney in New Bern or Beaufort
A family law case may affect where your children live, how your property is divided, and what financial obligations continue after separation. Greene, Wilson, Styron & Thomas represents clients throughout New Bern, Beaufort, and eastern North Carolina. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to my first meeting?
Bring any court papers or agreements, your marriage and separation dates, recent income records, and a general list of your assets and debts. For custody matters, bring any existing parenting schedule or order.
Does my spouse have to agree to a divorce?
No. After you have lived separate and apart for at least one year and the residency requirement is met, either spouse may file for divorce without the other spouse’s consent.
I was served with a family law complaint. How quickly should I call?
Contact an attorney promptly and provide the date and method of service. A defendant served with a North Carolina civil summons and complaint generally has 30 days to respond, although your deadline depends on the documents received.
Do I need a separation agreement to get divorced?
No. North Carolina does not require spouses to sign a separation agreement before divorcing. However, an agreement can resolve issues such as property division, debt, spousal support, and other responsibilities while the parties live apart.
