Charlotte, NC Family Law Attorneys
Practice Areas in North & South Carolina
Montgomery & Hart operates out of two offices — Charlotte and Columbia — handling family law, estate planning, and criminal defense for clients across North and South Carolina. Family law is the core of the practice: divorce, custody, child support, property division, and the disputes that arise when family circumstances change in ways no one planned for.
North Carolina and South Carolina handle family law differently, and those differences matter in practice. North Carolina requires a one-year separation period before a divorce can be finalized. South Carolina does not — but it does impose a mandatory waiting period and has its own framework for dividing marital property under equitable distribution. A firm practicing in both states needs working familiarity with both systems, not just a general understanding of family law principles.
Family Law in Charlotte and Columbia
Cases handled out of both offices include:
- Divorce and legal separation — including contested property division, spousal support, and cases involving business ownership or retirement assets
- Child custody and parenting plan disputes, including modifications when circumstances change after an initial order
- Child support calculations and enforcement under both NC and SC guidelines
- Domestic violence protective orders
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
Charlotte-area cases are filed in Mecklenburg County District Court. Columbia-area cases run through Richland County Family Court. Procedural timelines, local judicial practices, and how motions are handled differ between these courts in ways that affect case strategy — particularly in contested custody and high-asset divorce matters.
Beyond family law, the firm handles criminal defense for state and federal charges in both North and South Carolina, estate planning including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, and personal injury claims for clients in the Charlotte and Columbia areas. Contact us to discuss your case.
Meet Our Attorneys
Work with a Team That Cares About You
Montgomery & Hart doesn't operate on autopilot. Every case — whether it's a contested custody dispute in Mecklenburg County or a criminal matter in Richland County — gets active attention from intake through resolution, not a paralegal managing the file until a hearing date appears on the calendar.
Family law and criminal cases carry real personal stakes. Custody outcomes affect daily life for years. A criminal conviction follows someone in ways that extend well past any sentence. The firm's job is to make sure clients understand what they're actually facing at each stage — what the realistic range of outcomes looks like, what the decision points are, and what the tradeoffs are between negotiating a resolution and taking a case to trial — so that the decisions made along the way are informed ones.
That means clear communication, honest assessment, and consistent representation, whether a matter settles early or goes to a jury.
Client Testimonials
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Justin Montgomery is really sweet and very dedicated
“Justin Montgomery is really sweet and very dedicated to his clients. He’s very professional and he’s Been there every step of the way for my daughter and I and he still checks in on us even now!”
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Professional, proficient and friendly
“Christine conducted our home closing today. She was professional, proficient, and friendly. Thank you, Christine!!”
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Justin Montgomery is a great attorney
“As a client, Law Office of Montgomery and Hart, PLLC welcomed me and handled business. Also, Justin Montgomery is a great attorney that is on their staff, and can assist you with various legal needs!”
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Very professional and responsive!
“Attorney Montgomery is very professional and responsive! He ensured that clarity was provided as I had modifications needed for my land deed. I truly appreciate your service!”
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Very communicative
“Miss Hart was very communicative and guided through the process in handling my traffic ticket. Also, she gave me a very reasonable fee to handle my ticket”
Why Choose Us?
Clients at Montgomery & Hart work directly with their attorney from the first consultation through resolution — no hand-offs, no case managers as the primary point of contact. The firm operates on flat fees with costs disclosed upfront, removing the uncertainty that makes many people hesitant to seek legal help in the first place. Spanish language services are available. With a practice built around family law and deep roots in both the Charlotte and Columbia communities, the firm has become a go-to resource for family and real estate matters across North and South Carolina.
Justin Montgomery, J.D. Family Law & Criminal Defense Attorney
Justin Montgomery is a Columbia, South Carolina native who has handled over 500 family and criminal cases across Richland County and statewide. Early in his career he served as a public defender and lead attorney in hundreds of DSS abuse and neglect cases — work that required both trial competence and familiarity with the South Carolina Department of Social Services' investigative process, which directly informs how he approaches contested custody and parental rights matters today.
- Bar Admission: South Carolina State Bar
- Education: B.A., Criminal Justice, University of South Carolina, 2014 | J.D., University of South Carolina School of Law, 2017
- Recognition: Named to The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 — Family Law, Criminal Defense & Personal Injury
- Courts: Richland County Family Court, Richland County Court of Common Pleas, South Carolina state courts
- Practice Areas: Family Law | Criminal Defense | Personal Injury
Learn more about Justin Montgomery →.
Contact the Law Office of Montgomery and Hart to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our Charlotte or Columbia lawyers. You can reach us online or at (980) 243-4470. Hablamos español.
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Direct Access to Attorney
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Flat Fees and Upfront Costs
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Strong Ties & Involvement In the Community
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Spanish Speaking Services Available
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The Go-To Law Firm for Family & Real Estate Law
