Are you dealing with a family law issue in Shelby and unsure of what to do next? You might have questions about divorce, custody, support, or your legal rights. These matters can feel overwhelming, especially when you don’t know where to turn. That’s where the Shelby family law attorneys at Caulder & Valentine come in.
Our team can discuss your goals with you, explain the relevant laws, and help you develop a tailored game plan that makes sense for your situation. We take the time to listen and work closely with you throughout the entire process.
Contact us today to set up a consultation and discover how a Shelby family lawyer can help you move forward.
How a Shelby Family Law Lawyer Can Help with Your Case
Family law cases often involve considerable stress and confusion. Custody disagreements, support questions, and property disputes don’t just affect what kind of paperwork you need to complete — they affect your daily life, potentially for years to come.
A family law attorney in Shelby can help you manage these issues more easily. At Caulder & Valentine, we listen carefully, explain your legal options in plain terms, and help you make choices that support your goals. When emotions run high, our lawyers keep the focus on solutions. Many people feel unsure about what to expect in these cases, but we’re here to remove that guesswork.
Whether your family law claim involves divorce, parenting time, or support, we provide the strong planning and clear communication you need to move forward with confidence and clarity.
What Are the More Common Family Law Matters?
Family law encompasses a broad range of issues that can have profound personal consequences. At Caulder & Valentine, we help people in Shelby deal with divorce, child-related disputes, financial support questions, and other challenges that can arise when families change.
Our Shelby family lawyers focus on solving problems and helping our clients reach their goals in family law cases that involve the following:
- Contested Divorce – In a contested divorce, the spouses do not agree on one or more major issues, which might include property division, debt management, parenting time, or support. These cases often go through the court system and take longer to resolve. We help clients prepare strong arguments, gather evidence, and stay organized throughout the process.
- Uncontested Divorce – If both spouses agree on all terms, they can move forward with uncontested divorces. These cases usually take less time and cost less than contested ones. We can also handle all court filings so the divorce process goes smoothly from start to finish.
- Child Custody – Custody issues often cause the most stress in family law cases. Whether a dispute involves physical custody, legal custody, or both, we can help parents build plans that support their children’s best interests. We also assist clients in preparing for court if they are unable to reach an agreement. Our approach involves focusing on parenting goals and long-term stability for the children involved.
- Visitation – Parents without primary custody still have the right to see their children. We help parents create visitation plans that reflect their children’s needs and the parents’ availability. If problems arise, our team can also help with enforcing schedules or requesting changes. We aim to promote consistent, healthy relationships between children and both parents.
- Child Support – North Carolina uses a formula to set child support amounts, but that formula isn’t the only factor to consider in a case. Our lawyers help parents understand how the system works, calculate support amounts, and ask for changes if income or other factors change. We also assist parents in addressing unpaid support by taking legal steps to collect the outstanding amount.
- Parental Relocation – If a parent wants to move with their child, it can affect custody and visitation rights. These cases are often emotional and require comprehensive legal planning. We help parents seek permission for relocations or fight proposed moves that could be detrimental to the parent-child relationship.
- School Choice – If parents share custody but disagree on where their child should go to school, the court might need to step in. Our attorneys help parents explain why one school choice might support a child’s needs better than another. This often involves gathering school records, academic data, and expert input.
- Third-Party Custody – Sometimes, children need someone other than a parent to take over legal responsibility. Our Shelby family attorneys assist clients in petitioning for third-party custody when parents are unable to provide care due to illness, absence, or other serious issues. Third-party custody can give children the stability they need during difficult times.
- Spousal Support/Alimony – Spousal support can help one spouse maintain financial stability after divorce. We help clients seek or respond to support requests based on factors such as income, length of the marriage, and other relevant criteria. Whether we are negotiating an agreement or going to court, we strive to ensure the final result is sensible and legally sound.
- Grandparent Rights – In some cases, grandparents can ask for visitation or custody of their grandchildren. Our firm helps grandparents understand when the law allows this and what steps they need to take to assert their rights. We help grandparents prepare strong arguments and focus on the child’s best interests throughout the case.
- Prenuptial Agreements – Couples who want to protect their assets before marriage often choose to create a prenuptial agreement. We help clients draft and review these agreements so they meet legal requirements. A strong prenup can prevent disputes later and give both spouses clarity about finances.
- Asset Division/Property Distribution – North Carolina follows equitable distribution rules, which means property does not have to be split 50/50 in a divorce. Our team assists clients in gathering financial records, valuing items, and resolving disputes over homes and other assets. Our goal is to reach a fair division that reflects both parties’ needs and contributions during the marriage.
- Parental Alienation – Parental alienation happens when one parent tries to turn a child against the other parent. We take these cases seriously because they can harm the parent-child relationship. Our North Carolina family law attorneys assist clients in documenting alienating behavior, presenting their cases in family court, and advocating for solutions that prioritize the child’s well-being.
- Domestic Violence – If a family law case includes domestic violence, safety is the top priority. Our lawyers assist clients in filing for protective orders and taking other urgent steps to ensure their safety. We also handle divorce and custody issues that often come with abuse cases. These cases require quick action and careful planning, and we support our clients every step of the way.
- Annulment – An annulment is different from a divorce because it treats the marriage as if it never happened. We help clients determine if they qualify under North Carolina law, which allows for annulments based on grounds such as fraud, bigamy, or lack of consent. If an annulment is possible, our team can handle the court filings and explain how it could affect property and other rights.
- Paternity Issues – Establishing paternity is the first step in some child support and custody cases. Our firm supports mothers and fathers in filing the correct paperwork and requesting genetic testing. Once paternity is confirmed, we also assist with court orders for parenting time and support.
If I Am Getting Divorced, Will My Spouse and I Each Need to Pay for an Attorney?
Yes, each spouse usually hires their own attorney in these matters. Many divorcing spouses have different goals about money, parenting, or property, which makes personalized legal advice important. Even if you and your spouse agree on everything, you should still hire your own lawyer. An attorney can only represent one person in a divorce.
Without obtaining your own legal advice, you risk agreeing to terms that might not serve your long-term needs. Having your own attorney means knowing someone is there to look out for you and help you make informed decisions for your future. Whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, hiring a separate lawyer is generally advisable for protecting your interests and achieving better outcomes.
What Property Distribution/Asset Division Issues Often Arise in a Divorce?
Many divorces involve disagreements about who gets what after the split. One spouse may try to hide income, undervalue a business, or claim ownership of something that should be split. Some couples fight over who keeps the house, while others struggle with dividing retirement accounts or debt. Disputes can also arise if property that one person owned before the marriage gets mixed in with shared assets.
Caulder & Valentine helps clients gather financial records, identify all assets that constitute marital property, and determine who owns what. We also guide people through property valuations and debt assignments. Whether you settle or go to court, we’re here for you at every step. Our goal is to help you walk away with a fair result that reflects your marital contributions and your needs.
Contact a Shelby Family Law Attorney Today
If you need help with a family law matter in Shelby, don’t wait to get clear answers. The team at Caulder & Valentine is here to explain your options and help you plan your next steps. Contact us today to arrange a consultation and speak with a lawyer who will focus on what’s best for you.