Charlotte Family Law Attorneys and Divorce Lawyers

Miller Cushing Holladay is entirely devoted to the practice of family law and delivering quality representation to families in need. Our Charlotte family law firm has seasoned divorce lawyers that are ready to support your family law case in the areas of child custody, child support, equitable distribution, alimony, and other areas of family law.

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Charlotte family law cases include issues ranging from child custody and child support to complex property distribution and spousal support cases, amongst other family law claims. Our law firm has a team of Charlotte family law lawyers ready to assist you whatever your needs may be.

In North Carolina, you may have the right to file for annulment rather than waiting a year after separation to file for a divorce. Our firm offers legal annulment services in Charlotte and surrounding areas to help you determine if and how you are able to file for annulment.

Victims of domestic violence may seek an emergency protective Order and then a long-term restraining order in order to protect themselves. The type of Order parties may seek depends on the relationship between the parties in the case. Our domestic violence attorneys in Charlotte can provide you with legal help, including determining whether a Domestic Violence Protective Order or No-Contact Order is appropriate in your case.

North Carolina law recognizes LGTBQ parental rights in child custody disputes as well as other areas of family law. LGBTQ child custody cases can sometimes involve complex constitutional issues depending on your family’s specific situation. At Miller Cushing Holladay, we have a team of Charlotte LGBTQ family lawyers that can address the particular issues in your case.

Child support, child custody, and other family law cases often involve paternity testing to determine the paternity of a child. Whereas some cases require the establishment of paternity at the outset prior to proceeding further, there are other times where paternity may need to be disestablished. Our Charlotte paternity lawyers can assist you with paternity testing laws whatever the situation may be.

Utilizing postnuptial agreements is often a smart way to address property ownership between spouses while still married. Our office has Charlotte postnuptial attorneys that can assist in your case, whether you need help drafting or enforcing postnuptial agreements in North Carolina.

Prenuptial agreements can provide an effective way to handle alimony, property, and other important rights prior to marriage in the unfortunate event you later separate from your spouse. Given that there is not a universal premarital agreement that works for every situation, we recommend that you first speak with one of our prenuptial agreement attorneys in Charlotte to assist with drafting and negotiating a prenup that best meets your particular needs.

A party is generally able to file for divorce in North Carolina so long as they, or the other party, has been a resident of the State for at least six months and the parties have remained separated for one year prior to filing. Even though a divorce itself is often simple, divorce impacts many other family law rights such as equitable distribution and alimony, that need to be addressed prior to your divorce being finalized. Miller Cushing Holladay’s Charlotte divorce attorneys are glad to help you with your contested divorce or uncontested divorce.

Discovery is an important part of divorce. If you have a case pending, your divorce lawyer will likely need to issue discovery requests, including requests for production of documents and interrogatories. Depositions are also often an important part of the discovery process. Our team of Charlotte divorce discovery lawyers can help guide you through discovery including finding hidden assets, if necessary.

Family law mediation in North Carolina offers the chance to resolve your family case without the need for court. Mediation generally involves you, your attorney, your spouse, your spouse’s attorney, and a neutral mediator meeting all at once, but in separate rooms, to attempt to reach a compromise. Our firm provides family law mediation services in Charlotte and the surrounding areas through a team of certified family financial mediators, who serve as mediators, as well as our family law attorneys that represent their own clients at mediation.

Divorce arbitration in North Carolina offers an alternative method to resolve your divorce case without going to court. Parties use a private arbitrator to preside over a private trial, where each party has an opportunity to argue their case followed by the arbitrator making a final decision. If you have a family law arbitration case in Charlotte or a surrounding areas, we have a group of seasoned family law attorneys that are ready to assist you.

North Carolina child custody cases can be resolved either by agreement of the parties or attending a trial or arbitration where a Judge or arbitrator makes a final determination. Child custody Orders can also be modified if there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the Order was first entered. Miller Cushing Holladay has experienced Charlotte child custody lawyers who can assist in your child custody case, whether you need help establishing custody, modifying custody, or even enforcing an Order that is already in place.

