Professional and Experienced Family Law Attorney
You've Come to The Right Place
Our team is focused exclusively in the area of Family Law which includes separation, divorce, custody, child support, post separation support, alimony, and equitable distribution. We recognize that these matters are of the utmost significance in the lives of our clients, and we consider it an honor to assist individuals who are in need of legal representation on these issues.
Over 30 Years of Experience
Mary Beth Smith received her undergraduate degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1988 and graduated with a Juris Doctorate from the University of North Carolina School of Law in Chapel Hill in 1991 at the age of twenty-four. As an attorney she has represented thousands of clients in family law cases from straightforward divorces to complex litigation, and as a Dispute Resolution Commission Certified Mediator she has successfully mediated District Court and Superior Court cases.
Our Practice Areas
Divorce
A divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage. To file for a divorce in North Carolina you must be separated from your spouse for a full year and at least one party must have been a resident of North Carolina for at least six months prior to the filing of the action.
Post Separation
Support/Alimony
Dividing marital assets and the loss of shared spousal income can be financially devastating to a dependent spouse. Post Separation Support and Alimony claims are designed to provide some financial support to the dependent spouse.
Custody & Child Support
Custody determinations are some of the most consequential decisions made by parents or by the Courts and can have significant impacts on the lives of the children involved. Child Support is based on the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines.
Mediation
Mediation is a dispute resolution process in which a mediator works to assist individuals in reaching agreements which are mutually acceptable to the parties involved.
Prenuptial Agreements
A prenuptial agreement, also known as a "prenup", is defined in North Carolina as an agreement between prospective spouses made in contemplation of marriage and to be effective upon marriage.
Equitable Distribution (Property)
Equitable Distribution is when a Court determines what is marital property and what is divisible property and makes a division of said property between spouses.
Separation and Property
Settlement Agreements
Separation and Property Settlement Agreements are written contracts entered into by spouses at the time of separation which resolve financial and other issues by mutual agreement of the parties.
Domestic Violence
Protective Orders
Domestic Violence Protective Orders, commonly referred to as "50Bs", are powerful Orders which can provide protection for an individual who has been subject to acts of domestic violence.
Professional And Experienced Family Law Attorney
Why Choose My Firm
Excellent Track Record
Mary Beth Smith has been a member of the North Carolina State Bar since 1991; a member of the North Carolina Bar Association since 1992; a Family Law Section Member of the North Carolina Bar Association since 1992; a Dispute Resolution Commission Certified Family Financial Mediator since 2011; a Dispute Resolution Commission Certified Superior Court Mediator since 2011; and serves on the Rowan County Family Advisory Committee. Mary Beth has handled thousands of cases in her career; has a strong record of achievement in her practice; and has been recognized by Lawyers of Distinction for excellence in Family and Divorce Law.
Unparalleled Customer Service
Mary Beth recognizes that clients are often going through some of the most difficult times in their lives when they are in need of legal advice. Mary Beth considers it an honor and a privilege to represent her clients, and she believes that every person is entitled to be treated respectfully, with dignity, and with professionalism at all times.
What Our Clients Say
Thank you for everything you have done to help me and my daughter through this horrible nightmare. I really appreciate how you always had my best interest and genuinely cared about me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. -- H.H.
Thank you for your dedication to me. You are an awesome attorney and you always looked out for what was best for me. I thank you for not giving in to them, the most important thing for me, you have given me my life back—my girls. God bless you. -- R.G.
I wanted to thank you and Addison for all the hard work and support. I handed you guys a lemon and you turned it into lemonade. I can't thank you enough. It has been a pleasure to be your client. -- P.D.
Thank you for the wonderful job you did with our case. It is really a relief in our lives to have it over. Words can not express our relief and gratitude. -- D.Mc. and P.Mc.
I am extremely grateful for all your help and valuable time that you have spent helping me during this difficult time in my life. Words can't express how much I am truly thankful for all your help. -- S.K.
Thanks for all you've done. If it wasn't for you I would have probably gave in to everything he wanted, but I didn't thanks to you. -- S.H.
I can't say enough good, positive things about Mary Beth Smith and her staff. Thank you for all that you did and thank you for our wonderful win. -- L.K.
She's very helpful and wants what's best for the family. Very professional. Thank God for her. -- E.M.
You are appreciated very much. Your kindness will never be forgotten. -- L.H. and P.H.