NC H770

Creates new "complex family financial hearing officers" appointed by the NC Supreme Court Chief Justice to handle divorce-related cases involving equitable distribution, alimony, child support, and post-separation support with complex financial issues such as business valuations, trusts, retirement benefits, and tax consequences.

Requires hearing officers to be NC-licensed attorneys with at least 10 years of substantial experience handling complex family financial cases (averaging 600+ hours annually) and 45 hours of continuing legal education in family law.

Sets hearing officer salaries equal to business court judges, with longevity pay ranging from 4.8% after 5 years to 24% after 25 years of judicial service.

Establishes a $1,100 additional filing fee per case, split equally between parties, and authorizes three initial hearing officer positions with appointments by September 1, 2025, and case filings beginning January 1, 2026.

Requires annual reporting to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety beginning August 1, 2026, covering case numbers, disposition methods, and program improvement recommendations.