Your child custody case may require the involvement of a third party to help the Court determine what is in the best interests of your child. Your options include the appointment of a Guardian Ad Litem to investigate and the appointment of a forensic psychologist to perform a psychological evaluation, parental fitness evaluation, or even a child custody evaluation. We have Charlotte parenting evaluation lawyers who can help determine the needs in your case and assist you as the process unfolds

A common issue in North Carolina child custody cases is the determination of parental alienation. Demonstrating the occurrence of parental alienation is the first step in asking a Judge to combat it. Our Charlotte parental alienation attorneys can help in your case, whether you are trying to establish alienation, or you need help defending against false claims of parental alienation.

Parental relocation cases involve situations in which a Judge must decide whether or not to permit a child to relocate with a parent. Child relocation laws in North Carolina require Judges to consider numerous factors such as the ability to maintain a relationship between the child and the parent that is not moving, to the impact of the move on your child. Our firm has seasoned child relocation lawyers in Charlotte that are experienced in assisting parents objecting to relocation as well as parents seeking to relocate with their child.

When determining visitation in North Carolina, there are many issues to address such as regular visitation schedules (i.e. when parents see their children on a regular basis), special visitation schedules such as holiday time spent with each parent, and even whether visitation will be supervised or unsupervised. Miller Cushing Holladay’s Charlotte visitation lawyers are here to help with establishing visitation and also modifying current visitation schedules.

North Carolina grandparents have rights to request visitation and even full custody of a grandchild. In the event that a grandchild’s parents will not agree to a grandparent visitation, a grandparent must override the child’s parent’s constitutional preferences, which generally involves providing that a child’s parents have acted inconsistent with their constitutional rights or are otherwise unfit. We have a team of Charlotte grandparent custody attorneys who have collectively helped numerous grandparents seek and obtain custody of their grandchildren.

North Carolina child support cases are generally determined in accordance with the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines, which establish child support based on multiple factors, such as income, insurance costs, childcare costs, and other considerations. While the Child Support Guidelines typically control, some cases require a deviation from the Guidelines. At Miller Cushing Holladay, we have Charlotte child support attorneys ready to help you with your child support case, including establishing child support, modifying child support, and enforcing already-existing child support.

According to the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines, child support is generally determined through the consideration of various financial factors including your income, certain costs for your child, and other important factors. Speaking with an attorney will help you determine how to calculate child support using the child support calculator provided by the State, or by deviating from the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines. Our firm has experienced Charlotte child support lawyers that will assist you with determining child support in your case.

In North Carolina, child support often includes terms requiring the payment of expenses, such as uninsured medical expenses and work-related childcare costs. Depending on the case, other extraordinary costs, like private school tuition, may also be split between the parties. Miller Cushing Holladay’s Charlotte child support attorneys can help you determine what costs child support should address for your child.

In North Carolina, a party may be required to pay temporary spousal support, known as post-separation support, as well as alimony, which is longer in duration. Determining alimony involves reviewing your budget, along with your spouse’s budget, and numerous factors to ascertain whether alimony is owed, how much alimony is owed, and for how long alimony should be paid. We have a team of Charlotte alimony lawyers who can assist in our case whether you are seeking alimony or defending a claim for alimony.

As part of divorce in North Carolina, parties go through a process referred to as equitable distribution to divide their marital property. The North Carolina equitable distribution process involves several important steps including identifying and valuing property, classifying property as marital, separate, divisible, or mixed property, and then distributing property between the parties. Miller Cushing Holladay has a team of equitable distribution attorneys in Charlotte who can help with the division of property in your divorce.

how our Charlotte family law attorneys can help

Family Law attorneys with over 50 years of combined experience

At Miller Cushing Holladay, we strive to deliver the highest quality representation to North Carolina families in need of legal and moral support through the family law court system. Our seasoned family law and divorce attorneys in Charlotte have successfully navigated clients through their divorce, alimony, child custody, property division, and child support matters for over 50 years collectively.

