Are you sure the path ahead protects what matters most to you?
We understand how sudden changes upend daily life. We listen first, then act with steady, practical guidance suited to your situation.
Our team includes board‑certified specialists recognized for excellence in family law. We handle divorce, custody, child support, alimony, and related matters with clear steps you can follow.
We speak plainly. We explain options so you can make informed choices that fit your home and your needs. Our approach blends calm support with firm protection of your rights.
If you need answers today, we make it simple to arrange a private consultation. You will leave with a plan and a sense of control.
Key Takeaways
- We provide clear, compassionate guidance on divorce, custody, and support.
- Board‑certified specialists bring deep experience to your case.
- We explain options in plain language so you can decide with confidence.
- Clients across Winston‑Salem and Forsyth County get practical, timely help.
- Private consultation available to outline next steps and ease immediate stress.
Compassionate, results-driven representation for your family law matters
When personal disputes start to affect your daily routine, you need clear steps and steady guidance. We listen first, then build a plan that reflects your goals and real needs.
Our attorneys at leading Winston‑Salem firms are recognized by Best Lawyers in America and U.S. News & World Report. Several lawyers here are board‑certified in family law — a credential held by only about 3.9% of attorneys in North Carolina.

- We balance compassion with a drive for results in divorce, custody, and support.
- We prepare you for each step, explain options in plain terms, and answer questions fast.
- We prioritize your needs and your child’s needs, aiming for stability and lower conflict.
- If settlement won't work, we will advocate at court to protect your rights.
- When you are ready, schedule consultation today and we will map out next steps.
We track deadlines, filings, and evidence so you can focus on life, not paperwork. Our approach keeps you informed and ready to handle each issue with confidence.
Comprehensive family law services tailored to your needs
When questions about custody or assets arise, we create a clear plan you can trust. We listen first, then map choices that match your goals and daily routine.
Divorce and equitable distribution of assets and debts
We guide you through divorce filings, identify marital property, and value assets and debts for fair distribution. North Carolina rules shape the process, and we prepare evidence to support equity in settlements.
Child custody and visitation solutions that prioritize children
Parenting plans focus on the child’s stability and school schedule. We design arrangements that fit work, travel, and caregiving responsibilities.

Child support, alimony, and postseparation support
We calculate child support under guidelines and explain deviations. For spousal support, we assess income, need, and ability to pay and prepare clear evidence for hearings.
Premarital and postmarital agreements; mediation, arbitration, litigation, and appellate advocacy
We draft premarital and postmarital agreements to protect future interests. When parties can negotiate, our mediators help resolve disputes. If not, we litigate with focus and handle appeals to correct legal errors.
- Full services from filings to final orders and enforcement.
- Support for parents balancing work and caregiving.
- Plain explanations at each step so you understand your options in cases and matters that affect your life.
| Service | Typical Steps | When to Choose | Outcome Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce & equitable distribution | Asset identification, valuation, settlement or trial | When property division is contested | Fair division of assets and debts |
| Custody & visitation | Parenting plan, schedules, modifications | Child welfare and routine stability | Predictable parenting schedule |
| Support (child/spousal) | Guideline calculations, deviations, hearings | Income changes or special expenses | Reliable financial support |
| Mediation / litigation / appeals | Negotiation, trial preparation, appellate briefs | When settlement fails or legal errors exist | Efficient resolution or correction on appeal |
Why choose our family law attorney team
Choosing the right team can make complex matters feel manageable. We combine clear process with real credentials. That helps you move forward with purpose.
Board-certified specialists lead our work. The North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization has certified Winston‑Salem lawyers here, including Jon Kurtz, Elise Whitley, and Monica Guy. Certification requires a written exam, peer review, continuing education, and at least five years of focused involvement.
- Proven credentials: listings in Best Lawyers and Best Law Firms reflect steady professionalism and results for clients.
- Real courtroom experience: we handle contested divorce, custody, and support matters with care.
- Tailored strategies: we prepare complex cases — valuations, executive compensation, and parenting schedules — not one-size-fits-all plans.
| Credential | What it shows | Typical benefit | When it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board certification | Specialty exam & peer review | Focused skill in family law | High-conflict custody or divorce |
| Peer recognitions | Best Lawyers, Legal Elite | Trusted reputation with courts | Complex asset or support disputes |
| Firm approach | Direct contact + support team | Clear updates and steady advocacy | Ongoing cases and urgent filings |
Our process: from consultation to resolution
Our first step is a focused consultation to understand your goals and priorities. We then map a step-by-step process that fits your timeline, budget, and needs.
Schedule consultation today to discuss your situation and goals
Schedule consultation today so we can review key facts and outline practical next steps. You will leave with clear options and a timeline you can follow.
