Family Law Attorney
At Daughtry, Woodard, Lawrence, & Starling, we are proud to be recognized as leading family law attorneys in Smithfield and Clinton NC, representing locals with legal needs in Johnston County and Sampson County.
When your relationship status changes and your family’s needs require attention, it is important you choose the right lawyer to represent your interests. Our family law lawyers offer compassionate legal representation and straightforward advice to our clients. We aim to find a solution that works for you, your family, and your future.
Compassionate Legal Support for Families in Smithfield and Clinton
We understand that family law matters can be emotionally challenging and legally complex. Our mission is to alleviate your stress by offering personalized legal solutions tailored to your unique circumstances. Serving Smithfield and the surrounding areas, including Clinton, we strive to protect your rights and work towards the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Why Choose to Work with Our Leading Family Law Attorneys in Smithfield
Board-certified family law specialist to handle your unique case. The board certification specialty is a designation that only a select number of attorneys in North Carolina have, signifying special training and expertise in the area of family law. This reflects our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of legal excellence and staying updated on the latest developments in family law.
We recognize that no two cases are the same. Our attorneys take the time to understand your specific situation, concerns, and goals. We develop personalized legal strategies designed to meet your needs and protect your interests, both now and in the future. Whether you are dealing with a contested divorce, child custody dispute, or adoption process, we tailor our approach to suit your circumstances.
Daughtry, Woodard, Lawrence, & Starling have built a strong family law practice with a broad range of skills necessary to undertake almost any type of divorce, family law, custody, or related issue. With decades of combined experience, our family law attorneys have the knowledge and proficiency to handle even the most complex cases. Our courtroom experience and negotiation skills enable us to advocate effectively on your behalf.
Our family lawyers undertake work involving a broad range of cases, including:
- Divorce Representation
- Child Custody & Support
- Property Division
- Spousal Support & Alimony
- Adoption and Parentage
- Military Family Law Matters
- Relocation
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Mediation & Collaborative Law
Family Divorce Lawyers Serving Johnston County and Sampson County, North Carolina
- Simple and Complicated Divorce
- Divorce Mediation
- Divorce Court Cases
- Divorce Involving a Business
- High-Asset Divorce
Navigating a divorce can be a struggle. Our family law attorneys can provide you with the support you need to get through the divorce process. With our team’s bench strength, we’re equipped to handle your particular case and every aspect needed. If you are looking for the best family divorce lawyers in Sampson and Johnston Counties, reach out for a free initial divorce consultation today.
NC Child Custody & Support Lawyers
When it comes to establishing custody and support agreements, we make your children’s well-being our top priority, along with safeguarding your parental rights. Whether your case is complex or as simple as modifying an existing agreement between agreeable parties, our family lawyers are here to help.
Reach out today for a private legal consultation with one of our child custody legal experts.
Property Division
Dividing up marital property can be a difficult aspect of divorces. Our attorneys will help you make sure that assets and liabilities are fairly distributed help sort out complicated financial situations like:
- Property valuation
- Debt allocation
- Retirement
- 401(k) division
We strive to protect your financial interests and secure a stable future post-divorce. Reach out today to speak with a family property division lawyer.
Spousal Support & Alimony Legal Services
Whether you are seeking support or contesting spousal support, we’ll work with you to make sure that the alimony agreement is fair, reflecting an accurate picture of the financial situation. Reach out today if you want guidance on how alimony works in North Carolina and someone to advocate on your behalf during negotiations or NC court proceedings.
Adoption Legal Services
While adoption is a joyous occasion, it involves complex legal procedures. Our family lawyers will strive to create a smooth adoption process for you, whether you are working with an agency, adopting step-children, or adopting a relative. We can also assist with helping you establish legal parental rights and responsibilities.
Reach out today to speak with one of our family adoption lawyers.
Military Family Law Matters
Military families face unique legal challenges due to deployments, relocations, and federal regulations. We have experience handling family law matters specific to military service members and their families, ensuring compliance with military regulations and federal laws like the Service Members Civil Relief Act.
Reach out today to speak with one of our military-focused family lawyers.
Relocation
When considering relocation, there can be legal implications, especially when it comes to child custody agreements and visitation rights. We can help navigate the legal implications, and help you work on a modified custody agreement.
Reach out today for a private legal consultation with one of our family child custody lawyers.
Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
With prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, you are protecting your assets and creating clear future expectations. We help draft and review these documents to ensure they are legally sound and enforceable, providing peace of mind for your future.
Reach out today to speak with one of our family lawyers.
Divorce Mediation & Collaborative Law
For those interested in resolving disputes outside of traditional litigation, mediation and collaborative law are available. These methods encourage cooperative problem-solving, often leading to amicable resolutions while saving time and reducing expenses. By working together with neutral professionals, parties can address their concerns more constructively and reach agreements without the stress and cost of going to court.
Reach out today to speak with one of our family mediation experts.
Family Law FAQs
What does a family lawyer do?
Family law in North Carolina covers legal issues such as divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support (alimony), property division, adoption, guardianship, domestic violence protection, and prenuptial agreements. Our family lawyers can help clients navigate any of these complex areas.
How do I file for divorce in North Carolina?
To file for absolute divorce in North Carolina, parties must live separately (in different homes) for at least one year with the intent to remain apart. After this period, either spouse may file for divorce with no requirement to prove fault. Residency (at least one spouse living in NC for six months before filing) is also required. Learn more about our divorce law services for NC residents, especially Johnston and Sampson Counties.
How is property divided in a divorce?
North Carolina is an equitable distribution state, so marital assets and debts are divided fairly—though not always equally—based on a number of statutory factors, including income, length of marriage, contributions, and childcare responsibilities. Learn more about our divorce property division for NC residents, especially Johnston and Sampson Counties.
How does child custody work?
In North Carolina, child custody is determined based on the best interests of the child, with consideration for each parent’s ability to provide a stable and supportive environment. Both physical and legal custody arrangements can be made, and unmarried parents have equal rights as long as paternity is established. Learn more about our child custody legal service for NC residents, especially Johnston and Sampson Counties.
How can legal mediation help in family law disputes?
Mediation can help parties resolve disputes—including divorce, custody, and property matters—outside of court, often saving time and expense. North Carolina courts require mediation in all divorce cases involving children before a trial is scheduled.
Who inherits property if someone dies without a will (intestate succession)?
North Carolina’s probate laws determine inheritance without a will. Surviving spouses, children, and sometimes other relatives inherit, but the exact distribution depends on the family situation and assets involved. The state has no inheritance or estate tax, but large estates may face federal taxes. Learn more about our NC legal services for wills, estates, trusts and more. We’ll help you create a solid long-term plan for your family.
What is the cost of a family attorney in North Carolina?
Most lawyers will offer an initial, brief complimentary consultation, including our North Carolina law firm – Daughtry, Woodard, Lawrence, & Starling, with offices in Smithfield and Clinton, and frequently providing family legal services for locals in the Johnston and Sampson County Court Districts.
The best way to get a sense of cost is to give us a call today. We will help you with a cost estimate based on your case.
Our Family Law Team is Ready to Help
Schedule a free consultation today
Please contact the law attorneys at Daughtry, Woodard, Lawrence, & Starling to schedule an initial consultation to discuss the details of the legal situation you are facing. We have office locations in Smithfield and Clinton, and serve clients throughout the surrounding areas.
CALL (919) 934-5012 or (910) 299-5087, OR CONTACT THE FIRM ONLINE.