Joseph Robert Schmitz

Family Attorney at Winston-Salem, NC

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Over and beyond all expectations

When looking for an attorney for my husband's custody dispute, Joe was the first attorney that came up when I googled. I loved everything that I read about him. Once we knew we definitely had to retain an attorney, I called 13 different offices and had to leave a message at almost every office that I called. The one thing that I immediately liked about Joe, he personally called me after I left a message, not an assistant. He listened to me go on an on about the issues that we were dealing with. My husband and I had a zoom conference with Joe and I immediately knew he was the right one for us! The day of court was the first day we met him in person. He was very welcoming and supportive. I have never met an attorney with more compassion that Joe has. He calmed our worries and was phenomenal in the courtroom. I would recommend anyone needing legal advice to Joe Schmitz!

Client

About Joseph

Learn Joseph’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Divorce and separation

25%

Separation Agreements; Child Custody; Child Support; Alimony; Postseparation Support; Equitable Distribution; Adoption; Domestic Violence Restraining Orders

17 years
Family

25%

Separation Agreements; Child Custody; Child Support; Alimony; Postseparation Support; Equitable Distribution; Adoption; Domestic Violence Restraining Orders

17 years
Child custody

24%

Representing parents in high conflict child custody disputes. Also provide representation to grandparents.

17 years
Child support

12%

Representing parents in cases involving the establishment of child support, enforcement of child support (contempt), and in DSS child support enforcement cases.

17 years
Mediation

10%

A North Carolina certified family financial mediator, mediating separation and divorce disputes, including child custody, child support, alimony, and property distribution.

6 years
Adoption

2%

10 years
Uncontested divorce

2%

Providing quick, efficient, and low cost representation in uncontested divorces. Forsyth, Davidson, Davie, Stokes, Surry, and Yadkin counties.

17 years

I am a North Carolina Board Certified Specialist in Family Law and a N.C. Certified Family Financial Mediator.

I grew up in Iowa in a small farming community, the oldest of four children. After graduating from college, I married my college sweetheart and moved to North Carolina before attending law school in Virginia and finally returning to the Triad to establish my roots and to begin my life-long dream of practicing law.

I have three children, am active in my church and local little league, and when I'm not playing "superheroes" with my kids, I enjoy sharing my cooking with my family, playing drums, working on our farm, and I always have a home improvement project to work on.

I am passionate in my representation of my clients. I strive to be accessible to my clients, and every client has my cell phone number. Utilizing technology is an important part of my practice, which increases my ability to keep my clients informed. When a client is out of town, but really needs a face-to-face conference with me, I have Zoom available, even at times when I'm not in the office but still available to talk to a client. I work with my clients on establishing a course of action in their case that they can afford.

Continuing my legal education is very important to me, and I regularly present at and attend conferences to keep my legal skills sharp and my knowledge up to date, so that I can be on the cutting edge of legal representation. If I don't know the answer, I'm confident that through my firm's extensive law library and online legal research tools, I can find the answer.

Licensed for 16 years

State NC

Status Active

Acquired 2006

Updated 12/27/2022

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Joseph

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Schmitz Law, PC

301 North Main Street

Suite 1070

Winston-Salem, NC, 27101

Message Get Directions

Reviews

Write A Review

4.6 / 5.0

25 customer reviews

5 Star

84%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Posted by Kim | October 29, 2020

Over and beyond all expectations

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Posted by Brittany | July 31, 2020

Client

Joe and his colleagues went above and beyond for my children. There was never a moment during our very stressful process that I felt alone or unable to have a question addressed. He is extremely timely in responses as well as caring. Joe was highly recommended to me and I now highly recommend him. His knowledge, guidance, and compassion make him a truly exceptional attorney.

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Posted by Karon | December 4, 2018

Great Experience

Joe is very good at what he does. He offered much needed advice during a difficult time. He is very professional with a strong work ethic and has helped me out on more than one occasion. If you find yourself in need of a lawyer's help, reach out to Schmitz Law.