Whether your case needs to be resolved inside or outside of court, the Board Certified Family Law Specialists at Miller Cushing Holladay are equipped with the rigorous legal abilities to steer your case in the right direction.

Family Law

At Miller Cushing Holladay, we have a team of Charlotte family law lawyers with more than 80 years of combined experience who can assist with all of your family law needs in Charlotte and the surrounding areas. Our Charlotte family law office is ready to help with matters ranging from child custody and child support to alimony, equitable distribution, and other family law issues.

While we can guide you through a divorce, our Charlotte family law attorneys can also assist with issues that may occur later, such as the enforcement of Separation Agreements and Orders, as well as modifying child custody and child support.

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Domestic Violence

Victims of domestic violence in North Carolina have the right to seek a restraining order to protect themselves from further acts of domestic violence and contact with their abuser. Restraining orders can help not just restrain unwanted contact, but can even go so far as to require the eviction of a party from a shared home.

At Miller Cushing Holladay, we have a team of experienced Charlotte domestic violence attorneys that are ready to assist you with seeking an emergency restraining order as well as Domestic Violence Protective Order or No-Contact Order through aggressive representation in court.

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Let us Help

Our team of Charlotte divorce attorneys is ready to help you with your family law matter. Contact us today to schedule your private consultation.

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Divorce

In North Carolina, you are generally entitled to a divorce so long as at least you or your spouse has resided in the State for at least six months prior to filing for divorce and you have been separated from your spouse for one year. While an uncontested divorce can be a simple process, it is important that you consult with a divorce attorney prior to finalizing your divorce, given that your rights to equitable distribution and alimony must have been addressed prior to divorce in certain ways or else you could forever lose those rights as part of a divorce.

At Miller Cushing Holladay, our Charlotte divorce attorneys will assist you with the process by initially assessing what rights we need to preserve, pursuing those rights as part of the divorce process.

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Child Custody

North Carolina child custody cases involve important topics including schedules, which determine who your child will regularly reside with, legal custody, which establishes who has the right to make major decisions for your child, and more. The earlier you speak with a child custody lawyer in your case, the better so that your attorney can determine a plan that best works for you and your child.

We have a team of seasoned Charlotte child custody attorneys that will help you with your child custody case from start to finish, whether you need help negotiating an agreement outside of court or defending your child’s interests in court.

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Committed to Serving Families Throughout North Carolina

Many legal practices say that they specialize in all areas of law. Our Charlotte attorneys have dedicated themselves to helping families, that is why we focus exclusively on North Carolina family law. When you hire one of our Board Certified Family Law Specialists, you can be confident in knowing that your case will be handled with the high-quality care an attention that it deserves.

With over 50 years of combined experience, as well as countless satisfied past clients, you can be sure that you are trusting your family law matter with the right firm.

Contact Us

Call us today at (980) 321-5590 or complete the form below so that we can schedule your private consultation with one of our Charlotte family law lawyers.

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Child Support

In North Carolina, child support establishes not only the amount of support one parent pays another, but also determines other important considerations such as how to split work-related childcare costs and uninsured medical expenses, who gets to claim a child on their taxes, and sometimes even the payment of extraordinary costs like private school tuition.

Our firm has Charlotte child support attorneys who can assist you with your child support case, including assisting with the establishment of child support, the modification of child support, and the enforcement of child support.

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Beautiful girl with parents stands in the office.

Alimony

According to North Carolina law, one spouse may seek alimony from another spouse in the event of a financial disparity between spouses following separation. As part of establishing alimony or defending a claim for alimony, our team of Charlotte alimony lawyers will assist in your case by analyzing your budget and your spouse’s budget in addition to addressing important alimony factors including marital misconduct such as adultery, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, reckless spending, and domestic violence.

We will work with you from the outset to determine what factors will be key in maximizing, limiting, or outright ensuring no alimony is paid depending on your specific needs.

