Charlotte Divorce Lawyer Blog

Am I Eligible for Post-Separation Support?

Published on: October 1, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Am I Eligible for Post-Separation Support?

When you prepare for divorce in North Carolina, you may find that you are unable to meet your financial needs during this time. Couples must live apart, and this may create some stress over money issues. One person may remain in the marital home while the other moves to a different residence. Both parties need to be able to pay their bills while they move forward towards ending their marriage. A spouse may need to seek support from the other during this transitional period.

What is Post-Separation Support?

What are the Requirements for a Child Custody Modification in North Carolina?

Published on: September 24, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What are the Requirements for a Child Custody Modification in North Carolina?

When parents get divorced, one of the main issues that must be resolved is child custody. In North Carolina, both parents are generally considered equal when it comes to their children. Both parents typically have legal custody, so they are both allowed to make important decisions on behalf of their child. Physical custody is a little more complex. In many cases, parents share custody, with one being designated as the primary custodial parent. Child custody and visitation are usually made part of a divorce order. There may be times when a parent feels the need to modify a child custody order.

Why Do We Need to Modify a Child Custody Order?

How Do We Handle Pets in a Divorce?

Published on: September 17, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Do We Handle Pets in a Divorce?

Pets are popular among American households. It is estimated that almost 60 million households own dogs, and more than 42 million own cats. When you own a pet, it becomes part of the family. Owning a pet is extremely beneficial, but it also comes with responsibilities. People need to properly care for their dogs, cats, and other pets by providing them with the care and love they need. When a couple divorces, they must decide where the pets will live. Although you may be a pet parent to your dog or cat, in the eyes of the law, pets are property.

Marital Property vs Separate Property

Tips For an Amicable Divorce

Published on: September 10, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Tips For an Amicable Divorce

Divorce is one of the most stressful events in your life. When you decide to divorce, you begin a new journey that will result in major life changes for you and your family. Divorce has a reputation for being contentious, but it does not need to be that way. With some effort and planning, you can ensure that you have an amicable end to your marriage and pave the way for a courteous relationship in the future. While you do not need to be best friends with your ex, it does help if you can maintain a cooperative relationship.

Take Time to Heal

What is the Mandatory Separation Period in North Carolina?

Published on: September 3, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is the Mandatory Separation Period in North Carolina?

North Carolina, like other states, has simplified divorce by allowing for no-fault divorce. No-fault divorce allows couples to end their marriages because of irreconcilable differences. Although you do not need to prove fault to end your union, you do need to complete a mandatory separation period. North Carolina is one of only a handful of states that requires couples to live apart before they can file for divorce.

Mandatory Separation Requirement

Navigating Parenting Styles in Divorce

Published on: August 27, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Navigating Parenting Styles in Divorce

If you are in the midst of a separation or divorce, you are likely no stranger to conflict. Disagreements have probably brought you to this point, and you may continue to disagree in the future. Clashes in parenting styles may result in arguments that could go unresolved after the marriage is over. Conflicting parenting methods can make co-parenting more challenging after a divorce is final. Some parenting styles work better together than others.

Common Parenting Styles

What Is Joint Custody in North Carolina?

Published on: August 20, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What Is Joint Custody in North Carolina?

Separation and divorce can be difficult for families. Parents need to help their children adjust to the new normal, even while they themselves are going through turmoil. One of the most significant decisions that parents need to make when they divorce is how they will handle the continued upbringing of their children in a way that will be beneficial to them. For many families, joint custody is the best solution. It is helpful to understand joint custody in North Carolina.

Types of Custody

Make the Most of Your Divorce Consultation: Questions to Ask Your Attorney

Published on: August 13, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Make the Most of Your Divorce Consultation: Questions to Ask Your Attorney

The decision to separate and divorce can be fraught with questions and concerns. This is often one of the most stressful times in your life, yet you need to understand the process and what to expect as you move forward with your life. A consultation with a qualified divorce attorney is the first meeting with legal professionals and allows you to learn some basic information and get answers to general questions. The consultation may be in person or sometimes by phone or video chat.

Why You Need an Initial Consultation

Establishing Paternity in North Carolina

Published on: August 6, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Establishing Paternity in North Carolina

Single mothers are more common today than ever before. Society is changing and is much more accepting of single parenthood. About 40% of births in the United States are to single mothers. For comparison, in the 1960s, only about 10% of births in the U.S. were to single mothers. When children are born to single mothers, it can make establishing paternity more complicated. When children are born to married parents, the husband is presumed to be the father. However, paternity must be established for children of unmarried parents.

Ways to Establish Paternity in North Carolina

What is Marital Asset Dissipation in North Carolina?

Published on: July 30, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is Marital Asset Dissipation in North Carolina?

When a couple decides to end their marriage, they need to divide their assets and property, and make decisions about child custody and visitation. North Carolina requires a one-year separation period before divorce can take place. During that time, parties must resolve the settlement issues. One of the most contentious areas of settlement is the division of physical property. A concern that you may have is the potential for asset dissipation. A knowledgeable attorney will guide you through the process of separation and divorce and help with concerns of asset dissipation.

Marital Property