We Can Help

Parents worried about how divorce will impact their children’s stability & well-being.

Fathers worried about staying involved with their children after the divorce process.

Business owners balancing a divorce with protecting what they’ve built.

COMMITTED TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

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We Serve Smithfield & the Surrounding Area

EVERY HERO FACES ADVERSITY

In addition to Smithfield, Jonathan Breeden serves family law clients across Johnston County, NC including:

  • Johnston County
  • West Smithfield
  • Archer Lodge
  • Benson
  • Bentonville
  • Boon Hill
  • Clayton
  • Elevation
  • Four Oaks
  • Ingrams
  • Kenly
  • Meadow
  • Micro
  • O’Neals
  • Wilders
  • Pine Level
  • Princeton
  • Selma
  • Wilson’s Mill

Our Smithfield Office

312 South 3rd St Ste B

Smithfield, NC 27577-4544

CALL US TO GET STARTED

(919) 300-7290

OUR FAMILY LAW PRACTICE AREAS

The Legal Services Your Family Needs

DIVORCE WITH CONFIDENCE & COMPASSION

At the Breeden Law Office, we understand the challenges families in North Carolina face, whether you’re a parent fighting for custody at the end of a troubled marriage or a business owner protecting your livelihood. As experienced family attorneys, we tailor our approach to meet your needs, ensuring your divorce goes as smoothly as possible and you can move on with clarity & stability.

For over 25 years, we’ve supported mothers, fathers, and professionals like you—trying to balance what best for them, their children, and their families. We offer clear legal guidance the prioritizes children, look out for your long-term financial interests, and help maintain your family’s stability through life’s toughest transitions.

More About Breeden Law Office
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10 Best Law Firms award
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We’re The Lawyers Your Family Deserves

Contact Us Today

4.9/5.0

Attorney Benjamin Hartell and Paralegal Jamie Glover did a great job helping with a very difficult family situation. Trying to be awarded guardianship is never a fun thing, but trying to do it with a delusional and mentally ill older brother who doesn’t believe he is ill and doesn’t want anyone maki[…]

Ben P

Our Origin Story & Mission

EVERY HERO FACES ADVERSITY

Growing up in a tough environment, Attorney Jonathan Breeden fought back and now fights for others facing family legal battles. For over 20 years, the Breeden Law Office has empowered families in North Carolina—helping mothers, fathers, and hark working people take control, protect their kids, and secure better futures.

With a focus on safeguarding children and standing up for mistreated spouses, we’re the ally you need for whatever family challenges lie ahead. Your story is just beginning — Call Breeden today.

(919) 300-7290

About the Firm

Founded in 2005, the Breeden Law Office serves Johnston, Wake, and Harnett counties. We are unique, answering our clients’ questions before they ask them.

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  1. You Need Objective Advice

    Even an amiable family case be extremely emotional. Making important financial and long-term decisions is difficult. It’s best to consult an experienced family lawyer in Smithfield who can offer impartial and practical guidance based on legal knowledge, rather than fleeting emotions that may cloud your judgement.

  2. Do Things the Right Way

    People sometimes try various “do it yourself” options to save money in family law matters. While these are options, they are risky. Simple mistakes, omissions, or missing deadlines could be a lot more expensive and time-consuming than you thought. By working with a local lawyer early, you can make sure things are completed properly, in a timely and cost-effective manner.

  3. Lawyers Know the Law

    Family law attorneys go through a lot of schooling and considerable training before offering people legal advice. Even an informal divorce or straightforward estate plan can become complicated with things that wouldn’t be apparent to an unqualified person. Without proper legal guidance, you may unknowingly agree to a one-sided divorce settlement or give up other important rights.

  4. You Need Someone to Review Things

    Don’t assume the other party’s attorney is looking out for you. Your rights and well-being are not their concern. Even if both parties agree on things, you could accept unreasonable terms or sacrifice things you didn’t know to ask for. With your own lawyer, you can ensure things run smoothly with your interests sufficiently looked after.

