At the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, we help you move quickly and safely when abuse or threats put you or your children at risk in Charlotte or Concord. A Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO), often called a 50B order, can create immediate distance, set clear rules, and provide practical safeguards while longer-term issues are addressed. If you are unsure where to start or what proof you need, a Charlotte family law attorney can walk you through each step and help you file the right paperwork the right way.
North Carolina’s domestic violence statute covers people in a qualifying “personal relationship” as defined in N.C.G.S. § 50B-1. That can include current or former spouses, people who live or lived together, parents and children, people who share a child, and people in dating relationships. Domestic violence can include causing or attempting to cause bodily injury, placing someone in fear of imminent serious injury, or certain kinds of continued harassment that rise to a level that causes substantial emotional distress. If you do not meet the relationship requirement for a 50B order, you may still qualify for a Civil No-Contact Order under Chapter 50C; we will help you choose the correct path for your situation with guidance from a Charlotte family law attorney.
A judge can order a wide range of protections tailored to your facts under N.C.G.S. § 50B-3. Common terms include no contact, stay-away zones (home, work, school, child’s daycare), exclusive possession of the residence, temporary child custody and safe exchange provisions, child and spousal support, and possession of a vehicle or personal property. When the evidence supports it, the court can also require the defendant to surrender firearms, ammunition, and gun permits under N.C.G.S. § 50B-3.1. Orders can be customized to cover communication limits, third-party pickups, and information sharing with schools and doctors so daily life stays predictable and safe.
Most cases begin with a sworn complaint at the courthouse. If the judge finds immediate danger of serious injury, the court may issue a short-term ex parte order the same day under N.C.G.S. § 50B-2. That order is served on the defendant and remains in place until the full hearing, which is typically scheduled within about 10 days. At the hearing, both sides can present testimony, photos, messages, medical records, and witness statements. If the judge grants a DVPO after hearing both sides, the order usually lasts up to one year and can be renewed before it expires when the legal standards are met. We help you prepare focused evidence, propose clear safety terms, and organize logistics like safe exchanges so the order works in real life.
If you are served with a DVPO complaint, read every page and obey any ex parte order immediately. Violations can lead to arrest. Gather messages, location data, witnesses, and any documents that provide context for the court. You can agree to certain terms or contest the claims at the hearing; in some cases, consent orders without findings are possible. If an order is already in place but the terms are not workable—or the risk level changes—you can ask the court to modify or extend the order. A Charlotte family law attorney will help you choose a practical strategy, whether that is defending the case, negotiating narrow, safe terms, or seeking a measured change that still protects children.
At the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, our focus is on fast, concrete solutions that keep you safe and make daily routines clear. We file targeted requests, present reliable evidence, and propose enforceable terms the court can adopt. Whether you need a DVPO, a 50C order, or coordinated temporary custody and support, we will guide you with steady communication and a plan that fits your life.
To learn more about the services we provide and to speak with an experienced Charlotte family law attorney about your situation, give the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC a call at 704-251-7439 to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