Learn more about alimony services

Equitable Distribution

As part of divorcing in North Carolina, your marital assets and debts will be divided amongst you and your spouse in a process known as Equitable Distribution. Equitable Distribution is a three-stage process which begins with identifying and valuing your assets and debts, classifying those assets and debts as marital, divisible, separate, or mixed property, and then finally distributing the property between spouses.

At Miller Cushing Holladay, we have experienced Charlotte equitable distribution attorneys who will assist you with the division of property, whether you need help reaching an agreement out of court or need help defending your interest. As part of that process, we will uncover all assets and debts as well as provide you a detailed analysis with options to protect your financial future.

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Testimonials

The best way to learn about our Charlotte family law firm is to hear what our clients have to say about their experiences with us.

Everyone I encountered was compassionate, professional, and easy to work with. I really appreciated the time Brett Holladay took to explain things and answer all my questions. No one wants to need legal advice, but if you do – I highly recommend this firm.

Sarah V.

My opinion of Miller-Bowles Law Firm based on my personal experiences with them is they are an exceptional all around law firm! All my calls to the firm were answered by an individual, usually Jo Ann at the front desk. She was always helpful, kind and made certain my messages were delivered in a timely manner. Alex, my paralegal was very knowledgeable and reliable. She provided great customer service and was very kind. Bethany, my attorney was very confident, intelligent and an excellent communicator. Her negotiating skills were extraordinary, settling my case within four months. Her creative skills during negotiations were impressive to watch. Bethany was compassionate during our interactions assuring that I understood the processes involved with my case. I spent nearly forty years in law enforcement and had dealings with many attorneys in that tenure. I have to say that Bethany is one of the most accomplished attorneys I’ve met in all those years. Her total skill set is impressive and she is very capable of handling any situation in or out of a court setting. Thank you Bethany and all the Miller-Bowles staff who carried me through a most difficult life event.

Glenn L.

Made me feel heard and safe as I moved through my divorce

Brent S.

I can't emphasize enough how great this firm was and easy to work with. I travel a lot for work and they were able to make this a very smooth process despite my schedule. I don't plan to use them again for a divorce as there shouldn't be a next time haha but I recommend that you do! You won't be disappointed.

Stephen D.

Note: Accidently posted this from my work account. My highest praise to Nick Cushing. I had 2 prior lawyers who only cared about billable hours costing me over $20,000 for a divorce with no children, only 1 asset (primary home),and my exhusband had a DUI, hit & run, and history of alcoholism. My previous lawyers gave Nick garbage to work with and he got me an end quickly and I actually got to keep some assets . The agreements and settlements written by my previous lawyer were so poorly written they contradicted themselves and were extremely vague. My case should have been a slam dunk, but it took over 2 years to end. After my first 1 hour consultation, Nick had everything he needed to draft my contempt of court hearing. All documents were clearly defined to the level that was beyond a shadow of a doubt. He gave me peace of mind again. This is the level of professionalism Nick brings to the table. Nick Cushing is worth every penny and was more expensive per hour than my other lawyers and charged me less overall. It took my other lawyers hours to write something, but it only took Nick one time hear my concern and implement it immediately. My friend, who was impressed with Nick's results, switched to Miller Bowles Cushing. 10 stars out of 5.

May K.

Bret Holladay is an super-smart, highly professional family lawyer, and a genuine pleasure to collaborate with in resolving domestic disputes. And Katie Miller is the consummate professional: not only does she "know her stuff," she brings a level of kindness, compassion, and genuine relatability that is sometimes all too rare in our profession. She also applies her exceptional blend of creativity and empathy to bear on any case she mediates or collaborates on, and your case will be in excellent hands with her in either role.

Chris O.

MBC is an amazing family law practice. I had a very litigious divorce and the entire team worked so hard for my case. They returned calls and e-mails quickly, always answered every question I had. I cannot say enough good things about the practice, especially about Kate, Chris and Brett. If you need a family law attorney, then call Miller Bowles Cushing right away.

Caren H.

Chris has been a very fair, knowledgeable, and purposeful asset to helping me through these tricky situations.

