Wilmington's TrustedDivorce Attorneys
At Russell Family Law & Litigation, we are here to guide you through legal issues regarding divorce, separation, property division, child custody, and child support. If you need a family law attorney, we provide compassionate and sound counsel to the Wilmington, NC area.
Welcome To Russell Family Law & Litigation
When it comes to family and handling your legal matters, the best course of action you can take is to engage a reliable divorce lawyer who understands your situation. For dependable legal counsel, come visit Russell Family Law & Litigation in Wilmington, NC, and the surrounding counties. You can trust us to protect your rights and always keep your best interests in mind.
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Have You Checked Our New Podcast?
Eat, Drink, and Remarry is a fresh podcast from Russell Family Law, launched in December 2025, focused on life and love after divorce. With honest conversations and a hopeful tone, it encourages listeners navigating new beginnings. Pull up a chair and join the conversation.
Is it time to get some help?
Learn more about our process of getting the legal help that you need.
Timely Legal Counsel
We believe that everybody has the right to get the best legal representation they deserve. With this in mind, we have designed our legal services to not only be outstanding, but also as accessible to residents of the Wilmington area. Learn More about our amazing team.
Serving Wilmington
Russell Family Law & Litigation is devoted to their clients and deliver more than is required from a family law firm. They are driven to defend your case while utilizing the latest technologies available to the modern law office. This means getting things done as efficiently as possible so that your needs are resolved.
A Foundation of Trust
For us, building strong attorney-client relationships is important because it helps us learn more about your needs. We understand how hard it can be to face legal concerns. Trust that we will help you through the entire process from start to finish.
Articles
When one or both spouses own a business, divorce often involves additional legal and financial challenges. Whether the business is a closely held company, professional practice, family enterprise, or side venture, it often represents years of effort and can quickly become one of the most contested issues in a divorce.
Family law cases are among the most emotionally challenging legal experiences a person can face. Beyond the paperwork and court dates, there’s a deep emotional toll that comes with major life changes involving your family, children, and future. At Russell Family Law & Litigation, we understand that family law isn’t just about legal outcomes – it’s about people, healing, and moving forward. Here are some strategies to help you cope with the emotional side of your case while protecting your mental and emotional well-being. 1. Acknowledge What You’re Feeling It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, angry, anxious, or even numb during a family law case. Whether you’re ending a marriage or navigating a custody issue, you’re dealing with loss, change, and uncertainty. Give yourself permission to feel whatever comes up. Suppressing emotions can make the process even harder. 2. Focus on What You Can Control So much of the legal process can feel, and in reality is, outside your control - the court’s schedule, your ex-partner’s actions, or the pace of negotiations. Instead of fixating on what you can’t change, try to focus on what you can , including: How you respond to stress How you communicate with your attorney and their team How you care for your physical and mental health Keeping your attention on small, manageable steps can help reduce some of the inevitable anxiety. 3. Build a Strong Support System Don’t try to go through this alone. Surround yourself with people who can offer emotional support. Speaking with a licensed counselor or therapist can be especially helpful. They can provide tools for managing anger, grief, or anxiety in a healthy way and give you a safe space to process what’s happening with a neutral third party. 4. Take Care of Your Physical Health Emotional stress often takes a physical toll. Eating well, getting enough rest, and staying active can make a significant difference in how you handle the challenges ahead. Even simple habits like walking daily or journaling before bed can help reduce stress and improve your emotional balance. 5. Keep Perspective on the Future It’s easy to feel like your current situation will never end, but family law cases are temporary chapters in your life. Eventually, the legal process concludes, and you’ll have a new foundation to rebuild from. Try to focus on your long-term goals and remember that each small step forward is progress. 6. Lean on Your Attorney for Guidance A compassionate, experienced family law attorney doesn’t just handle the legal side – they can also help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence. At Russell Family Law & Litigation, we take the time to listen, explain your options, and ensure you never feel alone in this process. Knowing that your case is in capable hands can ease much of the stress and uncertainty you may be feeling. If you’re struggling with a divorce, custody matter, or other family law issue, our team at Russell Family Law & Litigation is here to provide both the legal skill and empathetic support you need. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and take the next step toward peace of mind.
When parents live in different states, co-parenting can feel like an uphill battle. Coordinating schedules, maintaining strong relationships with children, and following custody orders across state lines all require careful planning and often, legal guidance. At Russell Family Law & Litigation, we understand how challenging long-distance parenting can be. Whether your move is due to a job, remarriage, or personal reasons, maintaining a healthy, consistent relationship with your child is absolutely possible. Here’s how to make interstate custody arrangements work smoothly for everyone involved. 1. Understand the Legal Framework Custody issues across states are governed by the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA). This statute helps determine which state’s court has the authority (or “jurisdiction”) to make and enforce custody decisions. Typically, the child’s “home state”, where they’ve lived for the last six months, has primary jurisdiction, but there are exceptions to that generality. Because interstate custody issues can become complex, it’s best to work with an experienced family law attorney to avoid enforcement problems. 2. Create a Detailed Parenting Plan A successful long-distance custody arrangement starts with a clear, comprehensive parenting plan. This plan should account for: Visitation schedules (including holidays, school breaks, and summer vacations) Transportation arrangements and who covers travel costs Virtual visitation and communication expectations Emergency procedures and how major decisions will be made The more detailed your plan, the less room there is for confusion or disputes later. 3. Use Technology to Stay Connected Even miles apart, technology makes it easier than ever to stay involved in your child’s daily life. Regular video calls, text messages, or shared photo albums can help maintain emotional closeness. Consider setting up: Weekly video chats using Zoom, FaceTime, or Google Meet Shared calendars for tracking school events or custody transitions Parenting apps (like OurFamilyWizard or TalkingParents ) to manage communication and schedules Consistency is key – even small, regular interactions help children feel loved and supported. 4. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity When time together is limited, make it meaningful. Focus on creating positive, low-stress experiences during visits rather than packing the schedule full. Children benefit most from parents who are emotionally present and attentive. Simple moments like reading together, playing games, or cooking a favorite meal can have a lasting impact and strengthen your bond, even across distance. 5. Be Flexible and Cooperative Life changes. Flights get delayed, school schedules shift, and unexpected events happen. Successful long-distance parenting requires flexibility and mutual respect. Cooperate with your co-parent as much as possible and keep the focus on what’s best for your child, not on “winning” or “losing” time. Flexibility and cooperation can set a positive example for your child and maintain a low-stress environment for them. 6. Keep Communication Child-Focused When communicating with your co-parent, keep discussions focused on your child’s needs, not personal grievances. Avoid using your child as a messenger or sounding board for adult issues. Calm, respectful, and focused communication helps reduce conflict and ensures smoother coordination across states. Interstate parenting arrangements involve unique legal challenges, including enforcement and modification of out-of-state custody orders. An experienced family law attorney can help you: Determine which state has jurisdiction under the UCCJEA Draft or modify a long-distance parenting plan Address relocation issues legally and efficiently Having the right legal support ensures your parental rights are protected and your child’s best interests remain the top priority. At Russell Family Law & Litigation, our family law attorneys have extensive experience helping parents navigate interstate custody arrangements and build parenting plans that work for real families. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you create a long-distance parenting plan that protects your relationship and your child’s well-being.