Family Law FAQ

Simply put, because it’s a court order. Child support is based on a formula created by N.C. Legislature. Once the court determines your gross monthly income and the types of credits you should receive, the formula calculates a child support obligation. In theory, this obligation should cover your portion of the costs associated with raising your child. While relatively straightforward it is important to schedule a consultation so that you do not end up obligated to an incorrect amount. Regardless of what you do for your children, if you don’t pay the child support obligation, you could be facing jail time.

No, you don’t. Some parents choose to handle child support and custody on their own, outside of court. That’s perfectly fine. There’s no requirement that you go to court. However, I still suggest doing a consultation—even if things are going well. It’s always better to be informed. Knowledge and information learned in the consultation will keep you from playing defense should things start going south later (typically once you get into a new relationship).

The reason why mothers appear to be favored over fathers is because mothers are often able to articulate more intimate details of their child’s life—how they are doing in school, what activities they are involved in, who their doctor is, what types of medications they are on, etc. The judge sees this ability to detail their child’s life as a demonstration of their fitness to be the primary caregiver. It is an unfair assumption and one I work to fight against. I understand your contribution to your child and will help you demonstrate this to the judge. Give my office a call to get scheduled for your consultation today!

The consultation is a conversation—similar to an interview. It's an opportunity to learn what the law says about your case, and it gives you an opportunity to get to know me and my approach. You will leave the consultation with a clear understanding of how the law applies in your case, what it will cost to retain me, and that by retaining my services you get an attorney who is knowledgeable, compassionate and honest. I am experienced, I genuinely care about you and your family, and I will always be honest, even if that means telling you something you may not want to hear. Give us a call, I look forward to speaking with you soon!

We will go over estimates in your consultation. There are several factors that determine how long your case will last including, but not limited to: where you are in the case, whether or not the other side is pro-se or represented by counsel, and your end goal. This is a difficult time in your life; you are trying to get to the other side after a heartbreak—romantic or otherwise. My job is to make your life easier, not harder. I have no interest in prolonging a case. My goal is to get your case concluded in your favor as soon as possible so that you can move on with your life.

My fees for reviewing pleadings/providing advice, drafting pleadings that you file on your own, and full representation are all different levels of service that come with different pricing. The range is from $500.00 to $15,000.00. However, these fees are flat fees. Click the link for additional information on the my Flat Fee Structure.

You will work directly with me. You won’t get pawned off to a paralegal or an associate. I am the one you speak with during your consultation, I draft the pleadings for your case, I research the case law, I compose the trial notebook, and I represent you in court. I practice in Mecklenburg County exclusively so that I am able to serve the needs of my clients efficiently. I am familiar with the local rules for Mecklenburg County as well as the judges, clerks and family court administrative staff.