Family Law

This includes information about marriage, child custody, divorce, reproductive rights, adoption, paternity, domestic violence, and other relevant topics.

Property Division

The distribution of debts and assets following dissolution of marriage, also known as equitable distribution through the court system.

Grandparents Rights

The right of grandparents to seek visitation with, or custody of, their grandchildren in situations of divorce, parental separation and other familiar matters.

Prenuptial Agreements

A contract, that is signed before marriage, that covers the respective rights and obligations of two parties to a marriage should the marriage end.

Mediation & Arbitration

Arbitration is like the court process as parties provide testimony and give evidence similar to a trial but it is usually less formal. In mediation, the process is a negotiation with the assistance of a neutral third party. These methods of alternative dispute resolution can be very effective in minimizing costs associated with Family Law matters.

Separation Agreements

A contract that memorializes an agreement between spouses when they separate from each other. These agreements can resolve such matters as property division, debts, alimony, child custody, and child support. Consent orders can also be utilized for this purpose, and they have the modifiability and enforceability of a court order.

Parent Coordinating

A parent coordinator is a highly trained neutral third-party who is court appointed to act essentially as a referee in high conflict custody matters. They help the parties better communicate and resolve differences. Ms. Hartley has been certified as a parent coordinator since 2008, and has been appointed in dozens of contentious custody cases.

Wills & Power of Attorneys

A POA is a written authorization to represent or act on another’s behalf in private affairs, business, or some other legal matter. This involves anticipating and arranging for the management of a person’s estate after death, if they are no longer able to do so or if they pass away, to alleviate the burden placed on those they leave behind.

Other Practice Areas

Separation, Divorce & Annulment

This covers all aspects of the dissolution of marriage starting with a request for separation and ending in, what we call, “Absolute Divorce” in North Carolina. Another possibility to end a marriage, annulment, may be available under certain rare circumstances.

Alienation of Affection & Criminal Conversation

In North Carolina, you may sue an individual who has caused you to suffer the loss of affection from your spouse. You may also have a claim if that person had an affair with your spouse.

Property Settlement Agreements

A property settlement agreement settles the process of dividing up the assets (furniture, cars, frequent flyer miles) and the debts (mortgages, credit cards, etc.) during divorces.

Post-Separation Support & Alimony

The determination of how a spouse’s financial needs will be met both on a temporary basis (post-separation support) and on a more long-term basis (alimony).

Domestic Violence

The handling of both protection and defense against all aspects of behavior that constitutes domestic violence.

Child Custody

The determination of how parents share time with their children and how decisions are made for them.

Child Support

The determination of how a child’s financial needs are met by the parents, and who is responsible for payment of these needs.

Wills, Trusts, and Estates

Anticipating and arranging for the management of a person’s estate after death if they are no longer able to do so or if they pass away, to alleviate the burden placed on those they leave behind.

Tia Hartley was very easy to work with! She made sure that I was prepared and understood everything that was going on with my case. Wonderful communication and very honest! I would recommend her services to anyone!

Abigail

I can’t say enough great things about Tia and her legal assistant, Randi. I had a very complicated, high-conflict case which took a lot of time and effort, and I feel like my case was given the time and attention it required. Tia is compassionate, experienced in all avenues of family law and assisted me in navigating a very time consuming and emotionally challenging time in my life. She is an amazing attorney. She is always available via phone and if not there she returns calls and messages promptly. She always took the time to explain things to me in a way that I would understand.

Anonymous

I came to Tia for a divorce and settlement agreement, and needed it done in a hurry because I was applying for a mortgage. She and her team were fantastic – they got to work right away and the process was quick and painless. They were very kind and understanding and never made me feel like I had to explain myself or like I was making the wrong decision. Even though we probably had a relatively straight-forward divorce, its never an easy time, so having someone competent, prepared, and professional made a huge difference. I would – and do – recommend Tia and her team to anyone looking for quality family law services.