Kayla W.

I highly recommend Brett!

Julia G.

Bethany Mulhurn was wonderful to work with from beginning to end. She was so professional and easy to work with. Her communication was spot on and would recommend anyone needing a family law attorney. Thank you Bethany!

Trevor Y.

If you need to untie the knot, get Miller Bowles Cushing in your corner ASAP.

Laura D.

Worked with Nick Cushing on my divorce in 2020 and he was fantastic throughout the process and beyond. Always able to answer whatever questions came up and provide the best advice on how to proceed. Always easy to talk to and has quick response times.

Joshua R.

Extremely professional, proficient, caring, and friendly. I would highly recommend and suggest using this firm. Although divorce/family law is painful, Miller, Bowles, and Cushing are wonderful attorneys that I will always consider friends!

J B.

Knowledgeable, kind, and incredibly supportive! Bethany Mulhern and all of the staff made navigating a difficult, and sometimes dangerous situation possible. I can't recommend them more highly.

Alina K.

I can't emphasize enough how great Kate was to work with. She somehow made this uncomfortable time in my life seem painless. I was traveling a lot for work at the time and Kate was able to make this process go smoothly despite my crazy schedule. I won’t say I recommend getting a divorce, but I recommend using Kate if you do. You won't be disappointed in her knowledge, effort and compassion.

DARCIE H.

Brett came highly recommended to me when I inquired about an attorney from a local moms page. Several divorced moms mentioned working with him and their positive experience. He was so kind, understanding as well as insightful. He represented me for a little over a year. I HIGHLY recommend him if you need a divorce atty. You will feel less stressed. more in control and he will be sure to negotiate in your favor.

Debbie L.

Very professional, Bethany is experienced and was a delight to work with. She made my process smooth and seamless by taking the time to answer any questions that I had.

Carshell S.

Kate Miller handled my separation agreement. It was done quickly and easily at a very reasonable cost. I would recommend anyone who needs a family law attorney work with Kate!

Matthew R.

Been working with Brett and his team for a few months now. As much as I hate the divorce process itself, Brett has made it very easy for me. He's been instrumental in helping me navigate the whole divorce process and the communication has been pretty good. A few times when he was in court, his paralegal or someone was there to answer my questions. I hope that you will never need their services but if you do, I highly recommend this law firm.

James L.

Thanks for all of your help and support! Highly recommend Bethany!

Michelle H.

Bethany has been fantastic handling my very sensitive case. Follow up is fantastic, welcoming atmosphere, and always available to answer questions and more!

Cory B.

I used Brett in a custody case and he went above and beyond. He is very intelligent and knows the laws practically verbatim. I’m forever thankful for him because he helped me win my custody case and it meant the world to me. I highly recommend him!!

Bryan D.

Brett is by far a saving grace. Very personable, incredibly knowledgeable, and definitely had my and my child’s best interest. He made my custody process easy and understandable.

Gabrielle F.

Miller Cushing Holladay PLLC truly stands out for its remarkable service and unwavering dedication to their clients. Throughout my case, I felt supported and informed at every step. Their communication was prompt and transparent, and as importantly, their personalized approach made me feel like a valued client rather than just a case number.

Dallas P.

I worked through a divorce with Nick Cushing as my attorney. He was professional and has a top notch paralegal. They both gave me the information and guidance I needed to feel great about the decisions I made. I would recommend the firm and specifically Nick to someone in any family law situation that they needed the best. Thank you Nick and Scarlett

Shawn B.

Chris represented me against a prestigious Charlotte firm, whom often intimidates other attorneys, as they stand firmly behind their three letter initials (J*D). He immediately found errors in the Opposing Counsel’s Motion for Contempt and Chris did not waste my time, preparing for the Contempt Motion (as he knew we had grounds for a dismissal, and we were granted such). He and his team are always professional and conscious of my expenditures, while keeping my goals at the forefront of my representation. He also represented me against the same J*D firm last year in another hearing and he was able to get a positive result, by negotiating with opposing Counsel by focusing on my ultimate wants. I highly recommend Chris Miller and commend him for his professionalism, focus, knowledge and execution (and I say this firmly after going through three other local family law firms over the past five years).

