Family Law Attorneys
Winston-Salem, Greensboro and High Point

If you’re bracing yourself for a divorce or custody case, you want an experienced and dependable family law attorney on your side. Contact us today to understand your best options.

Family Law Attorneys
Winston-Salem, Greensboro and High Point

Get an experienced, dependable, and caring legal team on your side.

Four convenient offices in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point, NC!

Contact an Attorney Today

Four convenient offices in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point!

Contact an Attorney Today!

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Meet Our Family Law Attorneys

Molly Brazil
Molly BrazilLocation Manager & Family Law Attorney
Molly Brazil is a family law attorney in Winston-Salem, NC. Molly is known for achieving favorable negotiated settlements that keep her clients from having to go to court. However, if litigation becomes necessary, Molly is well-prepared and has an exceptional level of readiness when stepping into the courtroom. She is dedicated to ensuring that each client feels at ease and secure. If you need an attorney that is fully prepared to try to get a resolution without a trial but is also ready to roll up her sleeves and battle it out in a courtroom call Molly today.
Erin Woodrum
Erin WoodrumSenior Case Management Attorney
Erin Woodrum is our Senior Case Management Attorney based out of our Winston-Salem Family Law Office. She brings over 10 years of experience in both Family and Criminal Law to our Firm. She has expertly handled a wide range of cases, including child custody, child support, equitable distribution, spousal support, divorce, and domestic violence. Erin has a special interest in third-party custody, adoptions, and termination of parental rights cases. Renowned for her exceptional and detailed trial preparation skills, Erin is a trusted advocate. If your Family Law case is headed to trial, you’ll want Erin on your Legal Team.
Kennedy Bullis
Kennedy BullisFamily Law Attorney
Kennedy Bullis is a Family Law Attorney from the Dummit Fradin Healy Office in Winston-Salem, NC. She is a passionate advocate who was inspired to go into law because of her experience working in the DSS system. Her goal is to help families navigate the complicated legal system so they feel heard, their issues are addressed, and positive solutions are found with the least negative consequences for all involved. If you need a compassionate dedicated communicator who can help tell your story, you need Kennedy Bullis at your side. Call her today.
Jack Holbrook
Jack HolbrookFamily Law Attorney
Jack Holbrook is a family law attorney in Winston-Salem, NC. Jack is a knowledgeable advocate to have on your side regarding family law matters. Recognizing the delicacy of cases related to divorce, child custody, and support issues he endeavors to offer support during these trying times. Reach out today for guidance in your family law issues.
Jeannette Carson
Jeannette CarsonFamily Law Attorney
Jeannette Carson is a family law attorney practicing out of our Greensboro Office. Jeannette’s dedication to children and compassion for those in need makes her uniquely suited to the practice of domestic law. She is an effective communicator and fierce litigator, fighting for her clients and their families fearlessly and unrelentingly. When you need an advocate who will defend you and your family, call Jeannette.
Kate Méndez
Kate MéndezFamily Law Attorney
Kate Méndez, a dedicated Winston-Salem based family law attorney is here for you. She is passionate about achieving the best possible outcome for her clients in matters like divorce, child custody and child support. Kate is a tireless advocate, both inside and outside the courtroom. Schedule a consultation today to let Kate fight for you.

What does a family lawyer do?

A family law attorney, or a family lawyer, can help you with a variety of family law issues in the courtroom. A few of the top family law issues include child support, child custody, adoption, property division, alimony, and more.

Our lawyers are dedicated to helping you understand how family laws affect you and walk you through any process step-by-step.

Below, you can learn more about our family services.

Divorce in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point

In the state of North Carolina a couple is only eligible for divorce after a year and one-day of separation has passed. This means that the parties have been physically separated and at least one of the parties intends to end the marital relationship permanently. One of the parties must also reside in the state of North Carolina for at least six months prior to filing for divorce.

Importantly, North Carolina is a “no-fault” divorce state; meaning that factors such as infidelity or abandonment are not considered for the purpose of actually securing a divorce.

A divorce, in and of itself, does not allow the court to consider other issues like:

These are separate matters that you’ll need to discuss with your family law attorney.

Understanding Legal Separation

Many couples commonly misunderstand the concept of “separation” and frequently seek clarification on the term “legal separation.” The initiation of physical separation, indicating that the involved parties no longer share the same residence and at least one party has the intention of terminating the marital relationship, marks the commencement of the one-year statutory separation period. No official documentation is necessary to confirm the separation of a husband and wife.

