Legal Representation

What is family law?

Family law includes child custody, child support, divorce, adoption, domestic violence, alimony, equitable distribution, premarital agreements, and separation agreements.

how do we help?

When clients are going through a family change, there are many options for how to resolve and navigate the change. Not all cases are destined for court. We listen and understand each client’s case to best advise how to resolve the issues in the best possible way. We gather information from you and from the other party so that you have all the information you need to make the best decisions possible for your family. We do this in a way that is solution based and as practical as possible.

What is collaborative divorce?

Lynna is a member of the Charlotte Collaborative Divorce Professional group in Charlotte. For five years, Lynna has worked with several families and professionals to resolve all issues for that family completely outside of the court system. This does not mean that there is not conflict in the family. It means that the family has decided to maintain control of their privacy and how fast or slow the process takes.

what is a separation agreement?

A Separation Agreement is a contract between two married people who are separated or are about to separate. We help clients in negotiating, reviewing, and drafting these very important documents. Separation Agreements are binding which means it is very important not to sign one without an attorney’s advice. They are a great tool for keeping finances and other personal matters private. A Separation Agreement can resolve all issues or part of the issues. They can be reached through mediation or through negotiations between the parties and attorneys.

Will my case go to court?

Not all cases go to court, but some do. Many times, most times, cases are filed in court and settled before a trial. Only a small number of cases actually go to trial. We have tried cases in fifteen counties in North Carolina. Trials require an enormous amount of preparation work, information gathering (called discovery), client preparation, research, and planning. Some cases, for different reasons, cannot be settled out of court. We walk clients through each step in an honest and straightforward way.

what is a premarital agreement?

A Premarital Agreement is a contract between two people who are planning to marry that is enforceable after the marriage. Many times, the premarital agreement is signed and stored away, never to be used. In case of separation or divorce, a premarital agreement is a roadmap for how to manage the finances and property of the couple. Many times, families with premarital agreements save thousands of dollars in legal fees in the case of a divorce. In essence, it is an insurance policy. No one thinks they need one, but are glad when they do.

when do client’s need an attorney?

Clients consult and hire us at varying stages in the process. If you are considering separation, it is a good idea to consult with an attorney. Our job is not to encourage separation, our job is to help clients think through decisions from all angles. Many times families are separated before we consult and start working with the family. In those cases, we work with our clients to gather documents from the date of separation which will be necessary to resolve the case. Sometimes clients have had other attorneys before hiring us. Not all attorneys are right for all clients. If clients come to us from another attorney, we work with the previous attorney to gather information so that the case does not miss a beat.

what about child custody?

We handle child custody through settlement, mediation, the collaborative process, and litigation. Child Custody requires a lot of experience, patience, and understanding of each individual child and parent. There is no “one size fits all” solution in custody. Many times, we encourage parents to keep control of their custody case and settle custody through mediation. As a mediator, Lynna’s personal experience in divorce helps her understand the challenges that can arise. As an attorney, we understand that custody is the most important issue. We help clients by focusing on the children and keeping an eye on how they are doing. We help by talking to professionals involved, gathering school records, talking to family members, and preparing the client for the most likely result given the law.

What is unbundled Services?

Unbundled Services are legal services provided on an a la carte basis. We provide unbundled services in some areas. If a family has resolved their case with a different mediator, ethically that mediator cannot draft the Separation Agreement. We help by getting the Memorandum of Understanding from the mediator and we draft the final documents for a flat fee. Some clients have limited means, but have a complicated legal issue. We help by drafting documents or coaching the client how to best represent themselves if they cannot afford full representation.

what is absolute divorce?

Absolute Divorce is the legal end of a marriage. Many people believe that “divorce” encompasses custody, property distribution, alimony, etc. The divorce can be the most emotionally difficult part for some clients, but from a legal perspective it is fairly straightforward. We handle Absolute Divorce for a modest flat fee without any court appearances required by either party. Typically, the divorce is processed through the court system within 120 days, sometimes less.

what is stepparent adoption?

We have represented several parents who are not the biological parent, but have been in a parent role for a long time. In many blended families, the stepparent has filled the role of the biological parent. Stepparent adoption is the legal process that allows the stepparent to be the legal parent. If the biological parent is still involved and does not consent, a stepparent adoption is unlikely. If the biological parent has been absent or is now deceased, a stepparent adoption is a great way to protect the child in case something happens to the parent who is the stepparent’s spouse.

what about estates?

We draft simple wills and powers of attorneys for clients as a part of our representation. Planning your estate as a part of your life changes is important in case something happens.