North Carolina Domestic Violence Lawyers

North Carolina law provides legal protections for people experiencing domestic violence, including the ability to seek a Domestic Violence Protective Order in qualifying circumstances.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or contact local emergency services. If you're dealing with domestic violence and need legal guidance, Ward Family Law Group can help you understand your options and the protections that may be available to you. Our North Carlina domestic violence lawyers also represent people responding to domestic violence allegations and protective order proceedings.

Contact our family law firm when you're ready to set up a consultation and tell us about your case.

How Can a Domestic Violence Lawyer Help?

A domestic violence lawyer can help you understand your rights and navigate the legal process surrounding a protective order or related family law matter. Depending on your circumstances, our team can:

• Help you determine whether your situation may meet North Carolina's legal definition of domestic violence.

• Help you seek a Domestic Violence Protective Order, commonly called a 50B order.

• Represent you at a protective order hearing.

• Address temporary custody, visitation, support, housing, and other issues that may arise in connection with a protective order.

• Help you understand how domestic violence allegations may affect an existing or anticipated family law case.

• Represent you if someone has filed a protective order against you or accused you of domestic violence.

Why Choose Ward Family Law Group for a Domestic Violence Matter?

Ward Family Law Group has focused exclusively on family law cases since 2000. Our team includes three attorneys certified by the North Carolina State Bar as Family Law Specialists, as well as attorneys with significant experience handling contested family law matters in North Carolina courts.

Domestic violence cases often involve legal issues that extend beyond the protective order itself. A matter may also involve children, divorce, support, property, or other family law concerns that require attention at the same time. Our NC family lawyers can consider those related issues while helping clients address the immediate legal circumstances they are facing.

Our firm represents people seeking protection from domestic violence as well as people responding to allegations or protective order proceedings. We can help you understand your legal options and develop a strategy based on the specific circumstances of your case.

What Is Domestic Violence Under North Carolina Law?

North Carolina law defines domestic violence to include certain acts committed against a person with whom the alleged offender has or previously had a qualifying personal relationship. Under G.S. § 50B-1, those acts can include intentionally causing or attempting to cause bodily injury, placing someone in fear of imminent serious bodily injury, and certain forms of continued harassment or sexual misconduct.

The law applies to specific relationships, which can include current or former spouses, people who have lived together, people who have a child in common, and certain people who are or have been in a dating relationship. Whether conduct qualifies as domestic violence depends on the specific facts and the relationship between the people involved.

What Is a 50B Domestic Violence Protective Order?

A Domestic Violence Protective Order is a civil court order that can provide legal protection to a person who meets the requirements of North Carolina's domestic violence laws. The term "50B order" refers to Chapter 50B of the North Carolina General Statutes, which governs these protective orders.

A person seeking protection can file a civil action requesting a protective order. In appropriate circumstances, a court can issue an emergency or temporary order before the other party has an opportunity to be heard. A later hearing gives both sides an opportunity to present their positions to the court. G.S. § 50B-2 addresses the process for seeking a domestic violence protective order and obtaining emergency relief.

One of our family law attorneys can help you understand the allegations, prepare for the hearing, and address the issues that may be affected by the order.

What Can a Domestic Violence Protective Order Do?

The court can provide several forms of relief through a Domestic Violence Protective Order when the statutory requirements are met. Depending on the circumstances, an order may:

• Prohibit further acts of domestic violence.

• Prohibit threatening, harassing, or contacting the protected person.

• Give one party possession of a residence and require the other party to leave.

• Address temporary custody and visitation of minor children.

• Provide for temporary child or spousal support in qualifying circumstances.

• Address possession of certain personal property.

• Restrict the purchase or possession of firearms as provided by law.

• Provide other relief the court determines is necessary for the protection of the person seeking the order.

G.S. § 50B-3 sets out the relief that a court may include in a domestic violence protective order.

Because a protective order can affect where someone lives, how they communicate with another person, and how they interact with their children, it is important to understand the specific terms of any order entered in your case.

How Do Domestic Violence and Child Custody Overlap?

Domestic violence can have significant implications for parents involved in a custody dispute. The circumstances surrounding alleged domestic violence may affect decisions about parenting time, visitation, exchanges, communication, and other aspects of a parenting arrangement.

A Domestic Violence Protective Order can also address temporary custody and visitation when the legal requirements are met. A separate custody case may involve additional issues that require a court to consider the safety and welfare of the children.

If domestic violence is part of a broader dispute between parents, our attorneys can help you address those concerns as part of your child custody matter.

What Are Some Important North Carolina Domestic Violence Resources?

People experiencing domestic violence may need support beyond legal representation. Several organizations provide crisis assistance, safety planning, shelter referrals, advocacy, and connections to local services.

• The North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCCADV) maintains a directory of local agencies serving all 100 North Carolina counties. Services may include confidential crisis lines, emergency shelter, support groups, and counseling.

• The North Carolina Department of Administration’s domestic violence resource page provides information about statewide domestic violence and sexual assault programs and services.

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides free, confidential support and safety planning 24 hours a day. You can call 800-799-SAFE (7233), text START to 88788, or use its online chat.

• If you are in immediate danger or facing a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

These resources can provide valuable support, but they do not replace advice from a qualified attorney about your specific legal options.

Meet With a North Carolina Domestic Violence Lawyer

Domestic violence can affect your safety, your children, your home, and other important parts of your life. Whether you need help seeking protection or have been accused of domestic violence, understanding your legal rights can help you make informed decisions about what to do next.

Ward Family Law Group represents clients throughout North Carolina in domestic violence and related family law matters. Contact our firm to schedule a consultation with an experienced NC domestic violence lawyer.