Blair A.

Very impressed with Chris Miller and his paralegal, Alex. Highly recommend!

Melissa M.

I just wanted to give a Huge shoutout to Katie Miller for helping me through all my legal needs. This firm is one if not the best in Charlotte. I definitely would recommend them for any law needs.

Kaycee S.

Nick is the most professional and personally attentive family lawyer I’ve worked with. I highly recommend the team at Miller and Cushing Holladay for anyone seeking exceptional legal support.

Rock P.

Bethany was so kind and helpful during my short time working with her. Would highly recommend working with her!

Kaitlyn Y.

I worked with Brett through my separation and divorce. He was very knowledgeable yet friendly through a difficult time. I would recommend him to others. He was responsive via email and phone calls as well as in office visits.

Miranda O.

Brett and his team were amazing as my legal representation. In a difficult situation and negotiations, Brett was able to guide me in a caring, thoughtful and cost effective way. I appreciate all he did to help assist me move successfully into a new chapter of my life.

Elka J.

Chris Miller was an absolute lifesaver during one of the most challenging times in my life. Navigating a divorce with three young children under the age of 4 felt overwhelming, and I had no idea what to expect or how to handle everything coming my way. From the very beginning, Chris walked me through every step of the process with patience, understanding, and unmatched expertise. He was not only incredibly educated and talented in his field, but he also had a deep understanding of what was likely to come, ensuring I was always prepared. He fought tirelessly for me and my children, prioritizing what was best for our future. Looking back now, I realize just how much I needed someone with Chris’s foresight and dedication, especially as unexpected issues have arisen over time. I truly cannot recommend him enough to anyone facing a similar situation. His guidance and advocacy made all the difference for me and my family. Thank you, Chris, for everything!

Meredith M.

Bethany and Nick were both fantastic to work with. They were responsive to all of our concerns and really seemed to care about getting us the outcome that we wanted. Highly recommend!

Miranda M.

Brett Holladay is such a phenomenal attorney! He listened to my story and gave me all the time I needed when we first met. He is extremely knowledgable in the area of child custody. He even went out of his way to drive out to be there with me when I was asked to do a deposition. He is extremely patient, kind, and is willing to work with you. He is one of the most affordable too! Because of him I've retained legal custody of my child which is all I really cared about most. And share her 50/50 with her other parent. I will come back for any of my future concerns. Joanne is also amazing working at the front desk.

Kanisha D.

Brett Holladay is the best divorce attorney in Charlotte, and I can't thank him enough for his exceptional work. From the start, he made me feel so comfortable during one of the worst times of my life. He prepared me for everything, making sure I understood every step of the process and always keeping my best interests at heart. Brett's dedication and expertise ensured that I received all I deserved. I'm incredibly grateful for the way he handled my case, and I will continue to use him if any additional amendments are needed. I highly recommend Brett to anyone in need of a compassionate and skilled attorney.

Courtney K.

Bethany was encouraging of questions and seems very knowledgeable of strategy and law.

Jeremy Q.

Chris Miller has been an incredibly supportive, informative, and detail-oriented lawyer throughout my separation and divorce process. He gave thoughtful attention not only to my case but also to the well-being of my children. Chris was always available to talk or email, making sure I fully understood every step of the process. He answered all of my questions with clarity, patience, and efficiency. His approach combined care and expertise—a balance that made a difficult time much more manageable. I’m truly grateful for his guidance and professionalism

Lauren H.

The law firm that fully understands it’s not always the service you want to need, but is right there when you do need them. Brett Holladay gave the exact level of support and communication needed for my situation. I am grateful!

Shana H.

Stephanie and Eskarleth are amazing!

George W.

Awards

Contact our firm

Call 980-321-5590 or Fill Out this Form to Begin Your Case

Address

508 East Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28203

Phone Number

980-321-5590