  5. You May Need Family Court Experience

    No one expects to litigate their family issues, and the goal should always be to resolve things fast and to your benefit before this is necessary. However, sometimes negotiations break down or you may be better served in a courtroom. If this happens, you should trust someone with considerable experience and a record of success in Johnston County family court.

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Divorce Lawyer in Smithfield, NC

LAWYERS FOR A BETTER TOMORROW

Even if a marriage ends on the best possible terms, there will still be a lot to deal with. In any divorce, it is best to seek guidance from a compassionate and knowledgeable legal professional.

Jonathan Breeden is a veteran family lawyer in Smithfield with over 19 years of experience protecting people in situations like yours. Jonathan has a keen insight into what you are going through, what you can expect, and most importantly, what it will take to secure the best possible outcome. He approaches every case with sensitivity, professionalism, and with the sole intention of getting you and your family everything you need.

NC requires a one year separation but you can file for custody, child support, equitable distribution of your property and alimony as soon as you separate. After a formal filing, NC generally requires a 30 day waiting period for the other party’s answer. A final divorce judgments usually takes 6-8 weeks.

Every case is unique and times are estimations. Your divorce will depend on you former spouse, their attorney, and the court.

More About Divorce
  • Child Custody
  • Child Support

Child Custody

Child Custody Lawyer in Smithfield, NC

Every parent believes they know what’s best. But forming custody agreements is complicated and brings up legitimate concerns. You may have questions about their living situation, worried about the expense, or if the situation will negatively impact your children.

At Breeden Law Office, we know these are difficult issues, but attorney Breeden has been achieving favorable custody agreements for more than 19 years. We accomplish this by getting to know you, what’s important, and emphasizing what’s in the best interest of your children. Let’s discuss your concerns and put the best possible custody plan in place.

Types of Child Custody in NC

  • PRIMARY CUSTODY – The child lives full-time with the parent granted primary custody.
  • SECONDARY CUSTODY – This parent has scheduled visitation rights with the child.
  • JOINT CUSTODY – The child divides their time equally between both parents.
More About Child Custody

Child Support

Child Support Lawyer in Smithfield, NC

Every parent believes they know what’s best. But forming custody agreements is complicated and brings up legitimate concerns. You may have questions about their living situation, worried about the expense, or if the situation will negatively impact your children.

At Breeden Law Office, we know these are difficult issues, but attorney Breeden has been achieving favorable custody agreements for more than 19 years. We accomplish this by getting to know you, what’s important, and emphasizing what’s in the best interest of your children. Let’s discuss your concerns and put the best possible custody plan in place.

More About Child Support

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Initial Consultation

No two cases or the people involved are the same. That is why we approach every case and client individually and develop a plan based on what success means to you and your loved ones.At your first meeting, you will discuss your situation with an experienced member of our team at our Smithfield, NC office, located on South 3rd Street, near the Howell theatre and the Johnston County Courthouse. From there, we’ll create a custom plan for you.

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Prepare Documents / Gather Information

In the first few days or weeks, we will gather the necessary information and prepare the documents to file. This may include completing financial affidavits, compiling records, and notarizing forms like an Equitable Distribution Inventory Affidavit.

03 / 06

Document Review/ Execution

Once we have your forms ready, we will go over the documents for accuracy, approval, and your signature. Then we will file the appropriate complaint, motion, or discovery request in the correct venue or jurisdiction. In Smithfield, this will likely be in Johnston County District Court.

04 / 06

Contested / Uncontested Filing

Once the relevant party is served, we will anticipate their answer. If the issue is challenged, we will start the pretrial phase. If our filing is uncontested, we will motion for a final determination.

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Pretrial / Settlement Negotiations

This is often referred to as the discovery phase and may involve depositions and collecting more evidence. The parties involved will also likely negotiate to resolve matters like child custody, dividing assets, and financial support without a formal trial.

06 / 06

Hearings & Trials

When the parties agree, a hearing is scheduled to review the proposed terms. If the court agrees, the matter is considered closed pending a final judgement. If both sides fail to agree, a trial will be set to decide the issues in question.

CALL US TO GET STARTED