Posted by Charles | November 29, 2018

Awesome

I highly recommend Joe Schmitz. His calm, patient demeanor talked me off cliff many times. Joe and Rhonda kept me updated and informed in a timely manner. In the end I got the results I desired.

Posted by anonymous | November 28, 2018

Joe and his office are a delight to work with. He and his staff are all, professional, courteous and capable. They made the legal process understandable and as easy to navigate as possible.

Posted by Clint | August 31, 2017

When you want the best

Joe is an absolutely stellar attorney. He is quick to respond and always on point. This is my second time working with him and I have not only witnessed his skill in mediation but in the courtroom as well. His rates are very reasonable and well worth it. What stands out most about Joe is that you never feel like just another client. He truly cares about you and what you are going through and is never reckless with your money. Both times I worked with him, I came out on the winning side. You can't find better.

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Posted by Rodney | April 12, 2017

Joseph Robert Schmitz

He was professional helping me to deal with a threatened law suite and interacting with the NC Secretary of State on my behalf. Also He gave good advice on dealing with family on some estate issues.

Posted by Fred Sherrick | April 11, 2017

Outstanding

Mr Schmitz and Rhonda were some of the most professional individuals I've encountered in my life. While the nature of our business was inherently negative, they were empathetic towards my situation and always provided sound advice which enabled me have the best possible outcome with my case. Rhonda was always caring and friendly when every I spoke to her, and Mr Schmitz was consistently straight forward with me even while displaying genuine concern for my opinion and desires. Great team.

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Posted by Larry | April 11, 2017

Getting Happier

Joe is getting me through the nastiest divorce that I've had the displeasure of being involved with. He is on top of everything, he is very pleasant and friendly in his business transactions. Joe has went above and beyond the call of duty that you would expect from an attorney. I not only see Joe as my very trusted attorney but also as a friend that I trust my life with...

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Posted by Michael | April 17, 2016

Solid and Godly. Above and beyond

Joe provided sound legal representation, Godly and biblical guidance, and he helped me protect my children in a dangerous separation/divorce situation. Joe and team exceeded my every expectation by going above and beyond the call of duty. Joe has been there for me every step of the way.

Posted by Ryan | January 20, 2016

Couldn't be happier

I so greatly appreciate Joe's hard work and dedication to my case I feel I was able to get optimal results from his hard work. I can't thank him enough for everything he was able to do. He is truly a great lawyer!

Posted by Robert | November 8, 2015

Excellent Knowledge and Service

Joe Schmitz was extremely personable and thorough from my first consultation. I knew I was doing the right thing when I hired Joe. He was very available when I needed his advice or needed additional documentation on my case. I highly recommend Joe with any of your divorce or separation needs.

Posted by September | September 12, 2014

Wonderful attorney

It's hard to find an attorney that is both qualified and caring. I've had the good fortune to use Joe Schmitz and found him to have both of those qualities. His hard work and dedication helped make a difficult case much easier. I truly appreciate everything that he has done for me and couldn't have asked for a better attorney.

Posted by Tonya | August 21, 2014

Excellent

Joe was very knowledgeable about our case and he also helped us tremendously by staying in the office late one evening to help us get our documents completed. Thanks so much!!

Posted by Katie | July 20, 2014

Complete & Thorough

Joe Schmitz was an excellent attorney, aiding me in a custody dispute. Joe was knowledgable of the custody laws and the court systems in my area. He was forward with his assessment and didn't leave me in the dark about what was what and what could and couldn't be done. Joe took the time to sit and speak with me, answering all my questions, addressing my concerns and making certain I understood every aspect. All in all, Joe handled my dispute the best out of three lawyers I had hired with him being the third and final and I would go back to Joe.

