About Us
Who We Are
Court Support For Families is a North Carolina-based non-profit organization passionately dedicated to guiding families and individuals through the complexities of the legal system. Our focus is on providing crucial support in family law, particularly in matters of child custody and court navigation.
At the heart of our services is an engaging parenting class, tailored for those embroiled in custody disputes. This program offers vital education on co-parenting, particularly for children in split households. Key topics include effective communication, boundary setting, age-suitable discipline, and a deep dive into the legal vocabulary and issues common in custody battles. Open to parents, grandparents, and other family caregivers, these classes are a cornerstone of our support system.
VirtualFamilyTime stands as another of our innovative offerings. It provides a secure platform for supervised digital visitation, ideal for parents who, due to various reasons, cannot have physical meetings with their children. This service ensures that all online interactions are safe and beneficial.
For self-represented litigants, we offer comprehensive, user-friendly pro-se legal forms. These forms come with detailed instructions, simplifying the legal process and making it more accessible to individuals without legal representation.
A unique aspect of our work involves assisting in child support enforcement. We employ private investigators to locate absent parents, aiding in establishing child support and contributing to the child’s overall well-being.
Targeting individuals involved with the court system, whether they are working with or without an attorney, our services aim to provide additional insight and assistance in custody-related legal matters.
Our team of committed volunteers, many with extensive legal experience, is the backbone of Court Support For Families. Alongside them, our executive director, the only paid employee, leads our grassroots effort in providing effective community service.
At Court Support For Families, we are dedicated to empowering the residents of North Carolina with the necessary tools and knowledge to confidently navigate the legal terrain. Our aim is to ensure that every family and individual we assist is equipped to face their legal challenges with assurance and clarity.
Founder
- Virginia Kerr
Executive Director
- Leslie Patterson
Board of Directors
- Emily Carico, Esq. – President and chair of Parenting Class
- Leslie Arthur – Secretary
- Sarah Rogers – Treasurer
- Nancy Stevens – Chair of Pro-Se Form Committee
- Adam Arthur, Esq.
- Melissa Sams, Esq. – Chair of Website and Social Media Committee
- Katina Zipay
- Rachel Boos – Chair of VirtualFamilyTime Committee
- Fred Hoffman
- Olivia Blattimore
- Helen Hargrove
Parenting Class
Live Zoom Parenting Class: Fulfill NC Child Custody Mediation Program requirements with Ease.
Pro-Se Forms
Self-Representation Made Easier: Request access to court approved forms and paperwork.
VirtualFamilyTime
Building Bonds over Zoom: Virtual, supervised, Zoom video visits for parents and children.
Our History
In 1985, Court Watch of North Carolina came into existence in Greensboro, NC through a joint initiative between Virginia Kerr and the Greensboro Commission on the Status of Women.
Lead by Kerr, a group of volunteers was organized to monitor domestic sessions and court proceedings in the Guilford County District Court of North Carolina. The groups observations were carefully documented in a report that highlighted critical issues in the judicial system related to domestic matters and family court. Then incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1986, Court Watch of North Carolina consistently advocated for a more equitable and transparent court system.
In 2023, a significant rebranding occurred, changing the name to Court Support for Families. This name change better encapsulates an expanded focus of the organization to provide comprehensive assistance to families navigating the legal landscape through educational programs and practical resources.
Testimonials
"...when you demand that child support rules be enforced, what are you asking? You are asking that a parent, one of two human beings who brought a child into the world, pay what they should give to help that child have a decent life."
Elaine Marshall, North Carolina Secretary of StateTestimonials
I would like to say that I appreciate the sincere effort of the instructors to guide parents through this confusing time and provide us with effective tools to manage issues we are currently facing. Thank you!
Parenting Class AttendeeTestimonials
The class was very informative. Also it really helped me to understand how many husband and I can impact our son IF we don't put aside our differences to do what is best for him.
Parenting Class AttendeeTestimonials
I felt that the class was very informative. Although this is the second class about co-parenting I felt that I still had much to learn.
K Campbell, Parenting Class AttendeeTestimonials
Even as a Grandparent, I gained alot of information and knowledge. Thank you both for your time and personal attention.
Parenting Class AttendeeContact Us
Have a question or comment? Are you located in North Carolina and need family court support? Drop us a message so we can help!
