
Family law can be one of the hardest types of cases to navigate. The combination of often complex legal procedures with the sensitive nature of the situation may feel overwhelming. A skilled Mount Holly family lawyer can help you with your case, guiding you through this trying time.
At Kenny & Lowry, P.L.L.C., we know how difficult family law matters can be. Our team has spent years assisting the people of Mount Holly and Gaston County with their family law cases. Founder Terry Albright Kenny was the former president of the Gaston County Bar Association, while fellow founding attorney Lauren E. Lowry has an extensive history working in social services and for the Mecklenburg County DA’s office.
North Carolina family law encompasses a wide range of cases. The following is a general overview of the types of family law cases that Kenny & Lowry, P.L.L.C. represents:
Divorce is one of the most common family law case types. North Carolina has a divorce rate of 2.7 per 1,000 people, slightly higher than the nationwide average of 2.4 per 1,000. North Carolina requires spouses to live apart for one year before a divorce can be finalized, with some exceptions. Whether your divorce is uncontested or contested, we can fight for a solution that you deserve.
Child custody and support can be one of the most heated aspects of co-parenting. Negotiating aspects like legal custody, physical custody, support payments, and payment amounts can all be challenging. After initial agreements, the monetary and personal realities of life can make them irrelevant. Our legal team can help you create or update an agreement that works for you, your co-parent, and the children.
North Carolina follows equitable distribution guidelines for property distribution during divorce. This means that marital property is split according to what the court deems equitable, rather than an even 50/50 split. Kenny & Lowry, P.L.L.C. can advocate for you in deliberations to find a definition of equitable that matches your needs.
Spousal support, or alimony, is a key part of many divorces in North Carolina. It can be crucial in aiding a spouse with a lower earning capacity in maintaining their quality of life. However, some alimony cases can fail to match the economic realities of the paying spouse. Whether you are the receiver or the payor of alimony, we can represent your financial interests.
Adding a new member to your family can be an exciting, joyful time. However, North Carolina has many documents, reviews, and regulations that must be considered before an adoption can be finalized. We can walk you through these steps and help you file the necessary paperwork.
Some family law cases require a neutral third party to manage negotiations. Mediation is a useful tool to avoid lengthy litigation or emotional court hearings. We can facilitate productive conversations between all parties and provide a comfortable space to find lasting solutions.
Violence in the home or between loved ones can be devastating. Whether you’ve been the victim of abuse or have been falsely accused, our team can represent you and reveal the truth. If you currently do not feel safe, the Cathy Mabry Cloninger Center in Gastonia has 24/7 services.
Any family law case, from divorce to adoption, may have complications and challenging elements. While it is possible to represent yourself, it is recommended that you hire a family lawyer to help in your case. Your Mount Holly family attorney can be with you at every step of the process, advocating your interests both in and out of the Gaston County Courthouse.
How much your family lawyer will cost in North Carolina depends on the specific details of your case, such as its type, complexity, and the work hours required. A prenuptial agreement will generally be cheaper than a lengthy, contested divorce. Your family law attorney will know your case and can provide an estimate for how much your final legal fees may be.
Whether you are required to visit court once or multiple times can be a notable concern. For most family law cases, court hearings, either in person or online, are often required at some point in the process. However, uncontested divorces can avoid court meetings through separation agreements or mediation. A visit to the Gaston County Courthouse is probable, but not guaranteed, in your family law case.
When to seek legal counsel for your family law case is an important decision to make. It is generally advised to consult with an attorney as early in the process as possible. Discussing your situation with an experienced family lawyer before taking official action can help you avoid easy mistakes and strengthen your case.
How long your family law case takes depends on the type of case, the parties involved, its complexity, and how backed up the courts are. An uncontested, collaborative divorce can be resolved quickly, whereas a contested child custody case can take a long time to resolve. Your divorce lawyer can give a general expectation for your case’s timeline, keeping in mind that delays can occur at any point.
Our team at Kenny & Lowry, P.L.L.C., has the knowledge and experience that can make a positive difference in your case. At our firm, we use our abilities to put families first. Contact us today for an initial consultation so we can learn the legal issues you are facing and begin discussing your options. You may also visit our Gastonia office located on East Main Street, around the corner from the Gastonia Conference Center and Andrew Jackson Highway.
117 East Main Avenue
Gastonia, NC 28052