Put Your Case In The Right Hands.

Family Law Attorney in Greensboro, North Carolina

When your family changes, your financial security and parental rights may be at stake. The Spagnola Law Firm is a dedicated advocate for family law matters in Greensboro and throughout the Piedmont Triad.

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25+ YEARS EXPERIENCE

BOARD CERTIFIED SPECIALIST

RECOGNIZED & AWARDED

GREENSBORO FAMILY LAW

Facing the North Carolina Divorce Process

North Carolina’s divorce laws set it apart from many other states. To file for an absolute divorce, spouses must live in different residences for at least one full year, and at least one spouse must reside in the state for six months before filing. A separation agreement prepared by our firm can protect your rights during that period.

OUR EXPERTISE

Our Practice Areas

Divorce

We guide clients through the one-year separation and filing process required to obtain a divorce under North Carolina law.

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Child Custody

We fight to protect your relationship with your child and build a custody schedule that supports your child’s best interests.

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Property Division

We pursue an equitable division of the marital assets, debts, retirement accounts, and real estate acquired during your marriage.

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Spousal Support

We help dependent spouses secure fair post-separation support and alimony, and defend clients against unreasonable demands.

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Divorce Mediation

We facilitate structured, out-of-court negotiations that help both parties reach mutually beneficial settlements.

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Adoption

We guide families through stepparent, private, family-member, and adult adoptions, from filing through finalization.

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PROPERTY DIVISION

Protecting Your Interests in Property Division

North Carolina courts follow the principle of equitable distribution — a fair, though not necessarily equal, division of marital and divisible assets. We work with financial professionals to accurately identify, value, and classify assets and liabilities so you keep what is rightfully yours.

TESTIMONIALS

Our Client Success Stories

      
 Excellent4.6109 reviews
 4.6
 Excellent109 reviews
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   Tyler Hunt 
 9 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Handles business professionally and thoroughly. Would highly recommend.
  
 
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   Sarah Laird 
 35 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an excellent experience with Spagnola Law Firm and highly recommend their services. Sam represented me during my divorce and was professional, knowledgeable, compassionate, and responsive throughout the entire process. He took the time to explain my options, answered my questions clearly, and helped me navigate a difficult and stressful time with confidence. I also want to recognize Sam’s paralegal, Alexis, who was absolutely wonderful to work with. She was incredibly responsive, helpful, and attentive throughout the process. Alexis was always quick to assist with questions, documents, and other matters that didn’t require Sam’s direct attention, which made communication seamless and ensured I always felt supported. Having someone so dependable and accessible made a meaningful difference during an already challenging time. I especially appreciated the combination of Sam’s straightforward legal guidance and advocacy with Alexis’s exceptional responsiveness and support. They worked extremely well as a team, and I always felt that my concerns were heard and that I was in capable hands. I’m very grateful to Sam, Alexis, and the Spagnola Law Firm team for helping me through this chapter of my life. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for experienced, thoughtful, and trustworthy legal representation.
  
 
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   Atef younis 
 55 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend MR. Spagnola. He is one of the best Family Lawyer, From the beginning, He was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about my case. He kept me informed throughout the entire process, explained everything clearly, and always took the time to answer my questions. His dedication, hard work, and attention to detail helped me achieve a positive outcome. I truly appreciate his support and would not hesitate to recommend Him to anyone looking for an experienced and trustworthy lawyer. Thank you for your excellent representation!
  
 
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   J. Stevens 
 65 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mr. Spagnola gave me good advice and I think saved me a huge headache. I’m quite pleased with how things turned out and his assistance.
  
 
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   S Whittington 
 90 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience, looking forward utilizing his services. Thanks again
  
 
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   Emma Godwin 
 95 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you for all your help! Sam was very personable and knowledgeable. Great lawyer to trust with such an arduous process.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Anthony Godwin 
 95 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Good lawyer and knows his stuff. Highly recommend
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jennifer Banville 
 120 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sam was knowledgeable and assertive…exactly what I needed with my case. I changed to him for representation and he did not disappoint! So grateful for his representation and advice. Best decision I made for my situation. Highly recommend!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jay Harris 
 193 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Just a wonderful team and great people JB
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   eric rasecke 
 215 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As a man, a father seeking legal help, I cannot recommend Mr Spagnola high enough. I wish that I did not waste so much money on other so called 5 star lawyers. It's hard to navigate these waters because the odds seem to stack up against a father, husband. Mr Spagnola used commons sense, has a great wealth of knowledge and spoke with me like a person every step of the way in my cases. I wish I had him earlier. He is worth every penny and cannot thank him enough, ok so I gave him a big hug of joy after my case!

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CHILD CUSTODY

Resolving Custody Disputes and Protecting Parental Rights

North Carolina courts decide custody based entirely on the best interests of the child, and both parents enter with equal rights. We prepare comprehensive parenting plans covering the custody schedule, decision-making authority, and holiday visitation — with empathy and firm determination.

