Helping clerks and attorneys understand the process may avoid delays in protection orders

Chapel Hill, NC – Each year, a number of cases for domestic violence protection orders (sometimes called DVPO or 50B orders) go before North Carolina judges. In some of these situations, a minor is the one at risk. Local attorney Melissa Averett of Averett Family Law has drafted a handout for clerks and attorneys in North Carolina that explains when a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is needed when seeking a DVPO.

“Sadly, domestic violence is still a challenge in North Carolina and across the globe,” says Averett. “In cases where the person in need of protection is a minor, the situation can get more complex. The custodial parent is often able to file for protection on behalf of the child, but there are cases where a Guardian ad Litem must be appointed to represent the minor child. It is critical attorneys involved in these cases understand the process so the order may be requested without unnecessary delays that might put the minor child at further risk.” Download the handout.

Averett Family Law (www.averettfamilylaw.com) is a small but comprehensive family law firm founded by Melissa Averett in 1998. The firm represents clients in cases involving separation, divorce, child custody, child support, alimony and post separation support, protective orders and related family law issues, as well as estate planning and probate law. Attorney Averett is a North Carolina Certified Family Law Specialist. Averett Family Law serves clients in Chatham, Orange, Durham and Wake counties in North Carolina. The firm may be reached at (919) 903-9442.