Forsyth County family law attorneys represent clients in divorce, custody, support, equitable distribution, alimony, and mediation across local District Courts.
Krispen E. Culbertson is a Greensboro divorce lawyer with Culbertson and Associates in Greensboro, North Carolina. The practice centers on District Court matters in Guilford County and nearby courts. Focus areas include divorce; family law; child custody; child support; equitable distribution; alimony; domestic violence; mediation, child custody, child support, equitable distribution, alimony, and separation agreements. Clients receive help with mediation and collaborative divorce, consent orders, temporary orders, and case management scheduling. The work often covers service of process, disclosures and discovery, settlement conferences, and trial preparation when needed. Property division may involve home equity, business valuation with a forensic accountant, real estate appraisal, and QDRO preparation for retirement plans. When safety is a concern, the attorney can address domestic violence 50B protective orders and related relief. The approach emphasizes clear fee agreements, regular updates, and plain language on timelines from filing to mediation or trial.
Anthony J. Vrsecky is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Anthony J. Vrsecky practices with The Vrsecky Law Firm, focusing on matters in District Court and negotiated resolutions. Typical work includes Divorce & Family Law. Clients receive step by step guidance on filing, service, deadlines, and temporary orders. For property division, the practice covers classification, valuation, and distribution with attention to home equity, retirement accounts that may require a QDRO, and complex debts. In custody matters, the approach centers on a practical schedule, school and childcare needs, health care planning, and transportation. When appropriate, cases move through mediation or collaborative processes to reach durable agreements. If a case requires litigation, the work includes discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation that respects local rules and timelines.
Bennett D. Rainey, Esq. is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Bennett D. Rainey, Esq. practices with Kurtz Whitley Guy Sanders & Rainey, PLLC, focusing on matters in District Court and negotiated resolutions. Typical work includes Divorce & Family Law. Clients receive step by step guidance on filing, service, deadlines, and temporary orders. For property division, the practice covers classification, valuation, and distribution with attention to home equity, retirement accounts that may require a QDRO, and complex debts. In custody matters, the approach centers on a practical schedule, school and childcare needs, health care planning, and transportation. When appropriate, cases move through mediation or collaborative processes to reach durable agreements. If a case requires litigation, the work includes discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation that respects local rules and timelines.
Brian King is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Brian King practices with King Law, focusing on matters in District Court and negotiated resolutions. Typical work includes Divorce & Family Law. Clients receive step by step guidance on filing, service, deadlines, and temporary orders. For property division, the practice covers classification, valuation, and distribution with attention to home equity, retirement accounts that may require a QDRO, and complex debts. In custody matters, the approach centers on a practical schedule, school and childcare needs, health care planning, and transportation. When appropriate, cases move through mediation or collaborative processes to reach durable agreements. If a case requires litigation, the work includes discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation that respects local rules and timelines.
Caleigh Evans is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Caleigh Evans practices with Evans Family Law, focusing on matters in District Court and negotiated resolutions. Typical work includes Divorce & Family Law. Clients receive step by step guidance on filing, service, deadlines, and temporary orders. For property division, the practice covers classification, valuation, and distribution with attention to home equity, retirement accounts that may require a QDRO, and complex debts. In custody matters, the approach centers on a practical schedule, school and childcare needs, health care planning, and transportation. When appropriate, cases move through mediation or collaborative processes to reach durable agreements. If a case requires litigation, the work includes discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation that respects local rules and timelines.
Christopher l Beal is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Christopher l Beal practices with Christopher l Beal Attorney, focusing on matters in District Court and negotiated resolutions. Typical work includes Divorce & Family Law. Clients receive step by step guidance on filing, service, deadlines, and temporary orders. For property division, the practice covers classification, valuation, and distribution with attention to home equity, retirement accounts that may require a QDRO, and complex debts. In custody matters, the approach centers on a practical schedule, school and childcare needs, health care planning, and transportation. When appropriate, cases move through mediation or collaborative processes to reach durable agreements. If a case requires litigation, the work includes discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation that respects local rules and timelines.
Clara A. Ignich is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Clara A. Ignich practices with Bell Davis & Pitt P A, focusing on matters in District Court and negotiated resolutions. Typical work includes Divorce & Family Law. Clients receive step by step guidance on filing, service, deadlines, and temporary orders. For property division, the practice covers classification, valuation, and distribution with attention to home equity, retirement accounts that may require a QDRO, and complex debts. In custody matters, the approach centers on a practical schedule, school and childcare needs, health care planning, and transportation. When appropriate, cases move through mediation or collaborative processes to reach durable agreements. If a case requires litigation, the work includes discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation that respects local rules and timelines.