OUR TEAM

Meet Our Attorney

Samuel Spagnola

Attorney

Attorney Sam Spagnola has practiced North Carolina family law since 1998 and has been a Board Certified Family Law Specialist since 2008. A graduate of Guilford College and SMU School of Law, he brings more than 25 years of courtroom experience to divorce, custody, support, and property division matters across Greensboro and the Piedmont Triad.

Board Certified Specialist

25+ Years Experience

About Us

SPOUSAL SUPPORT

Spousal Support, Alimony, and Financial Security

North Carolina provides post-separation support while a divorce is pending and alimony after the decree is final. We conduct a thorough financial review to present an accurate picture of your needs and earning capacity, whether you are seeking support or defending against unreasonable demands.

OUR DIFFERENCE

Why Choose Us

Decades of Dedicated Practice

Founded on September 1, 1998, our firm brings more than a quarter-century of family law experience to clients in Greensboro, High Point, and the surrounding communities.

Board-Certified Guidance

Attorney Sam Spagnola has practiced since 1998 and has been a board-certified family law specialist since 2008, certified by the NC Board of Legal Specialization.

Tailored Legal Solutions

No two families are alike. We work toward your specific goals, seeking cost-effective settlements when possible and staying fully prepared to fight in court.

Deep Local Roots

We represent clients across Guilford, Randolph, Rockingham, Forsyth, Davidson, and Alamance Counties, with decades of experience in these local courts.

Compassionate Advocacy

We remove confusion from the legal process, communicating frankly while providing dependable advice and vigorous, confident representation.

Direct Access

Your case receives direct personal attention from an experienced Greensboro lawyer who knows your name and knows your case.

MEDIATION

Resolutions Through Separation Agreements and Mediation

Many family law matters are resolved outside the courtroom. Mediation offers a confidential setting to negotiate custody, support, and asset division, and a properly prepared separation agreement is a binding contract that shields you from future disputes. When needed, we are fully prepared to advocate in court.

NEWS & INSIGHTS

Our Latest Blogs

What to Realistically Expect When Working With a Family Lawyer

June 15, 2026

When people come to us having already formed strong expectations about how their case will go, those expectations shape everything. How they…

Real Reasons Why Working With a Family Lawyer Makes a Difference

June 11, 2026

People put off calling an attorney for all kinds of reasons. Cost concerns. Hoping the situation resolves on its own. Not wanting…

Tips for Working with a Family Law Lawyer

June 8, 2026

Hiring a family law attorney is often the first step toward resolving some of life’s most difficult situations. Whether you are facing…

Guidance at Every Stage of Your Case

A Greensboro family law attorney at The Spagnola Law Firm provides clear answers, strategic guidance, and effective representation — explaining your options in plain language and giving your case the individual attention it deserves.

YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED

Frequently Asked Questions

How long must spouses be separated before divorcing in North Carolina?

Before either party may file for divorce, the spouses must have lived separately and apart u2014 in two different physical homes u2014 continuously for at least one full year. At least one spouse must also have resided in North Carolina for at least six months before filing.

What is the difference between marital property and separate property?

Marital property is the real estate, vehicles, accounts, investments, and retirement benefits acquired during the marriage before separation. Separate property is anything owned before the marriage or received individually as a gift or inheritance. Marital property is subject to equitable division; separate property usually stays with its owner.

How do North Carolina courts determine child custody?

Judges decide custody based on the child’s best interests, weighing factors such as each parent’s living arrangements, health, work schedule, and involvement in the child’s life. Both parents are treated equally, with no gender preference. Courts favor arrangements that maintain meaningful relationships with both parents.

Do I need a written separation agreement to be legally separated?

No. You are legally separated the moment you and your spouse live in different residences with the intent that the separation be permanent. Even so, a comprehensive, notarized separation agreement is wise u2014 it can privately resolve support, custody, and property division.

How is spousal support or alimony calculated?

Unlike child support, alimony is not set by a rigid formula; judges have wide discretion. They first determine whether one party is a dependent spouse and the other a supporting spouse, then weigh factors such as earning capacity, length of marriage, standard of living, and health. Marital misconduct can affect an award.

What if a parent wants to relocate with a child?

A parent with primary physical custody who intends to move must obtain the other parent’s written consent or request a modification of the custody order. The court weighs whether the move serves the child’s best interests, including educational opportunities and the impact on visitation.

Can family law issues be resolved through mediation?

Yes. North Carolina requires mediation in contested child custody cases before trial unless waived by a judge. A neutral mediator helps spouses reach mutually acceptable agreements on custody, property, and support. Mediation is private, less formal, and usually costs less than a trial.

How does North Carolina handle child support calculations?

Child support uses standardized guidelines based primarily on both parents’ monthly incomes, childcare and health-insurance costs, and the number of overnights with each parent. Judges may deviate in high-income or special circumstances. Support generally continues until the child turns 18 or graduates high school.

GET IN TOUCH

Schedule a Consultation

336-373-8469

336-704-2921

114 N. Elm Street, Suite 400
Greensboro, NC 27401