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From divorce and custody to adoption and support, King Law guides families through their most difficult legal transitions with compassion, strategy, and a team built to fight for you.
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Family law covers the legal matters that affect the people and relationships you care about most. These cases involve real stakes: your children, your home, your financial future, and your peace of mind.
King Law handles every aspect of family law across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Eastern Tennessee. Firm founder Brian King is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist, one of fewer than 250 attorneys in North Carolina to hold that designation from the NC State Bar.
Whether you are going through a divorce, fighting for custody, modifying an existing order, or seeking to protect your family through a prenuptial agreement, our team is here to help you move forward.
We review your situation, explain your options, and help you understand what to expect. Consultations can be scheduled by phone, video, or in-office and are available 24/7.
We build a case plan based on the specific facts of your situation, gather documentation, identify the right legal approach, and prepare for each possible outcome.
Where possible, we pursue the most favorable resolution without courtroom litigation, protecting your time, your finances, and your relationships.
When litigation is necessary, our attorneys show up prepared. We advocate for your rights and your family's best interests at every stage of the proceeding.
King Law handles every stage of family law, from initial filings through post-judgment modifications.
Guiding you through the legal and financial process of ending a marriage, including property division, alimony, and separation agreements.
Pursuing arrangements that protect your relationship with your children and reflect their best interests.
Establishing, enforcing, and modifying support orders based on state guidelines and your family's specific circumstances.
Supporting stepparent, domestic, and international adoptions from paperwork through finalization.
Advocating for fair support arrangements based on the full context of your marriage and finances.
Pursuing equitable distribution of marital assets including homes, retirement accounts, and business interests.
Representing both those seeking protection and those defending against allegations.
Drafting clear agreements that protect both parties before or during a marriage.
Pursuing visitation or custody rights on behalf of grandparents when appropriate.
Establishing legal guardianship for minors or incapacitated adults.
Handling proceedings to voluntarily or involuntarily terminate parental rights.
Each state has its own grounds, timelines, and procedures. Here is how North Carolina and South Carolina compare on the matters that affect your case most.
Category
North Carolina
South Carolina
Tennessee
Grounds for Divorce
No-fault only; 1-year separation required
No-fault (1-year separation) or fault-based: adultery, abandonment, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness
No-fault (irreconcilable differences) or fault-based: adultery, desertion, cruel treatment
Divorce Waiting Period
1 year, no exceptions
1 year (no-fault) or 90 days (fault-based)
60 days with no minor children; 90 days with minor children
Legal Separation
Recognized; separation agreement recommended
Recognized; separation agreement recommended
Not recognized; courts issue Orders of Separate Maintenance and Support instead
Property Division
Equitable distribution
Equitable distribution
Equitable distribution
Alimony / Spousal Support
Fault considered; dependent spouse may be awarded support
Multiple statutory factors under SC Code § 20-3-130; adultery finding bars alimony entirely
Multiple support types available including rehabilitative, transitional, and long-term support
Custody Standard
Best interests of the child
Best interests of the child
Best interests of the child
Child Support Model
Income Shares
Income Shares
Income Shares
North Carolina requires a one-year period of separation before a divorce can be finalized. Other matters, including custody, property division, and alimony, can be addressed during that time.
South Carolina allows no-fault divorce after one year of separation, or fault-based divorce on grounds including adultery, abandonment, physical cruelty, or habitual drunkenness. Fault-based cases can finalize in as few as 90 days; no-fault cases require the full one-year separation period before filing.
Tennessee permits divorce on no-fault grounds (irreconcilable differences) or fault-based grounds such as adultery, desertion, or cruel treatment. Cases with no minor children can be finalized in as few as 60 days; cases involving minor children require at least 90 days. Contested cases vary depending on the issues involved.
A separation agreement is a voluntary written contract that sets terms for custody, support, property division, and other matters during the separation period. It is not required, but strongly recommended to avoid disputes later.
Yes, if there has been a substantial change in circumstances. King Law handles post-judgment modifications for both custody and support orders.
Yes. Even in uncontested cases, an attorney protects you from future disputes and ensures all filings are completed correctly.
There’s no set amount or percentage a wife is entitled to in a divorce in North Carolina, South…
Filing for divorce in North Carolina means filing a complaint for absolute divorce with the clerk of court…
Our attorneys and staff work together to deliver personalized service and effective, tailored solutions that meet your unique needs.
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