Family Law

Family law brings together decisions about relationships, children, finances and safety. The Law Offices of Wunsch and Cruz works with clients to identify the issues that need legal attention, consider possible agreements and prepare for court when a dispute cannot be resolved.

If you are unsure where to start, talk with our family law team about your priorities and any papers you have received.

Start with the whole situation

A family may have several connected concerns without needing the same solution for each one. A separation can raise immediate questions about housing and bills alongside longer-term parenting plans. An existing custody arrangement may need review even when no divorce is involved.

Explain both your immediate concern and any related agreements or court proceedings. This helps your attorney distinguish decisions that need prompt attention from those requiring more information or negotiation.

Find guidance for your particular issue

• Divorce and separation: planning for divorce filings, separation agreements, property and debt division, and spousal support.
• Child custody: parenting time, major decisions, relocation concerns and questions about changing existing arrangements.
• Other family matters: adoption, guardianship, paternity, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and related planning documents.
• Domestic violence protective orders: seeking or responding to a civil order and preparing for a hearing.

Child support and requests to modify support are also part of the family practice. Tell your attorney about any current support order and the concern you want addressed rather than assuming it will be resolved through a custody discussion.

Agreements and contested cases

An agreement should address practical responsibilities, not just broad intentions. Think about what each person would need to do, what information is missing and where proposed terms remain unclear. Our attorneys work toward negotiated solutions where appropriate and prepare for litigation when necessary.

Tell the team about threats, abuse or restrictions on contact before discussing negotiation. A civil protective-order case and a criminal charge are different matters, even when they concern the same events. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Bring the current picture, not just the history

Start with existing court orders, signed agreements, recently received papers and a short timeline. List scheduled hearings, the county where a case is pending and your most important questions. For financial concerns, bring available income and expense information; for parenting concerns, describe the children’s routines and needs.

Our family law consultation guide offers a more detailed preparation checklist.

Discuss the next step with the firm

For help with a family-law dispute or planning matter, contact our family law team to discuss representation, your immediate priorities and which issues need separate attention. You can also find local contact details on our Fuquay-Varina office page.