The Hiner Law Firm

Divorce is a challenging time, not just for the couple dissolving their union, but also for everyone involved - family, friends, and children. At the Hiner Law Firm, we understand the intricacies of each marriage and the unique legal issues that come with it, whether it's property division, spousal support, or child custody and support. Our experienced and effective court-room advocate, Attorney Frank P. Hiner, IV, along with our hard-working and friendly staff, will guide you through the divorce process with the care and attention you deserve.

Divorce in North Carolina

If you and your spouse wish to divorce in North Carolina, you must be separated for at least one year. However, this does not mean that you should wait one year before seeking legal advice. Between the date of separation and the Order for Absolute Divorce, many legal issues can be resolved with the help of a competent and effective attorney. At the Hiner Law Firm, we will provide you with the right guidance and support during this challenging time.

Child Custody & Visitation

Parents have a constitutionally-protected right to raise their child. However, this right can be forfeited if the parents act inconsistent with the privilege of being a parent. At the Hiner Law Firm, we have represented parents, grandparents, and other interested parties in the Albemarle area for nearly two decades, ensuring that their children's interests are protected. Custody proceedings are emotionally draining, and you need an attorney who knows the law and can effectively tell your story in court.

Child Support

North Carolina uses a mathematical formula based on the child's parents' income and legal obligations to determine how much a non-custodial parent owes the custodial parent in child support. However, there are times when children with special needs or parents with extraordinary circumstances may be entitled to either deviate above or below the guideline range for his or her financial obligation. At the Hiner Law Firm, we have extensive experience in representing parents in Elizabeth City and the surrounding counties in northeastern North Carolina, ensuring that the child support order is fair and just.

Equitable Distribution

Inevitably, you and your spouse purchased items, whether personal property, real estate, IRAs, or other intangible property, that are for the benefit of both of you. The tricky part is how to determine where those assets go when the marriage gets dissolved. Equitable Distribution is the method by which North Carolina uses to define what assets are marital, divisible, or separate property, and how to properly award those assets to each party. At the Hiner Law Firm, we have extensive experience in representing clients in the equitable distribution of assets in their divorce.

Alimony & Post-Separation Support

Alimony can come in many forms, and it's essential to have a courtroom advocate who will formulate a strategy that works for you and fits within the state's broad definition. If you are the party being sued to compel payments, you need an attorney who knows the factors that will mitigate the amount of alimony you owe and defenses that may potentially bar alimony. At the Hiner Law Firm, we have extensive experience in representing clients in alimony and post-separation support cases, ensuring that our clients receive fair treatment during this proceeding.

Separation Agreements

A separation agreement between spouses is a contract for the dissolution of their assets, spousal support, and other rights that are afforded to each spouse during the marriage. Separation agreements are a cost-effective method to handle the dissolution of a marriage, and our experienced attorneys at the Hiner Law Firm can help you and your spouse divide up the marital assets and resolve controversies outside of court.