Gastonia Family Law Lawyer

Gastonia Family Law Attorney

When family relationships face legal challenges, the need for experienced, compassionate legal support becomes necessary. At The Schweppe Law Firm, P.A., our Gastonia family law lawyers can guide you through complex and emotional family law cases with clarity and personalized care.

Family Law Services in Gastonia

Family law cases often involve deeply personal concerns, and the outcomes can have lasting impacts on your relationships, finances, and peace of mind. Whether you’re preparing for a separation, navigating custody disputes, or negotiating alimony, we provide seasoned guidance through every step.

The Schweppe Law Firm, P.A., handles a range of family law matters.

Divorce

Divorce can involve a full reorganization of finances, parental responsibilities, and emotional lives. Whether you’re pursuing a contested or uncontested divorce, we can work to protect your interests while minimizing unnecessary conflict. Our attorneys handle asset and debt division, alimony, child custody, and more.

Child Custody and Visitation

When children are involved in a separation or divorce, their well-being takes top priority. Our Gastonia family attorneys help parents establish child custody and visitation arrangements that support the child’s best interests while safeguarding your parental visits.

We assist with both physical and legal custody determinations and help parents create workable parenting plans that provide consistency for the child. Whether you are seeking sole custody or need to modify an order, we can provide guidance.

Child Support

North Carolina uses specific guidelines to calculate child support, but disputes still arise. Considerations include income, childcare costs, and other expenses. Whether you’re seeking support or defending against an unfair request, The Schweppe Law Firm, P.A. can help you pursue a fair resolution that supports your child.

We advocate for accurate reporting of income and ensure all factors are considered. If circumstances change, we can help you seek modifications or enforce existing orders through the court.

The state reported over 400,000 child support cases as of 2018, collecting more than $691,000,000.

Spousal Support

Alimony may be awarded to one spouse to maintain financial stability during and after the divorce. Our Gastonia family law lawyers assist clients in determining eligibility, calculating support amounts, and enforcing or modifying existing orders. We ensure that any spousal support arrangement is reasonable and properly documented with the courts.

Division of Property

In North Carolina, property division in divorce follows the principle of equitable division. This isn’t always a 50/50 split. It means division is fairly based on various factors, such as income, debts, assets, and marital contributions.

We provide meticulous asset assessments and skilled negotiations to ensure your property interests and real estate are protected.

Paternity

In 2018, North Carolina reported establishing almost 300,000 paternity cases for children with unwed parents. Establishing paternity can be essential for determining custody, visitation, and child support obligations. We support both mothers seeking financial help with raising their child and fathers wanting to assert parental rights.

Move-Away Issues

When a custodial parent wishes to move a child out of town or state, the existing custody or visitation arrangements will need to be adjusted. These relocation cases are often hotly contested.

Our Gastonia family law lawyers represent both relocating parents and non-relocating parents in seeking or contesting relocation requests. We can help you navigate the legal standards and present compelling arguments to protect your child’s best interests and preferences.

Why Hire a Family Law Lawyer in Gastonia?

With decades of experience, The Schweppe Law Firm, P.A. provides personalized attention to every client. We listen to your concerns, goals, and priorities. Then, we craft a customized legal strategy designed to protect what matters most to you.

When The Schweppe Law Firm, P.A. handles your family law arrangements, we gather financial records, communicate with the other party, and file court documents. Throughout the case, we advocate for you at every turn, keeping you informed of any new developments.

We serve families across Gastonia and the surrounding areas in Gaston County and have a strong familiarity with the Gaston County Courthouse on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way.

Our team fights to protect your rights, honor your goals, and help you protect your future.

FAQs About Gastonia, NC Family Law

How Much Is It to Get Full Custody of Your Child?

The cost of pursuing full custody of your child in North Carolina depends on the complexity of the case and whether the custody is contested. If both parents agree, the process won’t cost quite as much. The attorney may only charge a flat fee for these cases. However, a contested custody battle, especially one involving litigation, court appearances, and expert witnesses, can cause a significant increase in expenses.

What Is the Income Limit for Legal Aid in North Carolina?

The income limit for those using Legal Aid of North Carolina is at or below 125% of the federal poverty level. Exceptions apply for certain cases and populations, however. Legal Aid also considers other factors, such as assets and the nature of the legal issues. Contact Legal Aid directly or visit their website to determine your eligibility for assistance, as guidelines may change annually.

Does North Carolina Legal Aid Help With Child Custody?

Legal Aid of North Carolina provides assistance in certain child custody cases, particularly those involving low-income families, domestic violence, or the need for protective orders. They may help draft legal documents, offer legal advice, or represent clients in court when appropriate. However, due to both high demand and limited resources, not all custody cases qualify for full representation.

How Much Is a Retainer Fee for a Lawyer?

The retainer fee for a family law attorney in North Carolina varies. A retainer is an advance payment that the attorney draws from as they perform legal work. Once depleted, additional funds may be required for continued legal help. More complex cases come with higher retainer fees. It’s important to discuss the retainer policy, hourly rate, and billing structure during your consultation appointment.

Hire a Family Law Lawyer

If you need help navigating family law arrangements, reach out to The Schweppe Law Firm, P.A. We can answer your questions, explain your legal options, and help you develop a strategy tailored to your needs.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you prepare for a new chapter.