Dana Wilson is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Dana Wilson practices with Dana Wilson Law, focusing on matters in District Court and negotiated resolutions. Typical work includes Divorce & Family Law. Clients receive step by step guidance on filing, service, deadlines, and temporary orders. For property division, the practice covers classification, valuation, and distribution with attention to home equity, retirement accounts that may require a QDRO, and complex debts. In custody matters, the approach centers on a practical schedule, school and childcare needs, health care planning, and transportation. When appropriate, cases move through mediation or collaborative processes to reach durable agreements. If a case requires litigation, the work includes discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation that respects local rules and timelines.
Deal R Brandt is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Deal R Brandt practices with Hatfield, Mountcastle, Deal, Van Zandt & Mann, L.L.P., focusing on matters in District Court and negotiated resolutions. Typical work includes Divorce & Family Law. Clients receive step by step guidance on filing, service, deadlines, and temporary orders. For property division, the practice covers classification, valuation, and distribution with attention to home equity, retirement accounts that may require a QDRO, and complex debts. In custody matters, the approach centers on a practical schedule, school and childcare needs, health care planning, and transportation. When appropriate, cases move through mediation or collaborative processes to reach durable agreements. If a case requires litigation, the work includes discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation that respects local rules and timelines.
Deborah J. Halvorsen is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Deborah J. Halvorsen practices with Halvorsen Family Law Group, focusing on matters in District Court and negotiated resolutions. Typical work includes Divorce & Family Law. Clients receive step by step guidance on filing, service, deadlines, and temporary orders. For property division, the practice covers classification, valuation, and distribution with attention to home equity, retirement accounts that may require a QDRO, and complex debts. In custody matters, the approach centers on a practical schedule, school and childcare needs, health care planning, and transportation. When appropriate, cases move through mediation or collaborative processes to reach durable agreements. If a case requires litigation, the work includes discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation that respects local rules and timelines.
Denise M. Gold is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Denise M. Gold practices with Denise M. Gold, Attorney at Law, focusing on matters in District Court and negotiated resolutions. Typical work includes Divorce & Family Law. Clients receive step by step guidance on filing, service, deadlines, and temporary orders. For property division, the practice covers classification, valuation, and distribution with attention to home equity, retirement accounts that may require a QDRO, and complex debts. In custody matters, the approach centers on a practical schedule, school and childcare needs, health care planning, and transportation. When appropriate, cases move through mediation or collaborative processes to reach durable agreements. If a case requires litigation, the work includes discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation that respects local rules and timelines.
Dylan Greenwood is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Dylan Greenwood practices with Greenwood Law, focusing on matters in District Court and negotiated resolutions. Typical work includes Divorce & Family Law. Clients receive step by step guidance on filing, service, deadlines, and temporary orders. For property division, the practice covers classification, valuation, and distribution with attention to home equity, retirement accounts that may require a QDRO, and complex debts. In custody matters, the approach centers on a practical schedule, school and childcare needs, health care planning, and transportation. When appropriate, cases move through mediation or collaborative processes to reach durable agreements. If a case requires litigation, the work includes discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation that respects local rules and timelines.
Eleanor Panetti is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Eleanor Panetti practices with Stroud & Panetti, P.C., focusing on matters in District Court and negotiated resolutions. Typical work includes Divorce & Family Law. Clients receive step by step guidance on filing, service, deadlines, and temporary orders. For property division, the practice covers classification, valuation, and distribution with attention to home equity, retirement accounts that may require a QDRO, and complex debts. In custody matters, the approach centers on a practical schedule, school and childcare needs, health care planning, and transportation. When appropriate, cases move through mediation or collaborative processes to reach durable agreements. If a case requires litigation, the work includes discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation that respects local rules and timelines.
Elise Morgan Whitley is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Elise Morgan Whitley practices with Kurtz Whitley Guy Sanders & Rainey, PLLC, focusing on matters in District Court and negotiated resolutions. Typical work includes Divorce & Family Law. Clients receive step by step guidance on filing, service, deadlines, and temporary orders. For property division, the practice covers classification, valuation, and distribution with attention to home equity, retirement accounts that may require a QDRO, and complex debts. In custody matters, the approach centers on a practical schedule, school and childcare needs, health care planning, and transportation. When appropriate, cases move through mediation or collaborative processes to reach durable agreements. If a case requires litigation, the work includes discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation that respects local rules and timelines.
