The Honorable Mario White was recently appointed to serve as the new chief justice of District 5A. This new district was created with the redrawing of district lines and will include Duplin, Jones, and Sampson counties, effective January 1, 2027. Prior to this appointment, Judge White was a practicing attorney of his own firm, a professor at Sampson Community College, as well as a district court judge in District 4. Because he has been on both sides of the bench he understands what needs to be done to ensure operations run smoothly and all parties are being heard. His experience is valuable in making this transition into a new district as seamless as possible.

The division of the former district into two separate districts is intended to provide a more focused judicial system and help manage caseloads more effectively. With the split, the budget provides for a chief judge position, creating additional administrative support intended to improve the efficiency of the courts. As the new district begins operations, having an additional administrative role can balance out any issues that may arise.

For families navigating divorce and other family-law matters, a more manageable caseload may help cases move forward more efficiently and reduce unnecessary delays. These hindrances on the process can lead to further emotional distress and financial strain.Without them, families will be able to settle matters such as child custody, property division, and financial responsibilities. Finding resolutions efficiently means families can begin to develop a new version of normal for themselves.

The Complex Family Financial Court opens a new path for families facing complicated financial issues during divorce. This is important for clients to understand when choosing a process option. Out of court processes such as Collaborative and Mediation are better suited to keep the control within the clients own hands and are much more cost effective. However, if settlement is not an option this special court may help these cases move forward with greater focus and efficiency, reducing unnecessary stress in an already difficult process. This aligns closely with ANR Law’s mission to help clients get the most family focused result. Every family deserves to understand its options before deciding how to proceed. Even when a divorce involves businesses, significant assets, or complex financial matters, sophisticated financial analysis does not necessarily require a courtroom battle. When appropriate, working together toward a settlement can give families greater control over the process and create a stronger foundation for the future.

Written by Julia Rizzuti

References:

North Carolina Judicial Branch. (2026, August 17). Chief Justice Newby appoints Judge Mario White as chief district court judge for new District 5A [Press release]. https://www.nccourts.gov/news/tag/press-release/chief-justice-newby-appoints-judge-mario-white-as-chief-district-court-judge-for-new-district-5a

“The Cure to Divorce Culture,” by attorney Ashley-Nicole Russell, Esq.