About Our Firm

What Makes Lincolnton Family Law Different?

Compassionate Family Law & Divorce Representation in Lincolnton, NC

Navigating a family law conflict can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. At Lincolnton Family Law, led by experienced attorney Jennifer Hames, we specialize exclusively in domestic legal matters across Lincoln County, Cleveland County, and Catawba County, NC. Whether you need assistance with child custody disputes, determining spousal support, or protecting complex marital assets during a divorce, our firm provides the focused, strategic guidance required to protect your rights and secure your family’s future.

When life changes, making sound decisions for your family starts with clear, knowledgeable legal counsel.

How We Help North Carolina Families Resolve Complex Legal Matters

Filing for divorce or navigating a custody dispute is one of the most stressful life transitions you will ever navigate. We believe effective legal representation requires both strong court advocacy and the time to help you understand every available path forward.

We provide comprehensive family law services across the Western Piedmont region, including:

Child Custody & Support: Safeguarding your child’s best interests while ensuring fair child support determinations under North Carolina guidelines.
Absolute Divorce & Legal Separation: Guiding you through North Carolina’s mandatory one-year separation requirement to ensure your post-divorce rights remain protected.
Equitable Distribution (Asset & Debt Division): Protecting your personal and financial investments, retirement accounts, real estate, and marital property.
Alimony & Post-Separation Support: Helping you determine eligibility, amount, and duration for spousal support obligations or awards.
Order Modifications & Enforcement: Adjusting existing court decrees when life circumstances, income, or schedules change significantly.

Our Lead Attorney - Jennifer Hames

Jennifer Hames knew from a very early age that she wanted to be a lawyer and that she wanted to stay in the region the help her friends and neighbors.

Originally from Belmont, North Carolina, Jennifer graduated from North Carolina State University, where she studied Political Science and was a member of Alpha Phi Fraternity.

She earned her law degree from The Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University.

Jennifer has practiced family law exclusively since passing the bar in North Carolina. She began her legal career as an associate attorney at another family law firm in Lincoln County for several years before founding her own firm, Lincolnton Family Law.

Jennifer is an active member with the North Carolina State Bar, the North Carolina Bar Association Family Law Section, and the 27b Bar Association.

Jennifer is currently serving on the Lincoln County Red Cross Board of Directors, Legal Aid Board of Directors, Gaston office, and the Lincoln County Juvenile Crime Prevention Counsel.

Jennifer resides in Lincolnton with her daughter. In their spare time, Jennifer is a Youth Leader and enjoys time with her family.

Areas of Focus in Family Law

Absolute Divorce

An absolute divorce is the simplest part of the process. However, once a divorce is finalized, certain rights under North Carolina law no longer exist. We are happy to speak to you about your individual case to ensure you understand the process from start to finish and not overlook any potential legal rights in the process.

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Child Custody

Often a parent’s top concern, Jennifer is experienced in handling your custody needs from the initial hearing, mediation process, and the permanent hearing. Has something changed since the entry of the last order? Jennifer is there to assist you along the way.

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Child Support

Child Support is based on parties income. A good attorney will explore any additional income sources, extraordinary expenses, or request a deviation based on your individual circumstances. In North Carolina child custody is determined by using a standard whereby the judge will determine the best interest of the child.

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Guardian Ad Litem

Divorce is one of the three hardest things for a child to experience before adulthood. A Guardian Ad Litem is often used to represent your child in a custody proceeding. This avoids your child having to testify in court or allows an independent third party to investigate issues effecting the child.

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Equitable Distribution

Marriage in North Carolina conveys certain property rights between spouses. You need an attorney that can sort through the marital estate and represent your interest through litigation or mediation. The rules vary depending depending on how and when property or debt has been acquired. Most importantly, this area addresses the division of retirement and investment accounts.

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Post Separation Support And Alimony

Once a divorce is finalized, certain rights under North Carolina law no longer exist. We are happy to assist you to ensure you understand the process from start to finish and do not overlook any potential legal rights in the process.

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Other Legal Services

Lincoln County Traffic Tickets

While it’s easy to pay your traffic ticket, fighting it can save your driving record from points associated with a ticket conviction. The cost is a lot less than you may think. We are devoted to negotiating with the assistant district attorney to get the best possible outcome.

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Why Choose Lincolnton Family Law?

1. Exclusive Focus on Family Law Family law isn’t just a side practice for us—it is our primary focus. Attorney Jennifer Hames has dedicated her legal career to North Carolina domestic law, offering focused expertise and insight into local courtroom procedures and judicial expectations in Lincoln County.

2. Personalized, Patient Guidance We know every family dynamic is unique. We promise to give you the dedicated time and space needed to work through all available options—from negotiated separation agreements and mediation to firm courtroom representation.

3. Rooted in Western Piedmont Communities We are proud to serve our friends and neighbors in Lincolnton and surrounding North Carolina communities. Conveniently located on East Gaston Street, we offer accessible, local legal help right when you need it most.

Frequently Asked Questions About NC Family Law

How do I start the divorce process in Lincolnton, NC? In North Carolina, you must be physically separated from your spouse for at least 12 consecutive months with the intent to remain apart before you can file for absolute divorce. Crucially, claims regarding marital property division (equitable distribution) and alimony must be preserved before the final divorce decree is entered.

How is child custody determined in North Carolina? North Carolina courts determine child custody based strictly on the “best interest of the child” standard. Factors evaluated include parents’ living environments, parenting roles, stability, and ability to foster a healthy relationship with the child.

Where is your Lincolnton office located? Our office is located at 1446 East Gaston Street, Suite 104, Lincolnton, NC 28092, serving clients throughout Lincoln, Cleveland, and Catawba Counties.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation Today

Take control of your future with a dedicated advocate in your corner. Contact Lincolnton Family Law today at (704) [Your-Phone-Number] or fill out our online contact form to discuss your case and discover the best options for your family.