Representing petitioners and respondents in Forsyth County District Court DVPO proceedings under NC § 50B and § 50C.
175 North Chestnut Street · Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Clerk of Superior Court — Domestic Violence Matters
DVPO petitions filed at the Clerk’s Office
Forsyth County, home to Winston-Salem, is the fourth most populous county in North Carolina. Its District Court serves a substantial urban and suburban population, and DVPO proceedings are a regular part of the court’s docket. Winston-Salem sits in the Piedmont Triad region alongside Greensboro and High Point, and parties with connections across those counties may have filing options in more than one jurisdiction.
We represent clients in Forsyth County District Court in Winston-Salem for both § 50B domestic violence protective orders and § 50C civil no-contact orders. Whether you need to file a petition or you have been served with a DVPO and need to respond, call us as early as possible — the 10-day hearing arrives quickly.
Forsyth County petitioners file DVPO complaints at the Clerk of Superior Court’s office at 175 North Chestnut Street. A District Court judge reviews the sworn complaint and can issue an ex parte emergency order the same day when the facts support it. Law enforcement then serves the respondent with the order and the hearing notice.
We assist petitioners in drafting a legally complete complaint, gathering and organizing supporting documentation, and preparing for the 10-day hearing. The hearing is where the evidence is actually presented, and arriving with a clear, organized presentation makes a difference in how the judge receives the case.
Respondents in Forsyth County have the same right to contest a DVPO as in any other NC county. The 10-day hearing is the opportunity to present evidence, cross-examine the petitioner, and argue that the complaint does not meet the § 50B standard. A first violation of a DVPO is a Class A1 misdemeanor, and the mandatory firearms surrender provision has significant collateral consequences for certain respondents.
We treat every Forsyth County DVPO defense as a serious proceeding. The standard of proof is lower than in criminal court, but a well-organized defense presenting credible contrary evidence can succeed at the 10-day hearing.
Frequently Asked QuestionsDVPO petitions in Forsyth County are filed at the Forsyth County Courthouse Clerk’s Office, 175 North Chestnut Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. The Clerk of Superior Court handles intake for domestic violence protective order matters.
Forsyth County District Court schedules DVPO matters on a regular basis. After an ex parte order is issued, the 10-day hearing is set at the time of issuance. The exact hearing date and time will be listed on the summons served on the respondent. If you need to request a continuance due to insufficient time to prepare, that motion should be filed promptly with the court.
A final DVPO is a civil court record, but its effects can extend beyond the order itself. The mandatory firearms surrender required by § 50B can affect people in law enforcement, military, or other firearms-related employment. The record of the proceeding may also be relevant in professional licensing contexts, particularly for professions subject to character and fitness requirements. Respondents in these situations should factor these collateral consequences into how they approach the 10-day hearing.
For a full explanation of the DVPO process, see our NC § 50B explainer. For civil no-contact orders, see our § 50C guide. Return to dvpo.law.
Call now for a free consultation. We practice in Forsyth County District Court in Winston-Salem.
(844) 473-7387Barker Richardson, PLLC · NC Bar #19543
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