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.
Kara Q. Helms is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Kara Q. Helms practices with The Helms Firm, 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.
Kelley L. Gondring is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Kelley L. Gondring practices with Gondring 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.
Kevin Altman is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Kevin Altman practices with Kevin Altman, Attorney at 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.
Molly Brazil is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Molly Brazil 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.
Monica R. Guy, Esq. is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Monica R. Guy, 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.
Natalie M. Vermitsky is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Natalie M. Vermitsky practices with Morrow Porter Vermitsky & Taylor, 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.
Porsha N. Buresh is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Porsha N. Buresh practices with The Law Office of Porsha N. Buresh, 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.
Robert Anthony Hartsoe is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Robert Anthony Hartsoe practices with Hartsoe & Associates, 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.
Robert G. Spaugh is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Robert G. Spaugh practices with Robert G. Spaugh, 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.
Steven D Smith is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Steven D Smith practices with The Law Office of Steven D Smith, 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.
Susan Gray is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Susan Gray practices with Susan Gray Law, 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.
Susan S. Simos is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Susan S. Simos practices with Craige Jenkins Liipfert & Walker LLP, 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.
Tyler B. Kline is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Tyler B. Kline practices with Kline 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.
Ursula L. Walder is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Ursula L. Walder practices with Ursula Walder Attorney | Traffic Tickets, DWI, Criminal Defense, Termination of Parental Rights. Housing Authorities, 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.
Whitney Taylor is a North Carolina family law attorney serving clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County. Whitney Taylor practices with Taylor Legal Services, 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.