Yet, in many cases, a separation agreement can be used to resolve most of the marital issues that are a result of a separation without the necessity of litigation. These include child custody and visitation, spousal support, and property distribution.

The Benefits of a Separation Agreement

Separation agreements can be done in preparation of a couples’ separation or after the parties are living separate and apart.

Separation agreements have many advantages, as they avoid litigation and having a judge make the decisions. They put the power into the hands of the couple, who can reach an agreement on the terms of their separation and make the major decisions for their families and property. Separation agreements are enforceable by the courts through breach of contract claims. This can occur in various forms, including a claim for damages or specific performance for the other party to comply with the terms of the agreement.

Once a couple has been legally separated for at least one year and a day, they are entitled, under N.C.G.S. § 50-6, to a divorce. A separation agreement can be incorporated into the divorce decree upon request of one of the parties in the divorce complaint. Once a divorce decree is entered incorporating a separation agreement, it then becomes part of the court order and is enforceable as such by the courts.

Family Law Attorney Divorce

Understanding Legal Separation

Many couples commonly misunderstand the concept of “separation” and frequently seek clarification on the term “legal separation.” The initiation of physical separation, indicating that the involved parties no longer share the same residence and at least one party has the intention of terminating the marital relationship, marks the commencement of the one-year statutory separation period. No official documentation is necessary to confirm the separation of a husband and wife.

Yet, in many cases, a separation agreement can be used to resolve most of the marital issues that are a result of a separation without the necessity of litigation. These include child custody and visitation, spousal support, and property distribution.

The Benefits of a Separation Agreement

Separation agreements can be done in preparation of a couples’ separation or after the parties are living separate and apart.

Separation agreements have many advantages, as they avoid litigation and having a judge make the decisions. They put the power into the hands of the couple, who can reach an agreement on the terms of their separation and make the major decisions for their families and property. Separation agreements are enforceable by the courts through breach of contract claims. This can occur in various forms, including a claim for damages or specific performance for the other party to comply with the terms of the agreement.

Once a couple has been legally separated for at least one year and a day, they are entitled, under N.C.G.S. § 50-6, to a divorce. A separation agreement can be incorporated into the divorce decree upon request of one of the parties in the divorce complaint. Once a divorce decree is entered incorporating a separation agreement, it then becomes part of the court order and is enforceable as such by the courts.

Family Law Attorney

Equitable Distribution

When a couple decides to get divorced, they need to divide their property, assets, and debts from one household into two. It’s best if the two people can reach an agreement of what to do with their property. If you cannot come to an agreement the court will divide up your property with your spouse. In these cases, it is critical that all the assets of the marriage be properly accounted for and valued. You divorce attorney will walk you through this process and protect your interests.

Under North Carolina Law there is a strong presumption that dividing the marital assets equally (50/50) is equitable. But, in many situations, there is a reason for the court to divide them unequally to make the situation equitable. You can do this with a voluntary agreement or through a claim for Equitable Distribution.

Alimony & Spousal Support

Alimony is money paid from the supporting spouse to the dependent spouse after a divorce. The money is meant to ease the transition and to help the dependent spouse keep the standard of living they enjoyed during the marriage. The amount and duration of alimony depends on a variety of factors. There is no “set formula” for alimony, but rather calculations that are generally accepted by the court to be reasonable amounts.

Equitable Distribution

When a couple decides to get divorced, they need to divide their property, assets, and debts from one household into two. It’s best if the two people can reach an agreement of what to do with their property. If you cannot come to an agreement the court will divide up your property with your spouse. In these cases, it is critical that all the assets of the marriage be properly accounted for and valued. You divorce attorney will walk you through this process and protect your interests.

Under North Carolina Law there is a strong presumption that dividing the marital assets equally (50/50) is equitable. But, in many situations, there is a reason for the court to divide them unequally to make the situation equitable. You can do this with a voluntary agreement or through a claim for Equitable Distribution.

Alimony & Spousal Support

Alimony is money paid from the supporting spouse to the dependent spouse after a divorce. The money is meant to ease the transition and to help the dependent spouse keep the standard of living they enjoyed during the marriage. The amount and duration of alimony depends on a variety of factors. There is no “set formula” for alimony, but rather calculations that are generally accepted by the court to be reasonable amounts.

