The Lincoln County Courthouse in Lincolnton handles most family court issues for individuals residing in Lincoln County, North Carolina. Talk to your experienced North Carolina family law attorney about any family law issues you are dealing with, how to respond to legal documents, and your options to protect your interests and your family.
Lincoln County Courthouse
The Lincoln County Courthouse is located at:
120 Justice Dr
Lincolnton, NC 28093
Mailing Address:
Lincoln County Courthouse
PO Box 8
Lincolnton, NC 28093-0008
Telephone: (704) 742-7800
Fax: (828) 288-6101
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: Closed
Issues Handled in Lincoln County Family Court
Most family law petitions, filings, and disputes in Lincoln County are held in the District Court. This may include anything from filing for divorce to getting a restraining order against an abusive spouse. Family law issues the Lincoln County Courthouse may hear include:
- Divorce and legal separation,
- Property and asset division,
- Alimony or spousal support,
- Post-separation support,
- Enforcing family court orders,
- Domestic violence,
- Restraining orders,
- Adoptions,
- Paternity,
- Family court mediation, and
- Guardianship ad litem.
Child Support Matters
Child support issues may also be able to be addressed through the Department of Social Services (DSS). The local DSS office may be able to provide a parent with information about filing for child support, modifying a child support award, making payment arrangements, and enforcing child support orders. The local DSS office in Lincoln County is located at:
Department of Social Services
1136 E. Main St.
Lincolnton, NC 28093-0130
Mailing Address:
Lincoln County Department of Social Services
PO Box 130
Lincolnton, NC 28093 -0130
Telephone:
Phone: (704) 732-0738
Fax: (704) 736-8727
Emergency Phone: (828) 229-7205
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: Closed
Filing for Divorce in Lincoln County
Divorce is one of the most common family law issues for individuals. Filing for a no-fault divorce in Lincoln County generally has two requirements, which include:
- The parties 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 for divorce.
An uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on how to divide assets, debts, and responsibilities, can go through relatively quickly. A premarital or postnuptial agreement may have provided for how to handle certain property in a divorce. However, where there is a dispute over one or multiple issues, the court may have to resolve the disputes. This includes:
Down the road, certain issues involving child custody, visitation, or alimony, may require returning to the court to modify any orders or enforce family court orders. If you have any questions about divorce or legal separation in Lincoln County, contact Caulder & Valentine Law Firm, PLLC.
Lincoln County Mandatory Custody and Visitation Mediation
In Lincoln County, all child custody and visitation actions will be ordered to mediation before trial. Mediation involves a third-party trained mediator who works to facilitate a mutually agreeable solution to child custody or visitation issues. Mediation in family law matters can have a number of possible benefits, including:
- Reduction of stress between the parties,
- Provide for a custody and visitation agreement that is in the child's best interest,
- Minimize stress and anxiety by the parents and child, and
- Reduce the litigation of custody and visitation disputes.
Unfortunately, mediation is not always possible. Upon a showing a “good cause,” a custody or visitation matter may be exempted from mediation. Some possible reasons to avoid mediation may include allegations of abuse, neglect, alcoholism, drug abuse, or severe psychological problems between the parties.
Talk to your family law attorney about mediation, including whether mediation may be the wrong choice for your case. If you have any questions about child custody and visitation mediation or other family law issues in Lincoln County, contact Caulder & Valentine Law Firm, PLLC.
Lincoln County Family Law Attorneys
Instead of dealing with a family law dispute on your own, contact an experienced family law attorney who can help you through the difficult times. Your attorney will fight for your rights, keep you informed of the process, and let you know all your options so you can make the best decision for yourself and your family. If you have any questions about a family law issue or dispute in Lincoln County, contact the Caulder & Valentine Law Firm, PLLC. Contact us online or by phone at 704-470-2440 today for a consultation.
