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McKnight Law helps same-sex couples with child custody, child support, alimony, and other issues related to divorce.
Verified for legal integrity by John McKnight, J.D. | Last updated February 18, 2026
Following to the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges decision by the United States Supreme Court in 2015, same-sex couples can legally marry in North Carolina and the rest of the country. The team at McKnight Law has assisted numerous members of the LGBTQIA+ community with alimony, divorce, child custody, spousal support, and more.
While legal remedies to these issues are new to members of the LGBTQIA+ community, we have almost two decades of experience and are here to help. We can explain the steps you need to take to protect yourself and your minor children and help you take action.
As equal marriage lawyers in North Carolina, we understand the emotional and legal aspects of these cases. Consult with McKnight Law today so we can go over your legal options moving forward.
Our lawyers can assist you with:
At McKnight Law, we have a long history of providing compassionate and effective legal services, and you are welcome here.
When the Supreme Court recognized the right for same-sex couples to marry, it also recognized the right to divorce. Same-sex couples must follow the same process as all couples when obtaining a divorce. You and your spouse must have lived separate and apart for at least one year before filing a lawsuit for the court to dissolve your marriage by divorce. Bruce v. Bruce, 1983. The residency requirement must also be met – meaning that either the planet or dependent has physically resided in North Carolina for at least six months before initiating a divorce proceeding, and that the party intended to remain in North Carolina for an indefinite length of time. Andris v. Andris, 1983. If your spouse did something egregious that caused the breakdown of the marriage, you may have the option to effect a separation by filing for a divorce from bed and board. N.C. Gen. Stat. 50-7.
In the past, same-sex couples could only file for a civil no-contact order if they experienced domestic violence. Because of changes in the law, a member of a same-sex couple who has been a victim can now file for a domestic violence protective order. A domestic violence protective order is much more robust than a civil no-contact order. The judge can customize it to meet the situation, and can do much more than merely prohibit contact between the parties. N.C. Gen. Stat. 50B et. seq.
John McKnight, our owner and founding partner, has been litigating in North Carolina District and Superior Courts since graduating from the Wake Forest university school of law in 2004. John has been inducted into the North Carolina Pro Bono Honor Society for his contributions to the people of the state, and he has personally trained the other lawyers here at McKnight Law, each of whom has many years of litigation experience. We are all members of both the Wake County Bar Association and the North Carolina Bar Association. Our attorneys are routinely recognized by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America, and we have been selected by Best Law Firms in America as elite family law practitioners. All our lawyers are active in the community and contributing members to the field of law in North Carolina.
John is absolutely the lawyer you want to represent you if you should (sadly) need a divorce attorney. I interviewed top attorneys in Raleigh and was struck mostly by John’s legit empathy/compassion and his ability to quickly ‘get’ the situation. Fair and reasonable, always responsive. I am thankful to have him representing me and haven’t regretted my decision!
— Jennifer T.