Child Custody

Perhaps the most contested area of family law and divorce involves child custody. When parents separate, they must still make decisions regarding their children. If the parents are not able to resolve the custody or financial support of their children, a judge will make this decision for them. It is important for parents to pick their family law attorney with care.
 
In most North Carolina counties, after filing for child custody, the parties need to attend mediation. Mediators are provided by the state. If parents are unable to reach an agreement in mediation, the legal system authorizes a district court judge to make a decision. The judge will decide who should have custody, how much visitation the non-custodial parent will have and how much child support the non-custodial parent will be obligated to pay. North Carolina law directs the courts to protect children until they reach the age of majority (usually age 18).
 
Generally speaking, parents should focus on the child’s welfare and interests. Ideally, parents should attempt to reach an agreement rather than going to litigation over custody. But, often parents are incapable of reaching an agreement and a judge must make the decision. Clearly, a family law attorney is important in these situations.

Child Support

In North Carolina, both parents have a duty to support their children. Child support is based on the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines (“the Guidelines”), which create a presumed reasonable amount of monthly child support. The Guidelines are intended to provide adequate awards of child support that are fair to the child and both parents. The Guidelines take into account a variety of factors to determine each parent’s obligation, including:

  • The number of overnights with each parent;
  • The relative gross income of each parent;
  • Whether either parent has a prior child support obligation;
  • Whether either parent has other minor children living in the home;
  • Which parent provides health insurance for the minor child;
  • Which parent provides work-related childcare for the minor child;
  • Extraordinary expenses of the minor child.

The Guidelines will ultimately dictate each parents’ child support obligations. But, it is often a complex process to determine the parent’s incomes and which factors apply. It is important to have a family law attorney review your income and deductions to ensure that you are either receiving or paying the correct amount under the Guidelines.

Note that in North Carolina, child custody and child support are entirely dependent upon one another. Neither parent has the right to withhold support or visitation from the other parent. Some parents refuse to allow visitation if the supporting parent has not made timely child support payments. Other parents refuse to pay child support if they are unable to see the child. In these situations, the aggrieved party must seek help from the Court.

If child support can be resolved amicably, it is beneficial to both the parents and the minor child and avoids the expense of litigation.

Family Law Attorney - Child custody

Child Custody

Perhaps the most contested area of family law and divorce involves child custody. When parents separate, they must still make decisions regarding their children. If the parents are not able to resolve the custody or financial support of their children, a judge will make this decision for them. It is important for parents to pick their family law attorney with care.
 
In most North Carolina counties, after filing for child custody, the parties need to attend mediation. Mediators are provided by the state. If parents are unable to reach an agreement in mediation, the legal system authorizes a district court judge to make a decision. The judge will decide who should have custody, how much visitation the non-custodial parent will have and how much child support the non-custodial parent will be obligated to pay. North Carolina law directs the courts to protect children until they reach the age of majority (usually age 18).
 
Generally speaking, parents should focus on the child’s welfare and interests. Ideally, parents should attempt to reach an agreement rather than going to litigation over custody. But, often parents are incapable of reaching an agreement and a judge must make the decision. Clearly, a family law attorney is important in these situations.

Child Support

In North Carolina, both parents have a duty to support their children. Child support is based on the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines (“the Guidelines”), which create a presumed reasonable amount of monthly child support. The Guidelines are intended to provide adequate awards of child support that are fair to the child and both parents. The Guidelines take into account a variety of factors to determine each parent’s obligation, including:

  • The number of overnights with each parent;
  • The relative gross income of each parent;
  • Whether either parent has a prior child support obligation;
  • Whether either parent has other minor children living in the home;
  • Which parent provides health insurance for the minor child;
  • Which parent provides work-related childcare for the minor child;
  • Extraordinary expenses of the minor child.

The Guidelines will ultimately dictate each parents’ child support obligations. But, it is often a complex process to determine the parent’s incomes and which factors apply. It is important to have a family law attorney review your income and deductions to ensure that you are either receiving or paying the correct amount under the Guidelines.

Note that in North Carolina, child custody and child support are entirely dependent upon one another. Neither parent has the right to withhold support or visitation from the other parent. Some parents refuse to allow visitation if the supporting parent has not made timely child support payments. Other parents refuse to pay child support if they are unable to see the child. In these situations, the aggrieved party must seek help from the Court.

If child support can be resolved amicably, it is beneficial to both the parents and the minor child and avoids the expense of litigation.

