Emergency Family-Law Resources in North Carolina

Temporary orders involving children

North Carolina does not promise same-day rulings on any private interim custody filing. Ex parte custody orders are limited to a finding of a substantial risk of bodily injury, sexual abuse, or removal of the child from North Carolina (G.S. 50-13.5(d)). Use the District Court interim / emergency procedure and county forms, and confirm the receiving court's local intake and deadlines.

A parent can request interim custody through the District Court procedure. For an immediate threat, a Domestic Violence Protective Order (50B) petition is a separate, faster route.

Domestic Violence Protective Order (50B)

A North Carolina Domestic Violence Protective Order is issued under Chapter 50B — no filing fee. A judge can grant an ex parte temporary protective order; a hearing follows within 10 days of issuance, or within 7 days of service of process, whichever occurs later. Obey every term; only the issuing court can change it.

North Carolina child protective (DSS/CPS)

Reports of suspected abuse or neglect go to the county Department of Social Services (DSS); the NCDHHS Customer Service Center is at 1-800-662-7030. Every adult in North Carolina is a mandated reporter (G.S. 7B-301, G.S. 14-318.6). A report can lead to a Child Protective Services (CPS) investigation. An unfounded/expunged report does not prove it was knowingly false and does not by itself end custody or visitation.