March Armstrong Appointed As Chief Complex Family Financial Court Judge
This week, Chief Justice Paul Newby appointed Marcia H. "Marci" Armstrong as North Carolina's first Chief Complex Family Financial Court Judge, effective September 1. Armstrong will lead the newly created Complex Family Financial Court program established by the General Assembly in the 2026 state budget.
"The creation of the Complex Family Financial Court program reflects North Carolina's commitment to providing timely and expert resolution of difficult family financial disputes," said Chief Justice Paul Newby. "Marci Armstrong has devoted decades of her legal career to family law and has earned the respect of judges and attorneys across our state. Her deep understanding of complex domestic matters and service as a past president of the North Carolina State Bar, make her exceptionally well qualified to serve as North Carolina's first Chief Complex Family Financial Court Judge."
Background on Marci Armstrong
Armstrong is one of North Carolina's most distinguished family law practitioners. She has practiced law since 1983 and is a board-certified specialist in family law by the North Carolina State Bar. A partner at The Armstrong Law Firm, P.A., in Smithfield, her practice has focused extensively on equitable distribution and support issues in domestic cases.
Armstrong earned her undergraduate degree at Salme College and earned her law degree at Wake Forest University School of Law. She has previously served as an adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina School of Law. Armstrong is a past president of the North Carolina State Bar and the North Carolina Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
Background on Complex Family Financial Court Program
The Complex Family Financial Court program is designed to provide specialized judicial oversight of complex family financial disputes involving equitable distribution, alimony, post-separation support, child support, or any combination of those claims. These judges are appointed as special superior court judges to hear and decide qualifying cases filed in district court. As Chief Complex Family Financial Court Judge, Armstrong will determine which cases are designated as complex family financial cases, assign those matters among the Complex Family Financial Court judges, prepare required reports, and conduct hearings and enter orders in her assigned cases.
The program was established by Session Law 2026-41. The legislation authorizes the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina to appoint three special superior court judges to hear and decide complex family financial cases. These judges will have authority to conduct hearings, take testimony, evaluate evidence, and enter temporary, interim, and final orders in qualifying matters.
