Solid Advice for Unsteady Times
Winston-Salem, North Carolina Divorce Attorney
We're here to help you through difficult times. The emotions of divorce create anxieties and sometimes cloud judgment. Stroud & Panetti, P.C. provides compassionate support and level-headed counsel to help clients emerge from divorce, equitable distribution and custody disputes in the best possible position.
Eleanor Panetti is a 17-year veteran of family law practice. Keith Stroud has practiced domestic law for over twenty years. We represent clients in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County and surrounding areas of northern North Carolina. See her Family Law FAQ for more information on common issues that arise.
No One Wins a Divorce Battle
We are not simply courtroom litigators: our goal is to deliver the best advice for a given situation, and we often educate clients about the pitfalls of a legal fight. Going to court amplifies the animosity and runs counter to the "big picture" — preserving the greatest amount of the estate for the divorcing parties. Assets are finite, and legal fees only drain the marital pot. We will help you reach a resolution by separation agreement or mediation when possible.
That said, Stroud & Panetti, P.C. vigorously protects the interests of its clients. Ms. Panetti and Mr. Stroud will litigate aggressively if mutual resolution cannot be reached through negotiation or mediation.
Division of Property
Our firm fights for our clients to get their fair share in the equitable distribution of marital assets. We are skilled at valuation and division of business interests, homes and vacation properties, investments, retirement income, and all jointly held assets. Property settlements also consider allocation of debts and whether one spouse will remain in the home.
Child Custody and Visitation
The court awards custody in the “best interests of the child.” Our job is to prepare clients to make their case for primary custody or joint physical custody, and to draft the agreement to prevent future conflicts.
The State of North Carolina requires parents to try mediation (private or court-compensated) before bringing a custody dispute to court. Our philosophy is to also encourage parents to reach workable arrangements, given that they will share parenting duties for many years to come. But when the other parent is not cooperative, we fight for our client.
Alimony and Child Support
Child support is based on income guidelines, and there is little leeway for parents who make less than $2,000 per month. As divorce in North Carolina is no longer fault-based, alimony is strictly needs-based. Spousal support is granted to spouses who were financially dependent on the higher income earner, and may be awarded for the dependent spouse to maintain an accustomed lifestyle. In addition to post-separation (temporary) support, the court has discretion to grant alimony for any number of years.
Modifications
Custody, child support and alimony can be modified for a “substantial change of circumstances” affecting the children or either parent. We have represented both sides on this issue.
Paternity — We represent mothers and potential fathers in paternity actions to force child support.
Adoption – Our firm represents stepparents and grandparents in private placement adoption, as when the natural parent(s) have abandoned or terminated parental responsibilities.
Grandparent Rights — Grandparents in North Carolina may seek grandchild visitation in a family which is not intact. We can help you make your case for access.
Pre-Marital Agreements — We frequently draft prenuptial agreements for older couples entering a second marriage. Aside from protecting the parties in the event of divorce, these agreements can for example, specify separate assets of each spouse so that children from the first marriage retain rights to inherit.
Winston-Salem Family Law Lawyer: (336) 724-2600
For compassionate legal advice and strong advocacy in court, contact a North Carolina divorce attorney and family law practitioner whose experience leads to solid solutions. Evening and Saturday consultations by appointment.
Stroud & Panetti, P.C., based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, also serves clients in Danbury, Greensboro, High Point, Lexington, Mocksville and other communities of the I-40 corridor, as well as rural areas of Forsyth, Davidson, Davie, Stokes and Guilford counties.
Stroud & Panetti, P.C.
102 West Third Street, Suite 650
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101
Telephone: 336-724-2600
Fax: 336-724-6950
Disclaimer: These documents are intended as informational reminders and do not constitute legal advice. If you have any questions or would like to discuss a particular situation, please contact Stroud and Panetti, P.C. The purpose of these articles is to provide general information about significant legal developments and should not be construed as legal advice on any specific facts and circumstances.
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