Erica Jackson is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Erica Jackson practices with Jackson Legal, focusing on matters in District Court and negotiated resolutions. Typical work includes Divorce & Family Law. Clients receive step by step guidance on filing, service, deadlines, and temporary orders. For property division, the practice covers classification, valuation, and distribution with attention to home equity, retirement accounts that may require a QDRO, and complex debts. In custody matters, the approach centers on a practical schedule, school and childcare needs, health care planning, and transportation. When appropriate, cases move through mediation or collaborative processes to reach durable agreements. If a case requires litigation, the work includes discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation that respects local rules and timelines.
Erin Brock is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Erin Brock practices with Erin Brock, PC, focusing on matters in District Court and negotiated resolutions. Typical work includes Divorce & Family Law. Clients receive step by step guidance on filing, service, deadlines, and temporary orders. For property division, the practice covers classification, valuation, and distribution with attention to home equity, retirement accounts that may require a QDRO, and complex debts. In custody matters, the approach centers on a practical schedule, school and childcare needs, health care planning, and transportation. When appropriate, cases move through mediation or collaborative processes to reach durable agreements. If a case requires litigation, the work includes discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation that respects local rules and timelines.
Erin Woodrum is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Erin Woodrum practices with Dummit Fradin, Attorneys at Law, focusing on matters in District Court and negotiated resolutions. Typical work includes Divorce & Family Law. Clients receive step by step guidance on filing, service, deadlines, and temporary orders. For property division, the practice covers classification, valuation, and distribution with attention to home equity, retirement accounts that may require a QDRO, and complex debts. In custody matters, the approach centers on a practical schedule, school and childcare needs, health care planning, and transportation. When appropriate, cases move through mediation or collaborative processes to reach durable agreements. If a case requires litigation, the work includes discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation that respects local rules and timelines.
J. Scott Smith is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. J. Scott Smith practices with LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, focusing on matters in District Court and negotiated resolutions. Typical work includes Divorce & Family Law. Clients receive step by step guidance on filing, service, deadlines, and temporary orders. For property division, the practice covers classification, valuation, and distribution with attention to home equity, retirement accounts that may require a QDRO, and complex debts. In custody matters, the approach centers on a practical schedule, school and childcare needs, health care planning, and transportation. When appropriate, cases move through mediation or collaborative processes to reach durable agreements. If a case requires litigation, the work includes discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation that respects local rules and timelines.
James Barrett Wilson is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. James Barrett Wilson practices with James Barrett Wilson & Associates – Attorneys at Law, focusing on matters in District Court and negotiated resolutions. Typical work includes Divorce & Family Law. Clients receive step by step guidance on filing, service, deadlines, and temporary orders. For property division, the practice covers classification, valuation, and distribution with attention to home equity, retirement accounts that may require a QDRO, and complex debts. In custody matters, the approach centers on a practical schedule, school and childcare needs, health care planning, and transportation. When appropriate, cases move through mediation or collaborative processes to reach durable agreements. If a case requires litigation, the work includes discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation that respects local rules and timelines.
James S. Farrin is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. James S. Farrin practices with Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, focusing on matters in District Court and negotiated resolutions. Typical work includes Divorce & Family Law. Clients receive step by step guidance on filing, service, deadlines, and temporary orders. For property division, the practice covers classification, valuation, and distribution with attention to home equity, retirement accounts that may require a QDRO, and complex debts. In custody matters, the approach centers on a practical schedule, school and childcare needs, health care planning, and transportation. When appropriate, cases move through mediation or collaborative processes to reach durable agreements. If a case requires litigation, the work includes discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation that respects local rules and timelines.
Jennifer Payne is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Jennifer Payne practices with Blood Law, PLLC, focusing on matters in District Court and negotiated resolutions. Typical work includes Divorce & Family Law. Clients receive step by step guidance on filing, service, deadlines, and temporary orders. For property division, the practice covers classification, valuation, and distribution with attention to home equity, retirement accounts that may require a QDRO, and complex debts. In custody matters, the approach centers on a practical schedule, school and childcare needs, health care planning, and transportation. When appropriate, cases move through mediation or collaborative processes to reach durable agreements. If a case requires litigation, the work includes discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation that respects local rules and timelines.
