Divorce and family law in Wake County
A Calmer Way Through Divorce in Raleigh
Separation, custody and property, handled with less fighting and costs you can see up front.
Where Are You Right Now?
Six quick questions. You get the path most people in your spot take, a rough timeline and a rough cost. Nothing is saved or sent.
Court days are long. We sit with you in the hallway too.
What We Handle
Separation agreements
A signed plan for the house, the bills, the kids and support. Most of our clients settle everything here and never see a courtroom.
Custody and child support
Schedules that fit school, work and real life, with support worked out using the North Carolina guidelines.
The house and retirement accounts
North Carolina calls this equitable distribution. We list what you own, what you owe, and what is fair to split.
Alimony and support during separation
What the lower earning spouse may be owed, for how long, and how to keep it from becoming a fight.
Protective orders
When home is not safe, we help you ask the court for a domestic violence protective order, often within days.
The One Year Rule, Plainly
The divorce itself waits a year. Everything else can be settled while you wait.
- The day one of you moves outYour one year clock starts. Write the date down.
- During that yearSettle custody, support, the house and retirement in a signed agreement.
- After a full year apartOne of you files for the divorce in Wake County.
- About 30 to 90 days laterA short hearing, and sometimes the judge decides on paperwork alone.
Kitchen Tables and Courthouse Halls
Where We Meet
- Office
- 410 Sample Street, Suite 210, Raleigh
- Open
- Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 5:30
- Evenings
- By video, for parents who work days
- Serving
- Raleigh, Cary, Garner, Wake Forest, Apex, Knightdale, Holly Springs and Durham
What Clients Say
“She told me the real cost on the first call. No surprises, and my ex and I still get along for the kids.”
Dana W. Cary
“I was scared to even call. They explained the one year rule and made a plan for the house.”
Marcus T. Garner
“Calm, clear and on my side. They never pushed me toward court.”
Priya S. Wake Forest
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Questions People Ask on the First Call
How long does a divorce take in North Carolina?
You must live apart for one full year before you can file for the divorce itself. After you file, it usually takes about 30 to 90 days more. Custody, support and property can be settled during that year.
Do we have to go to court?
Not always. Many couples settle everything in a signed separation agreement. The divorce itself is often a short hearing, and sometimes it is decided on paperwork alone.
What is equitable distribution?
It is how North Carolina divides marital property, like the house and retirement accounts. The claim has to be filed before the divorce is final, so we watch that date closely.
Can one lawyer represent both of us?
No. A lawyer can only represent one spouse. Your spouse can still have their own lawyer review the agreement, and many do.
What if I do not feel safe at home?
Call 911 if you are in danger. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233. We can help you ask the court for a protective order, and we never leave a voicemail unless you tell us it is safe.
Talk It Through Before You Decide Anything
The first call is 20 minutes, free and private. Tell us when it is safe to call you back and we will stick to it.