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Law Office Of Zachary S Rivenbark

910-663-1658

Bringing A Decade Of Experience In Personal Injury, Family Law And Traffic Offenses.

Skilled Legal Guidance On Divorce, Child Custody, Adoption And Other Family Law Matters

Family law matters touch most families sooner or later. You may find yourself facing divorce, needing help with adoption, seeking guidance on custody or establishing paternity. During these trying times, you will need someone who will fight for you and your children and stand with you to make sure you, your children and your rights are protected. Whether you are having marital problems or struggling with a child custody dispute as a separated, divorced or single parent, you owe it to yourself to get quality legal advice and trustworthy representation.

I am attorney Zachary S. Rivenbark, and I promise to give your case careful consideration. I will draw on my significant knowledge and experience in the area of North Carolina family law to help you through your legal challenges. I am determined to help you make informed decisions and make a strong case for the outcome you envision. From my office in Burgaw, I handle a wide array of family law cases throughout Pender County and Duplin County, including:

If you need assistance with these or other family law issues, my firm – the Law Office of Zachary S. Rivenbark – is here to help. A Pender County native, I have earned trust and respect in the community. I offer personal attention and clear communication.

Work With An Experienced Attorney Toward Your Desired Outcome

You and your soon-to-be-ex-spouse may believe you agree on a no-fault divorce. Or you may have reason to expect a contentious, high-conflict case.

Should you leave the home yet? What if your spouse has already left? Can you use your bank account as usual during your divorce? How can you best protect your children from being caught in the middle during legal processes? I have valuable advice for you regarding these and other difficult situations.

Wherever you are starting from and hope to end up, I am prepared to advocate for you. I am an experienced, caring family law attorney ready to help you resolve your family law matter efficiently or fight for your rights if that becomes necessary. Whatever the situation, I will partner with you as we work to protect your assets, your parent-child relationship(s) and your future well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law In North Carolina

Here are answers to some common questions that arise regarding child custody, property division and divorce.

What factors determine child custody decisions in North Carolina?

The “best interests of the child” is the governing standard in North Carolina custody decisions. Courts consider various factors, including:

  • The child’s age, health and emotional well-being
  • Each parent’s ability to provide a stable and loving environment
  • Each parent’s relationship with the child
  • Each parent’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent
  • The child’s educational needs
  • Any history of domestic violence
  • The living arrangements of both parents

The goal is to create a custody arrangement that supports the child’s overall welfare and development.

How is marital property divided in North Carolina divorces?

Property is divided according to the legal standard of equitable distribution. This means property is divided fairly between the spouses, which might not be equally. The court considers factors such as the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s income and assets, contributions to the marriage (including nonmonetary contributions like homemaking) and the needs of each spouse. Debts are also divided equitably. Separate property, which includes assets obtained before the marriage or through inheritance or gift, typically remains with the original owner.

What are the grounds for divorce in North Carolina and how long does the process take?

North Carolina allows for no-fault divorce, which means you don’t have to prove a fault-based ground to obtain a divorce. However, fault-based grounds are still available and may affect determinations of custody, alimony and property division. The most common ground is separation, where spouses live apart for a minimum of one year with the intent of ending the marriage.

The divorce process duration can vary based on the complexity of the case and whether there are contested issues. An uncontested divorce may be finalized relatively quickly after the one-year separation period, while contested divorces involving disputes over custody, support or property division can take longer to resolve.

Put Your Mind At Ease Now – Talk To A Lawyer About What To Do Next In Your Family Law Matter

I offer initial family law consultations for a reasonable fee. Call 910-663-1658 or send an email to ask for a quote. You can count on confidentiality. You can expect to receive useful, valuable information, beginning with the first meeting.