Family Law & Domestic Violence

Family Law & Domestic Violence Attorney

Protecting Your Interests in Divorce

No one enters a marriage expecting it to fail. Unfortunately, sometimes a good thing doesn't last. The dissolution of a marriage can turn your life upside down. It can also require a lawyer's help to resolve.

I am attorney Rich Cassady. If a divorce is in your future, call 828-634-4132 to schedule a consultation. For $200 I will discuss your case and answer your questions. I represent clients in Macon County, Cherokee County and beyond.

Understanding The North Carolina Divorce Process

Divorce Lawyer — Signing Decree of Divorce in Franklin, NC

It is not difficult to obtain a divorce in North Carolina. You and your spouse must live separately for one year. After one year, you can file for a no-fault divorce. However, the consequences of filing for divorce before you have resolved issues such as marital property division can be high.

I am here to help you resolve issues such as:

  • Identification and division of marital assets and debts, known as equitable division
  • Child custody and visitation, known as a parenting plan
  • Whether one party should pay alimony or spousal maintenance to the other

My goal is to help you move on with your life, with your emotions, your finances and your family relations as intact as possible.

Helping You Resolve Family Issues

In addition to divorce, I advise families in a wide range of family law matters, including:

  • The determination of paternity
  • Domestic violence and child abuse
  • Prenuptial agreements
  • Legal agreements between unmarried couples

Contact Me For A $200 Consultation

To discuss your divorce or other family law matters with me, please call 828-634-4132 or contact me online to schedule a consultation. I'm here to help.

Protecting Your Relationship with Your Children

In North Carolina, a child custody case may arise as part of a divorce or the breakup of an unmarried relationship. If you and your ex cannot agree on how you should co-parent your children, it's important to seek the help of an attorney who will help your reach a negotiated agreement.

I am attorney Rich Cassady. I offer a $200 consultation to discuss child custody and visitation in the context of a divorce or a paternity action. I represent clients in Macon County, Cherokee County and beyond.

Understanding North Carolina Child Custody Law

There are two types of child custody in North Carolina:

  • Legal custody, which is decision-making for major issues such as education, health care and religious upbringing
  • Physical custody, which is where your child will live

North Carolina favors joint legal custody unless there is a strong reason why one parent should not be allowed to make child-rearing decisions. North Carolina also favors joint physical custody as long as both parents are fit. The exact time-sharing arrangement can be negotiated by the parents or litigated in court.

Unfortunately, the cost of resolving a child custody dispute in court can be high, both emotionally and financially. It can also be damaging to the children you want to protect. In my experience, two parents can do a better job of negotiating a time-sharing arrangement than one judge. As your lawyer, my goal is to help you negotiate a resolution unless court action is necessary to protect your child's interests.

I also handle family law issues such as:

  • Determining child support
  • Modifying child custody and support orders
  • Enforcement of child support and visitation orders

For More Information About Child Custody In North Carolina

To discuss your child custody and visitation concerns with me, please call 828-634-4132 or contact me online to schedule a $200 consultation.

Were You Accused of Domestic Violence?

If you have been charged with domestic violence in North Carolina, you must understand the process. For example, the prosecutor may pursue the case even if the other party decides not to press charges. In addition, while the protective order is a civil matter, you will be charged with a crime if you violate the order. When there is a divorce or custody case happening simultaneously, you also need an attorney to represent you in family court.

This can be a complex situation if you do not have a lawyer to protect your rights. At The Law Office of Rich Cassady, I represent people charged with domestic violence and protective order violations. I am experienced in criminal defense and family law, so I can assist you with both aspects of your case. I handle cases in Macon County, Cherokee County and beyond.

There Are Real Consequences To DVPOs

Acts of domestic violence can happen between people who live in the same house, people in a relationship, people who formerly had a relationship, or people who share a child. You do not have to live with the other person to be charged with domestic violence.

It is common for a domestic violence protective order (DVPO), also known as a 50B restraining order, to be issued against the alleged offender. DVPOs can include orders to:

  • Leave the home you share with the victims
  • Give up custody temporarily
  • Pay temporary spousal and/or child support
  • Refrain from all contact with the victims

You may also be ordered to seek treatment and be prohibited from purchasing firearms while the order is in effect.

DVPO violations can be misdemeanors or felonies. If you are convicted of violating a DVPO, you could be sentenced to a jail term, community service and a fine.

Contact My Law Office Today

For a free consultation, please call 828-634-4132 or contact me online.

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