For individuals and families in Gaston County who are dealing with a divorce, child custody dispute, or domestic disputes, the cases are generally handled through the District Court or Domestic Court at the Gaston County Courthouse. This includes filing a family law matter or responding to a family law issue for residents of Gaston County. 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.
Gaston County Courthouse
The Gaston County Courthouse is located at:
325 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Gastonia, NC 28052
Telephone:
(704) 852-3100
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays: Closed
The courthouse is located on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way (formerly Marietta Street), between Long Avenue and Page Avenue. The courthouse is next to the County Jail and across the street from the Gaston County Social Services.
Issues Handled in Gaston County Family Court
Some counties have a designated Family Court that handle 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.
Gaston County does not have a specified Family Court. Instead, most family law issues are handled in the local district court or domestic court. Family law issues in Gaston County court may include:
- Divorce,
- Child support and custody,
- Property division,
- Alimony,
- Domestic violence,
- Mediation,
- Enforcing family court orders,
- Abuse or neglect,
- Paternity,
- Termination of parental rights,
- Adoptions, and
- Guardian ad litem.
Divorce in Gaston County
In order for a married couple to seek a divorce in Gaston County, the couple must meet two requirements:
- A couple must have been physically separated for at least one year, and
- At least one spouse has resided in North Carolina six months prior to filing.
When going through a divorce or legal separation, the separating couple will often have to come to an agreement on a number of issues or have the court decide those issues, which may include: :
- Property and asset division,
- Child custody and visitation,
- Child support, and
- Post-separation support and alimony.
If you have any questions about divorce in Gaston County, contact Caulder & Valentine Law Firm, PLLC.
Child Custody and Visitation
Child custody can be one of the most disputed areas of a divorce or separation. If the couple cannot come to an agreement on custody and visitation schedule, the court may order mediation. If mediation is not successful, the court may determine custody and visitation, based on a number of factors, including, “what will best promote the interest and welfare of the child.”
Even after a child custody and visitation plan is agreed upon, there may still be future issues for dispute. Parents may need to modify a parenting plan or enforce the terms of a visitation agreement.
Child Support in Gaston County
Child support is generally based on North Carolina's child support guidelines, which factors in the income of each parent and the ability to pay. It may also be based on the custody and visitation schedule and needs of the child.
After a child support order is issued by the court, a parent may seek to modify the order based on changed circumstances. The parent relying on child support payments may also need to enforce the child support orders if the other parent is making the payments in full or on-time. If you need assistance with a child support issue in Gaston County, contact Caulder & Valentine Law Firm, PLLC.
Other Family Law Resources in Gaston County
The Gaston County Department of Social Services also provides for issues related to family law, which include:
- Child Support
- Adoption Services
- Foster Care
- Child Protective Services
In Gaston County, the local DSS office is located at:
Department of Social Services
330 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Gastonia, NC 28052
Phone: (704) 862-7500
Fax Number: (704) 862-7885
Emergency Phone: (704) 862-7575
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays: Closed
Gaston County Family Law Attorneys
Having an experienced family law attorney on your side can be of tremendous help during a family law dispute. Your family law attorney can deal with the other parties so you don't have to, keep you informed of the process, and advocate for your rights. If you have any questions about a family law issue or dispute in North Carolina, contact the Caulder & Valentine Law Firm, PLLC. Contact us online or by phone at 704-470-2440 today for a consultation.