Family Law Attorney

Father’s Rights

There is no presumption as to which parent is more fit. Both parents are deemed to be fit and capable of caring for their children. Child custody is determined based on the best interests of the children. Both parents are afforded the opportunity to present to the court why they would be a fit parent. Factors the court considers include the safety of the children and acts of domestic violence. However, a judge may consider any factor that he or she deems relevant to the best interest of the child.

At Dummit Fradin, we have a long history of fighting for equal rights for our clients, including men in child custody and child support cases. That means we will seek a fair arrangement allowing for joint legal and physical custody for fathers. While it may seem like you have an uphill battle, trust in our family lawyers to fight for you.

Grandparent Rights (Third-Party Custody)

While grandparent rights and third party custody are rapidly evolving areas of family law matters, grandparent rights are currently quite limited. State law presumes that a child’s biological parents are the fit and proper persons to care for the minor child. However, in many cases, this is not the case and grandparents and other family members step in to raise the children.

Grandparent (third party) rights are governed by N.C.G.S. 50-13.1, which provides that;

“any parent, relative, or other person, agency, organization, or institution claiming the right to custody of a minor child (who has not as yet attained the age of eighteen years) may institute an action or proceeding for the custody of such child.”

In order for a grandparent or third party to be awarded custody of a child, they must show that the biological parents are either unfit and/or have acted inconsistent with their constitutionally protected rights as parents.

Alternatively, if there is an ongoing child custody dispute between the parents, grandparents may request to intervene in that lawsuit and ask for custody or visitation. This option is only available where the mother and father have already started a lawsuit. In each of these cases, it is important to hire an attorney who can communicate the needs and desires of your particular situation.

Grandparent Rights (Third-Party Custody)

While grandparent rights and third party custody are rapidly evolving areas of family law matters, grandparent rights are currently quite limited. State law presumes that a child’s biological parents are the fit and proper persons to care for the minor child. However, in many cases, this is not the case and grandparents and other family members step in to raise the children.

Grandparent (third party) rights are governed by N.C.G.S. 50-13.1, which provides that;

“any parent, relative, or other person, agency, organization, or institution claiming the right to custody of a minor child (who has not as yet attained the age of eighteen years) may institute an action or proceeding for the custody of such child.”

In order for a grandparent or third party to be awarded custody of a child, they must show that the biological parents are either unfit and/or have acted inconsistent with their constitutionally protected rights as parents.

Alternatively, if there is an ongoing child custody dispute between the parents, grandparents may request to intervene in that lawsuit and ask for custody or visitation. This option is only available where the mother and father have already started a lawsuit. In each of these cases, it is important to hire an attorney who can communicate the needs and desires of your particular situation.

Father’s Rights

There is no presumption as to which parent is more fit. Both parents are deemed to be fit and capable of caring for their children. Child custody is determined based on the best interests of the children. Both parents are afforded the opportunity to present to the court why they would be a fit parent. Factors the court considers include the safety of the children and acts of domestic violence. However, a judge may consider any factor that he or she deems relevant to the best interest of the child.

At Dummit Fradin, we have a long history of fighting for equal rights for our clients, including men in child custody and child support cases. That means we will seek a fair arrangement allowing for joint legal and physical custody for fathers. While it may seem like you have an uphill battle, trust in our family lawyers to fight for you.

Read our Family Law Blog

We want you to be able to make an informed decision. That’s why we’ve taken the time to curate a family law blog that covers various topics from divorce to child support.

How North Carolina Courts Determine Child Custody

Matters involving the custody and futures of children are often the most important in family law cases. Whether you are considering divorce with children or have another custody issue, understanding the process and what courts [...]

Child Support Deviation

The NC Child Support Guidelines determine the formula of how much a parent will owe in child support. But, the Judge may deviate from these guidelines. This is often referred to as child support deviation. [...]

What Our Clients Say

I would like to thank [my attorney] and her team very much for helping me with my case. I really appreciate her candor, honesty, patience, and hard work with my situation. She is a great lawyer also a good negotiator and a deal maker. I am very pleased with the outcome and her handling of my case. Proudly Thank you Dummit Fradin, Attorneys at Law For having [her] in your office. I will gladly recommend her to anyone [who] needs her services. Can’t thank you all enough.

We went to Dummit Fradin for a custody case. Our attorney made us feel great about our case. They went above and beyond to get us what we were asking for. Our attorney was so amazing and stood by us the entire way. They made everything clear. We can’t thank Dummit Fradin enough for the results that we got. We would highly recommend them to anyone and everyone.

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