Most family court issues and disputes for residents of Cleveland County are handled through the District Court at the Cleveland County Courthouse. If you are filing a petition or responding to a family law matter in Cleveland County, the case will generally be handled at the Cleveland County Courthouse in Shelby, North Carolina. Talk to your experienced North Carolina family law attorney about your case, your options, and how to make sure you can protect you and your family.
Cleveland County Courthouse
The Cleveland County Courthouse is located at:
100 Justice Place
Shelby, NC 28150
Telephone:
(704) 476-7800
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays: Closed
Issues Handled in Cleveland County Family Court
Not all counties have a Family Court that handles all issues that affect a family. Under the Unified Family Courts concept, a family court can coordinate case management of court events and service agency efforts to better serve a family. This includes some criminal and juvenile justice matters that involve a family.
Cleveland County does not have a specified Family Court. Instead, most family law issues are handled in the local district court. Family law issues in Cleveland County court may include:
- Divorce,
- Child custody,
- Child support,
- Property division,
- Alimony,
- Post-separation support,
- Enforcing family court orders,
- Domestic violence,
- Child abuse,
- Juvenile delinquency,
- Paternity,
- Emancipation,
- Termination of parental rights,
- Adoptions,
- Child visitation,
- Family court mediation,
- Child planning conferences,
- Truancy,
- Guardian ad litem,
- Family drug treatment, and
- Involuntary commitments.
Divorce in Cleveland County
Divorce is one of the most common issues that involve family law in North Carolina. In order to file for a no-fault divorce, there are two requirements:
- A couple must have been physically separated for at least one year.
- At least one spouse has resided in North Carolina six months prior to filing.
Together with a legal separation, the divorcing couple may have to determine a number of other issues, including:
- Property division,
- Child custody and visitation, and
- Spousal support.
All aspects of a divorce are initially settled through the divorce proceeding and separation agreement. However, issues can come up later, especially concerning changes in support orders and enforcing family court orders. If you have any questions about divorce in Cleveland County, contact Caulder & Valentine Law Firm, PLLC in Shelby.
Child Support in Cleveland County
Child support is another common family law issue for individuals and families in Cleveland County. Child support can come up after a divorce, separation, or if a parent is not providing support for a child. Child support in family law cases starts with getting an initial child support order. Child support is based on North Carolina's child support guidelines, with factors including:
- The income and earning potential of each parent;
- A child's individual mental, physical, and emotional condition;
- The past, present, and future expenses required for the adequate raising of a child;
- A child's accustomed standard of living prior to a divorce, split, or separation;
- The amount of time spent with each parent;
- The number of children both parents have, together or apart; and
- The needs of a child.
After an initial child support order is issued, a parent may have other needs to be addressed by the court, including modifying a child support order or enforcing child support. If you need assistance with a child support issue in Cleveland County, contact Caulder & Valentine Law Firm, PLLC in Shelby.
Domestic Violence in Cleveland County
Domestic violence can be both a family law issue and a criminal court issue. By definition, domestic violence involves:
- A current or former spouse;
- Someone you have a child with;
- Someone related as parent and child or as grandparents and grandchildren;
- A current or former member of the household; or
- People who are dating or were previously dating.
Domestic violence in family law cases often involves someone trying to get away from an abusive spouse or partner, getting a protection order, enforcing protection orders, or an alleged abuser challenging protection orders in order to be able to see their children. If you need assistance with a domestic violence case in Cleveland County, contact Caulder & Valentine Law Firm, PLLC in Shelby.
Other Family Law Resources in Cleveland County
The Department of Social Services (DSS) handles a number of issues related to family law in North Carolina, including:
- Child Support
- Adoption Services
- Foster Care
- Child Protective Services
In Cleveland County, the local DSS office is located at:
Department of Social Services
130 S. Post Road
Shelby, NC 28152
Mailing Address:
PO Box 9006
Shelby, NC 28151-9006
Phone: (704) 487-0661
Fax: (704) 480-5549
Emergency Phone: (704) 484-4822
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays: Closed
Family Law Attorneys in Shelby, North Carolina
One of the best resources you can have in a family law issue in Cleveland County is an experienced family law attorney on your side to advocate for your rights, explain the process, and let you know all your options in family court. If you have any questions about a family law issue or dispute in North Carolina, contact the Caulder & Valentine Law Firm, PLLC in Shelby. Contact us online or by phone at 704-470-2440 today for a consultation.