Strategic planning that aligns with your needs, options, and long-term outcomes
We build a plan around your needs and your child's routine. Our approach is simple: gather documents, set priorities, prepare filings, and plan hearings.
We explain options in plain language. That includes negotiation, mediation, court, and appeals when needed.
Resolution pathways: negotiation, mediation, court, and appeals
- We use mediation first when it can reduce stress and cost.
- If court is required, we prepare evidence and testimony to support your position.
- We keep clients informed with regular check-ins and prepare you for conferences and hearings.
Leading Winston‑Salem firms handle negotiation, mediation, litigation, and appellate advocacy. Several team members are trained mediators with wins at the North Carolina Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. At each stage, you make informed choices and we adjust strategy as your cases evolve.
North Carolina focus: serving Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, and beyond
Practical, place‑specific guidance reduces surprises and keeps your case on track. We combine state statutes with local practice so you know what to expect at each step.
Local insight into Forsyth County courts and state family law
We know Forsyth County schedules, filing rules, and courtroom preferences. That local knowledge helps timing, hearings, and mediation work more smoothly.
State-specific guidance on custody, support, and equitable distribution
Our advice reflects North Carolina procedures on custody, child support, and equitable distribution of assets. We prepare documents judges expect so cases move without avoidable delays.
Community resources and practical connections
We connect clients with local services when extra help is useful. Legal Aid of North Carolina runs clinics and webinars on simple divorce and custody topics.
- Legal Aid NC Helpline: 1-866-219-5262 (8:30 AM–4:00 PM, M–F).
- Parents can attend clinics to learn basics while we handle complex filings.
- We flag common mistakes—missing disclosures or deadlines—that slow cases.
When assets cross state lines, we coordinate strategy to protect your interests. You get clear steps, local insight, and hands‑on support so the process is more predictable for your family.
Family law attorney
When assets and caregiving collide, you need a steady, experienced plan that protects what matters.
Protecting your rights in high-asset divorces and complex custody matters
We protect rights in high-asset divorce cases that involve businesses, stock options, and retirement accounts. Our team prepares valuations and explains how values affect equitable distribution in plain terms.
We handle complex custody matters with child-focused schedules and evidence that supports your child's best interests. Where needed, we call experts and organize financial records so judges can follow your case easily.
Compassion and professionalism for families at every stage of life
We balance firm advocacy with respect. That reduces conflict when possible and shields children from stress.
- Combined experience: negotiation, Superior Court trial, and appellate advocacy.
- Steady updates, realistic timelines, and clear next steps you can act on.
- When agreements fit, we pursue them; when they do not, we move forward decisively.
| Issue | What we do | Outcome focus |
|---|---|---|
| High-asset divorce | Business valuations, stock options, retirement analysis | Fair and practical distribution |
| Complex custody | Parenting plans, schedules, expert testimony | Stable routine for the child |
| Contested cases | Organized exhibits, financial records, appeals | Clear, persuasive presentation to court |
Client-centered results backed by experience
We focus on what you need and build a practical path to resolution. Our team combines trial wins, mediation success, and appellate experience so your case proceeds with clear purpose.
Proven advocacy in Superior Court, mediation, and appeals
Kirk Sanders and other Winston‑Salem lawyers bring deep Superior Court experience. We prepare witnesses and exhibits so your story is clear at hearing and trial.
Several team members are trained mediators and have won family law appeals in the North Carolina Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. When mediation helps, we use it. When legal errors arise, we appeal.
A trusted team supporting parents, business owners, and families
We tailor strategy to your goals and the realities of your life. Parents get parenting plans that support a child’s routine and reduce conflict.
Business owners receive careful valuation work, cash‑flow review, and tax-aware advice so settlements last.
- Focused preparation for Superior Court hearings and trials
- Mediation used where it benefits you; appeals when needed
- Clear explanations so clients know what to expect before court events
- Durable support terms and enforceable custody orders
| Need | Approach | Expected Result |
|---|---|---|
| Contested trial | Trial prep, witnesses, exhibits | Persuasive presentation in court |
| Mediation | Neutral facilitation, focused bargaining | Faster, lower-cost resolution |
| Appeal | Record review, appellate brief | Correction of legal errors |
| Business valuation in divorce | Forensic review, tax analysis | Sustainable settlement terms |
Conclusion
Schedule consultation today, and start with a short meeting that maps sensible steps for your circumstances.
We will clarify your situation, explain the process, and outline options that fit your home and work. In that consultation you get plain answers and a clear plan.
Our team brings recognized experience in family law and court work. We aim for durable agreements that reduce future conflict and protect your child’s routine.
You do not have to navigate divorce, custody, or support alone. For low-cost help, Legal Aid of NC offers a helpline at 1-866-219-5262.
Schedule consultation today to begin with straight talk, steady updates, and a trusted team handling the details so you can focus on life and your child.