Divorce Attorneys in Winston-Salem, NC

If You’re Going Through a Divorce, Let Us Lead the Way

Choosing to move forward with a divorce is a difficult decision. When you take that step, you deserve legal guidance that is steady, experienced, and focused on protecting your future. In Winston-Salem and throughout Forsyth County, people turn to our divorce attorneys at Blood Law, PLLC because we combine more than 125 years of collective experience with a team-based approach that prioritizes preparation, strategy, and honest communication. We are familiar with local court procedures, and we approach every case with both professionalism and genuine care for the people involved, so you can feel confident in bringing your case to us, either as the person who filed for divorce or the one who received the divorce papers.

When you work with us for your Winston-Salem divorce, you benefit from our:

• Extensive experience in North Carolina family law
• Collaborative teamwork approach for reviewing and strengthening your case strategy
• Familiarity with local judges and court processes
• Clear, straightforward guidance about your options
• Representation that balances compassion with assertiveness
• Nine office locations throughout the Carolinas, including right here in Winston-Salem

Call our Winston-Salem office today at (704) 286-0570 to schedule a consultation with our divorce attorneys.

Handling Every Part of Your Divorce

Divorce involves more than filing paperwork. Legal, financial, and parenting issues are usually intertwined with the divorce process, and each decision can have long-term effects. We help you address every component of your case in a coordinated and thoughtful way. Because we handle divorce, child custody, child support, property division, and related matters under one roof, you receive consistent guidance from start to finish.

Our Winston-Salem divorce attorneys can help with:

• Drafting and filing divorce petitions
• Responding to divorce complaints
• Attempting to negotiate settlement agreements
• Representing you in mediation
• Preparing for and handling court hearings
• Addressing custody and support matters
• Resolving complex property division issues

Types of Divorce in North Carolina

North Carolina recognizes two primary forms of divorce: absolute divorce and divorce from bed and board. Understanding the difference is important as you determine the right course for your situation. Of course, if you aren’t sure, you can always depend on our insight and guidance.

The two primary forms of divorce recognized by North Carolina family law are:

• Absolute divorce: In North Carolina, absolute divorce is the most common type of divorce, and it permanently dissolves the marriage. You must live separately and apart from your spouse for at least one year before filing. Also, at least one spouse must have lived in North Carolina for six months before filing. Once granted, both parties are legally single and free to remarry.
• Divorce from bed and board: Whereas many other states might use the term legal separation, North Carolina calls a similar process ‘divorce from bed and board,’ which is not a true divorce, but a court-ordered separation. It may be granted when one spouse proves fault-based grounds such as abandonment, cruel treatment, or substance abuse. It can address issues like possession of the marital home and spousal support. When finished, the marriage itself is not legally dissolved.

Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce

Divorces generally fall into two categories: uncontested or contested. An uncontested divorce means both spouses agree on all major issues, including property division, custody, and support. A contested divorce means there is disagreement on one or more significant issues, so further action is needed to find a way to settle the disagreement.

Importantly, even in uncontested divorces, many people still choose to hire a lawyer. Your divorce attorney can check that agreements are thorough, enforceable, and aligned with North Carolina law, while also not unfairly exploiting you.

Whether your divorce is uncontested or contested, we can help you with:

• Drafting and reviewing separation agreements
• Checking the accuracy of financial disclosures
• Protecting your rights before signing final documents
• Filing proper court paperwork
• Confirming deadlines and procedural requirements are met

In contested cases, we can advocate assertively on your behalf through negotiation, mediation, or litigation if necessary. Whether your divorce is amicable or involves complex disputes, having experienced representation can bring peace of mind and confidence at every stage.

Key Issues in a Winston-Salem Divorce

Several core issues typically arise in a North Carolina divorce. Addressing them strategically could shape your financial stability and family life for years to come.

North Carolina follows equitable distribution for marital property. This rule means assets and debts acquired during the marriage are divided fairly, though not necessarily equally. We can work with you to identify marital versus separate property, evaluate asset values, and pursue a fair outcome.

Spousal support or alimony may also be considered, depending on factors such as income disparity, the length of the marriage, and each spouse’s financial circumstances. We help you begin or respond to support requests based on your financial needs.

When children are involved, custody and child support become central concerns. North Carolina courts focus on the best interests of the child. We can help you present a parenting plan that reflects your involvement, stability, and commitment to your child’s well-being.

In summary, common divorce issues include:

• Division of marital property and debts
• Determination of separate property
• Spousal support (alimony)
• Child custody and visitation
• Child support calculations
• Enforcement of prior agreements

Documents to Gather Before Filing for Divorce

Preparation for divorce can strengthen your position when bringing forth an argument or recommendation. Before initiating a divorce, we recommend that you gather important documents, so we can evaluate your case more efficiently and provide counsel crafted to your specific situation.

If possible, you should collect:

• Recent tax returns
• Pay stubs and proof of income
• Bank account statements
• Retirement account statements
• Mortgage and property records
• Credit card statements
• Loan documents
• Business financial records, if applicable
• Existing separation agreements or court orders

Bringing this information to your consultation allows us to assess potential property division and support considerations with greater precision. The more organized your documentation, the more strategic we can be in planning next steps. Of course, if you aren’t sure where to get certain documents, don’t worry. When you hire us, we can help you identify and collect anything that might be missing.

What to Do If You’ve Been Served Divorce Papers

If you were handed divorce papers, you have important rights and deadlines to consider. Just as we are here to support and guide you if you want to initiate a divorce, we are always standing by to quickly respond to potential clients who were given divorce papers, oftentimes unexpectedly.

After being served divorce papers, you should:

1. Carefully read the complaint and summons
2. Note any deadlines listed in the paperwork
3. Avoid signing documents without legal review
4. Gather relevant financial and parenting documents
5. Contact our office as soon as possible

Responding within the required timeframe is critical. In North Carolina, you usually have just 30 days to respond to an official service of divorce papers, or else your spouse can request that the court issue a default judgment based on what they prefer. Please meet with us quickly, so we can review the initially proposed arrangements, explain your options, and prepare a timely response.

How Long Does a Divorce Take in North Carolina?

The timeline for a typical divorce depends on several factors. In North Carolina, couples must live separately and apart for at least one year before filing for absolute divorce. This statutory waiting period sets the foundation for the processes to follow.

Once filed, an uncontested divorce may be concluded within a few months if the paperwork is complete and no disputes arise. Contested divorces involving property, custody, or support disputes typically take longer, as negotiation, mediation, and court scheduling can extend the timeline. Some complicated contested divorces may even take longer than a year to finish.

Our Winston-Salem divorce attorneys can work proactively to keep your case moving. By preparing documents thoroughly, meeting deadlines, and communicating clearly, we aim to avoid unnecessary delays. While some aspects of timing are dictated by law and court availability, strategic planning helps maintain steady progress toward a resolution.

Take the Next Step Toward Your Future – Call Now

If you are considering divorce in Winston-Salem or have already begun the process, speaking with an experienced attorney can provide valuable clarity. We are here to answer your questions, outline your options, and help you develop a divorce strategy aligned with your goals. When we are leading the way, you’ll always feel seen, heard, and understood during what could otherwise be a tumultuous time in your life.

Our divorce attorneys would like to hear from you. Call our Winston-Salem office at (704) 286-0570 or use an online contact form today.