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Posted by anonymous | July 14, 2014

A cut above the rest

I am very pleased with the end results of my case. Joe listened to my concerns and showed compassion. Anything that I didn't want as part of my separation agreement he made suggestions and gave me information that ultimately would be in my best interest. Being a newly single mom I made Joe very aware of my financial situation to which he was understanding and very conscious of my concerns. He was very kind and helped me tremendously. I will certainly do business with Hartsoe and Associates again when I do my Will.

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Posted by Cindy | January 23, 2014

Strongly recommend this firm.

Joe Schmitz was extremely knowledgeable about my case. I could not have been happier with the services this firm has provided.

Posted by Braydon | January 17, 2014

highly recommended

Joe Schmitz is someone I would highly recommend. He is knowledgeable and honest. He always made time to respond to any question/concern and made sure my case was a priority.

Posted by anonymous | August 26, 2013

Great Attorney

I loved the attention and knowledge provided by the staff. They made me feel comfortable with the entire process.

Posted by Greg | July 29, 2013

Review of sewrvices from Joe Schmitz and Hartsoe and Associates

Joe and his team were trusting from the first time I met them. When I had questions Joe gave me straight, plain spoken answers. I chose Hartsoe their Christain based background. I wanted things to be fair. When I asked early on could you still play in the court system as tough as needed even though the Christian label is there they repsonded with a confirming yes. Joe was great to work with. I would recommend him and his tem to anyone.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Director
Schmitz Law, PC
2016 - Present

Partner
Hartsoe & Associates, P.C.
2013 - 2016

Associate
Hartsoe & Associates, P.C.
2006 - 2012

Law Clerk
American Center for Law & Justice
2004 - 2005

Legislative Intern
Delegate Robert F. McDonnell
2004 - 2004

Paralegal
Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice
2001 - 2002

Investigator
W.H. McDonald & Associates
2000 - 2001

View all work experience

Education

Regent University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2006

Regent University
MA - Masters
2006

Evangel University
BS - Bachelor of Science
2001

Legal Cases

Allred v. Capital Area Soccer League
Dismissal Reversed on Appeal

Associations

Global Collaborative Law Council
Member
2021 - Present

North Carolina Civil Collaborative Law Association
Member
2021 - Present

U.S. District Court Middle District of North Carolina
Member
2009 - Present

North Carolina Bar Association, Family Law Section
Member
2007 - Present

North Carolina Bar Association
Member
2006 - Present

Forsyth County Bar Association
Member
2006 - Present

North Carolina Bar Association
Lawyer Effectiveness Committee Member
2017 - 2018

NCAJ Legislative Committee
Committee Member
2013 - 2014

NCBA Law-Related Education Committee
Committee Member
2010 - 2012

North Carolina Advocates for Justice
Member
2009 - 2015

Forsyth County Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers Association
Member
2009 - 2012

View all associations

Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

Super Lawyer
SuperLawyers
2021

Family Law Specialization
North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specializa
2020

Rising Star
SuperLawyers
2018

Rising Star
SuperLawyers
2017

Middle East Peace Scholar
Regent University Robertson School of Government
2003

Masters Research Fellow
Robertson School of Government
2002

View all awards

Publications

Forsyth County District Local Rules
21st Judicial District Local Rules and Forms (co-author)
2019

Graduate Student Journal of Foreign & Domestic Policy
Means to Reducing Growth Rate of AIDS in China
2003

Graduate Student Journal of Foreign & Domestic Policy
Critical Review of "Demystifying Aids In Thailand: A Dialectical Analysis Of The Thai Sex Industry"
2003

Speaking Engagements

Advanced Family Law
Navigating Complex Asset Cases & Advanced Child and Spousal Support Issues
2021

Handling the Divorce Case from Start to Finish
Motions in Divorce and Negotiating the Settlement Agreement
2020

Advanced Family Law Trial Skills
Hearsay Statements of Children and other Third Party Witnesses
2020