Jon B. Kurtz is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Jon B. Kurtz practices with Kurtz Whitley Guy Sanders & Rainey, PLLC, focusing on matters in District Court and negotiated resolutions. Typical work includes Divorce & Family Law. Clients receive step by step guidance on filing, service, deadlines, and temporary orders. For property division, the practice covers classification, valuation, and distribution with attention to home equity, retirement accounts that may require a QDRO, and complex debts. In custody matters, the approach centers on a practical schedule, school and childcare needs, health care planning, and transportation. When appropriate, cases move through mediation or collaborative processes to reach durable agreements. If a case requires litigation, the work includes discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation that respects local rules and timelines.
Joseph Robert Schmitz is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Joseph Robert Schmitz practices with Schmitz Law, P.C., focusing on matters in District Court and negotiated resolutions. Typical work includes Divorce & Family Law. Clients receive step by step guidance on filing, service, deadlines, and temporary orders. For property division, the practice covers classification, valuation, and distribution with attention to home equity, retirement accounts that may require a QDRO, and complex debts. In custody matters, the approach centers on a practical schedule, school and childcare needs, health care planning, and transportation. When appropriate, cases move through mediation or collaborative processes to reach durable agreements. If a case requires litigation, the work includes discovery, motion practice, and trial preparation that respects local rules and timelines.
How to choose a divorce lawyer in Forsyth County, NC?
Choose a divorce lawyer in Forsyth County, NC by focusing on fit, experience, and cost clarity: build a short list of family law attorneys who practice in your local District Court and verify state bar license, disciplinary record, and if possible board certified family law specialist status.
In the initial consultation confirm case fit for child custody, parenting time, child support, spousal support or alimony, equitable distribution or property division, and complex assets like business valuation, real estate, stock compensation, and retirement accounts that require a QDRO. Ask about strategy for settlement, mediation, collaborative divorce, discovery, temporary orders, protective orders, and trial.
Evaluate communication, who does the work attorney, associate, or paralegal, response time, and whether there is a secure client portal. Get a written fee agreement that explains retainer, hourly rates, flat fee options, billing increments, expert costs, and realistic timelines. Bring tax returns, pay stubs, bank and brokerage statements, insurance, prior orders, and a parenting plan to speed up the review. Run a conflict check and confirm attorney client privilege. Choose the lawyer who explains next steps in plain language, knows local procedures and case management orders, offers transparent pricing, and provides a clear path from intake to mediation or trial.
What are the typical costs, fees, and timelines for an Absolute Divorce and contested family law cases in North Carolina District Court?
Costs and timelines in North Carolina depend on case type and county docket. An Absolute Divorce requires one year of separation and six months of residency, and an uncontested divorce is often handled with a flat fee plus filing fee and service of process, with a timeline of weeks that varies by District Court calendar and local rules.
Contested family law matters drive both cost and length, especially child custody, parenting time, child support, post separation support, alimony, and equitable distribution or property division. Expect a written fee agreement that explains retainer, hourly rate, flat fee options, billing increments, and estimated expenses. Common expenses include mediator fees, discovery costs, court reporter, expert witnesses such as a forensic accountant for business valuation, a real estate appraiser, a vocational expert, and QDRO preparation for retirement accounts, and in some cases a guardian ad litem.
The typical path runs from intake to filing in District Court, service, temporary orders when needed, disclosures and discovery, case management order, mediation or collaborative divorce, settlement conference, consent order, and if needed trial, with possible continuances. Timelines vary with complexity and cooperation, so ask your attorney for a projected schedule from filing to mediation or trial and confirm how fees, costs, and updates will be handled.
North Carolina Court & Filing Basics
Family law cases in North Carolina are heard in District Court. To start, file a Complaint and Civil Summons with the Clerk of Superior Court in the proper venue (usually a party’s county of residence) and pay the filing fee.
Proper service of process by sheriff or certified mail triggers a 30-day deadline to file an Answer and counterclaims; many litigants also file a Notice of Appearance and request a 30-day extension. Preserve rights by filing Equitable Distribution, Post Separation Support, and Alimony before Absolute Divorce; you may also seek child custody, child support, and temporary orders.
Expect a case management order, disclosures, discovery, mandatory mediation in many counties, possible collaborative law, then consent order, hearing, or trial, scheduled under local rules and the District Court calendar. Some counties use eCourts eFiling; always follow the North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure and check the Clerk of Superior Court for forms and fees.
Next steps
Shortlist a few lawyers from the list, open popups for details, then book consultations. Bring finances summary, parenting concerns, and prior orders.