New Direction Family Law

At New Direction Family Law, we understand the profound impact that separation and divorce can have on individuals and families. For over 50 years, our experienced team of attorneys has dedicated themselves to providing compassionate, personalized, and aggressive advocacy for our clients navigating the complexities of family law in Raleigh and surrounding areas.

Our team is led by Managing Partners Elizabeth A. Stephenson, MSW, and Sarah J. Hink, along with Partner Christopher R. Hicks, Partner Ashley L. Oldham, Partner Kelli McGonagle, Attorney Sara E. Bolasny, Associate Attorney Ava Jennette, Associate Attorney Christina L. Belville, and our dedicated team of paralegals and legal assistants, including Rebecca Joyner, Taylor Jones, Brittany Whaley, and Amber King.

We believe in empowering our clients to take control of their legal matters and make informed decisions about their future. Our attorneys and staff are committed to providing high-quality, personalized attention to each individual we serve. We understand that every case is unique and requires a tailored approach to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Services Offered

At New Direction Family Law, we offer a comprehensive range of services to meet the diverse needs of our clients. These include:

• Agreements: We assist clients in drafting and negotiating separation agreements, prenuptial agreements, and postnuptial agreements that protect their rights and interests.

• Alternatives to Court: Our attorneys are skilled in collaborative divorce, mediation, and arbitration, offering alternatives to traditional litigation for clients seeking a more amicable and cost-effective resolution to their disputes.

• Child Custody: We educate and work with clients to create custody plans that meet their family's needs and ensure the best interests of the children are protected.

• Child Support: Our attorneys help clients understand the factors influencing child support payments and work to ensure that they receive or pay a fair amount of support.

• Collaborative Divorce: This approach focuses on negotiation and compromise rather than litigation, allowing clients to maintain control over the divorce process and make decisions that benefit all parties involved.

• Divorce: We represent clients in all aspects of divorce, from the initial filing to the final settlement, ensuring that their rights are protected throughout the process.

• Domestic Violence: Our attorneys understand the seriousness of domestic violence and are ready to protect the rights of victims and ensure that they receive the protection and support they need.

• Enforcement & Modification: If a court order or agreement is not being followed, we can help clients enforce their rights or modify the terms of the agreement as necessary.

• Marital Fault: We assist clients in understanding how fault can impact their divorce, including issues related to alimony, property division, and child custody.

• Parenting Coordinators: Our attorneys work with clients to establish parenting coordinator services, providing a neutral third party to help manage and resolve co-parenting disputes.

• Property Division: We help clients identify, value, and protect their property, ensuring a fair distribution of assets and debts in the event of divorce.

• Spousal Support: Our attorneys help determine if clients are eligible for spousal support or what they may have to pay in alimony, taking into account factors such as income, earning capacity, and duration of the marriage.

Community Involvement

At New Direction Family Law, we believe in giving back to our community and are actively involved in various charitable initiatives and events. We encourage our clients and colleagues to join us in supporting important causes and making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Our Fees & Reviews

We understand that the cost of legal services can be a significant concern for our clients. At New Direction Family Law, we offer competitive and transparent fee structures, ensuring that our clients receive the highest quality representation at an affordable price. Our commitment to excellence and client satisfaction is reflected in the numerous positive reviews we have received from our clients and peers.

Podcast & Blog

Stay informed about the latest developments in family law and get valuable insights and advice from our experienced attorneys through our podcast, The Ex-It Strategy, and our educational blog. Covering topics such as child custody, child support, domestic violence, and more, these resources are designed to empower our clients and provide them with the knowledge they need to navigate their legal matters confidently.

Health, Lifestyle, Parenting, Relationships, Separation & Divorce, Wealth Resources

At New Direction Family Law, we believe in taking a holistic approach to serving our clients. In addition to providing expert legal advice, we also offer resources and information on health, lifestyle, parenting, relationships, separation, divorce, and wealth management. By addressing the whole person - not just their legal needs - we can help our clients achieve a smoother transition and a brighter future.