Advanced Divorce Law
Marital vs Nonmarital Property and Valuing and Dividing Complex Assets
2017

Divorce Law Boot Camp
Motions, Discovery, and Finding Hidden Assets
2016

WFU Law School Mediation Clinic
Mediation in Equitable Distribution
2015

WFU Law School Mediation Clinic
Mediation in Equitable Distribution
2014

Adoption, Surrogacy and Assisted Reproduction Law
Birth Father's Rights and Children of Unmarried Parents
2014

WFU Law School Mediation Clinic
Mediation
2013

AP Government Class
American Government
2013

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (14)

Given (18)

Endorse Joseph

Michael Volpe

DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Schmitz is a great lawyer. I've consulted him on a number of matters and have always found his insights and advice to be practical and helpful. I highly recommend Mr. Schmitz."

Brian Thoman

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Schmitz is a highly intelligent, motivated, and ethical attorney. I've known him for over a decade and can confidently state that his work ethic and knowledge of the law are second to none. If you're looking for a criminal or family lawyer, look no further."

Bennett Rainey

Child custody Attorney | Apr 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Joe is smart, professional, and an excellent advocate for his client's interests. It was a pleasure working with him."

Yvonne Garbett

Divorce and separation Attorney | Dec 01
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Had a matter that needed immediate assistance. Mr. Schmitz called within minutes of my inquiry. With his expertise and knowledge, he was able to my client’s anxiety at ease. We knew we found the right divorce attorney in Winston-Salem!"

Tara Johnson

Divorce and separation Attorney | May 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer for any family law matter. I previously worked with Joe for a number of years and had the pleasure of learning a lot from him. Joe is a wonderful attorney -- he is professional, knowledgeable, empathetic when needed, and serves as a zealous advocate for his clients in a time of need. I would have no problem recommending him to anyone in need of legal services."

Ronald Payne

Family Attorney | Dec 04
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I've worked with Mr. Schmitz on multiple matters and have found him to be an honest attorney who fights hard for his clients within the ethical and legal bounds of the profession. He is a very knowledgable attorney and I endorse him to potential clients."

Timothy Vanderweert

DUI and DWI Attorney | Dec 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've referred clients to Joe in the past. He has a well-deserved reputation as an excellent attorney. I recommend him highly"

John McNames

Unknown Attorney | Oct 17
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Joe is an aggressive advocate for his clients and works tirelessly to provide quality representation. His work reflects his high standards. He is highly recommended."

Robert Hartsoe

Divorce and separation Attorney | Oct 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Joe and I used to work together and I can testify to his tenacious yet practical approach to any case, a keen legal mind, good sense of humor, and integrity. Well regarded by the other attorneys in this area, I recommend Joe highly."

Kenneth Love

Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 11
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Joseph is a caring and strong advocate for his clients. I endorse his work."

Durwood Altman

Family Attorney | Oct 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Joe since law school and can attest to his knowledge of the law, his skill in the courtroom and his integrity as a person. Joe represents his clients very well by anticipating issues that his clients will face during a case and preparing a strategy to confront those issues. His preparation out of the courtroom translates into positive results in the courtroom. I have observed Joe most in domestic cases, but he has other practice areas and I would highly recommend him for any kind of case."

Jason Smith

Family Attorney | Oct 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Joe cares about his clients and goes out of his way to show it. Joe is a tough negotiator and a highly creative attorney. Not only is Joe a great attorney, he's also a great guy."

John McCabe

Litigation Attorney | Oct 10
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Joe is a hard-working, straight-forward, honest lawyer. He's a true professional."

David Hinson

Divorce and separation Attorney | Aug 14
Relationship: Co-worker

"Joe is a highly skilled attorney and an excellent advocate for his clients. His expertise, integrity and character make Joe a true asset to his clients and colleagues alike. Joe is a partner at the firm where I work, and I frequently call on him for his advice and guidance. I endorse this lawyer."

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