Trusted, Local Family Law Attorneys

Last updated on January 26, 2026

When facing family law matters, having a dedicated and compassionate family law attorney by your side is crucial. Guidance from a skilled lawyer can help you defend your best interests and pursue an outcome that can benefit you and your family.

At Jarrin & Stanifer, PLLC, we are committed to providing personalized legal services that focus on your unique needs and circumstances. Our firm is located in Hendersonville, and we take pride in serving our community with integrity and understanding. Our North Carolina attorneys aim to create a supportive environment where you feel comfortable discussing sensitive family issues.

Guidance For Every Family Law Matter

We provide comprehensive family law services, helping ensure our clients receive consistent guidance throughout every stage of the process, with a focus on practical solutions and long-term protection.

Divorce

We guide clients from the initial filing through the final decree, helping ensure each step in the divorce process is handled carefully and strategically. Our role includes:

• Protecting legal rights
• Addressing financial concerns
• Helping clients make informed decisions about their future

Our attorney will be involved from the beginning to help prevent costly mistakes and make sure that agreements and court orders are enforceable and aligned with North Carolina law.

Separation Agreements

In North Carolina, separation agreements help resolve issues before a divorce becomes final. These legally binding documents allow spouses to define their rights and responsibilities while living separately. A well-drafted separation agreement can address several important matters, including:

• Division of marital property and debts
• Spousal support and financial obligations
• Child custody and child support terms

Because these agreements can serve as the foundation for a future divorce, attorney involvement is essential. We help ensure separation agreements are clear, enforceable and structured to protect our clients if circumstances change.

Property Division

North Carolina follows an equitable distribution system. This means marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally. We advocate for a division that reflects our client’s contributions and financial realities.

Property division cases can involve complex assets such as real estate, retirement accounts, investments and closely held businesses.

Child Custody And Child Support

When children are involved, the legal process must focus on stability and long-term well-being. We work with parents to develop parenting plans that serve the child’s best interests while also protecting parental rights.

Our approach emphasizes thoughtful planning and compliance with North Carolina child support guidelines. Accurate calculations, proper documentation, and legally sound custody arrangements reduce the risk of future disputes and enforcement issues, making experienced legal guidance essential.

Mediation

Mediation offers a less adversarial way to resolve family law disputes, saving time, emotional strain and financial cost. Attorney Elisa Jarrin is a certified family financial mediator, which allows us to guide clients through structured, solution-focused negotiations.

Mediation encourages open communication and collaborative problem-solving while still protecting each party’s legal interests. Having a certified mediator involved helps ensure discussions remain productive and agreements are legally sound.

Alimony And Spousal Support

Alimony decisions in North Carolina depend on several statutory factors, including:

• Income
• Earning capacity
• Length of the marriage
• Standard of living

We represent clients seeking support as well as those responding to alimony claims. Our role is to present clear financial evidence and legal arguments that reflect fairness and the realities of each party’s situation.

Domestic Violence Protective Orders

Domestic violence situations require immediate and compassionate legal action. We assist clients who need to obtain a Domestic Violence Protective Order (50B) as well as those who must defend against one.

Navigating Your Case: What To Expect

We guide clients through every phase of the family law case, providing clarity and steady support.

• Initial consultation: This confidential meeting allows us to understand your situation, goals and concerns. We explain your legal options and outline potential strategies so you can make informed decisions from the start.

• Filing and responding to petitions: The first formal step involves preparing and filing legal documents with the court or responding to filings from the other party.
• Discovery and financial disclosures: This stage includes income records, asset statements and other financial disclosures. Proper handling of discovery is essential to achieving fair outcomes in property, support and custody matters.
• Negotiation and mediation: Many cases can be resolved outside of court through negotiation or mediation. We work toward practical agreements that reflect our clients’ priorities while protecting their legal rights.
• Litigation and trial: If a settlement is not possible, we are prepared to advocate in court. Litigation requires careful preparation, strong evidence and clear legal arguments.
• Final orders and agreements: The final stage involves drafting and entering court orders or agreements that legally resolve the case. Properly prepared final documents help prevent future disputes and provide long-term stability.

Throughout each step, we will guide you to help ensure the process is as smooth as possible, providing reliable communication at every stage.

The Jarrin & Stanifer, PLLC Difference: Why Choose Us?

Choosing the right family law firm matters. Our approach is built on skill, accessibility and a commitment to constructive solutions.

• Certified mediation expertise: Attorney Elisa Jarrin’s certification as a family financial mediator and parenting coordinator sets our firm apart. This background allows us to approach cases with a solution-oriented mindset while still protecting our clients’ legal interests.
• Bilingual and culturally competent counsel: Attorney Elisa Jarrin, a native Spanish speaker, offers bilingual legal services to help ensure clear and effective communication with all our clients.
• Rooted in the Hendersonville community: As local attorneys, we are committed to serving our neighbors with integrity and professionalism. We understand the local courts and community values, which allows us to provide practical, informed representation when families need it most.

We believe that everyone should have access to the legal representation they need, and we are proud to be a law firm that many members of our community can turn to.

Family Law FAQ

Below are answers to common questions we hear from individuals and families in Hendersonville.

What are the requirements to file for divorce in North Carolina?

To file for divorce:

• At least one spouse must have lived in North Carolina for a minimum of six months before filing.
• Have a mandatory one-year separation period, during which spouses must live separately and intend for the separation to be permanent

We help ensure these requirements are properly documented so the divorce is not delayed or dismissed.

How is child custody decided in Hendersonville courts?

Child custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child standard. Judges consider several factors when evaluating custody arrangements, including:

• Each parent’s living situation and stability
• The history of caregiving and involvement
• The child’s preference, if the child is of sufficient age and maturity

Legal representation helps present these factors clearly and makes sure the court receives a complete picture of what arrangement best supports the child.

Is North Carolina a 50/50 state for property division?

North Carolina is not automatically a 50/50 state. Equitable distribution means the court seeks a fair division of marital property, which may be equal or unequal depending on the circumstances.

The following factors can influence the outcome:

• Income disparities
• Contributions to the marriage
• Marital misconduct

An attorney’s role is to advocate for a division that reflects fairness under the law.

Bilingual Services For Our Community

Attorney Elisa Jarrin, a native Spanish speaker, offers bilingual legal services to ensure clear and effective communication with all our clients. We want to be able to offer our services to as many people in our community as possible, and our commitment to being included allows us to serve a wider client base to ensure every voice is heard when facing family law challenges. We believe that everyone should be able to get the legal representation they need, and we are proud to be a law firm that so many members of our community can turn to.

Meet With Our Team Today

If you are seeking a reliable family law attorney to assist with your family law needs, we are here to help. Whether you require assistance with divorce, child custody or any other family law matter, choose our family law team to provide you with the information, representation and support you need.

Schedule a consultation with us today to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you. Call our office at 828-693-5824 or email us here to schedule your initial consultation today. Now is the best time to reach out to us, so act now to settle your family law needs.