Rep. Stevens files bill in North Carolina House to handle complex family financial cases

A new bill filed by State Rep. Sarah Stevens in the North Carolina House seeks to create a structured process for managing complex family financial cases in the state, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 770 on April 3 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Est. Procedure/Complex Family Financial Cases.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill establishes a new procedure for handling complex family financial cases in North Carolina, effective July 1, 2025. It introduces Article 6 to Chapter 50 of the General Statutes, defining such cases as those involving claims of equitable distribution, alimony, post-separation support, and child support. The Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court will appoint complex family financial hearing officers, ensuring they meet specific qualifications, including legal experience and continuing education. These officers will conduct hearings, evaluate evidence, make decisions, and issue orders with the same authority as district court judges. The bill details the process for designating a case as complex, including filing a Notice of Designation, and sets criteria for determining complexity. It mandates equal sharing of additional fees by involved parties and outlines appeal procedures. Additionally, the bill requires annual reporting to assess the implementation and outcomes of these complex case proceedings.

Stevens proposed another 24 bills during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Stevens graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1981 with a BS and again in 1986 from Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law with a JD.

Stevens, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2009 to represent the state’s 90th House district, replacing previous state representative Jim Harrell.