Charlotte Divorce Lawyer Blog

Protecting Your Personal Assets in a Divorce

Published on: July 15, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

When a couple decides to divorce, one of the main areas of dispute is often the division of property. In North Carolina, the law states that in a divorce, couples must divide their marital assets in a manner that is fair and equitable. Sometimes, spouses may argue over their assets, particularly those that they owned before they got married. It is helpful to understand the differences between separate and marital assets when dividing your property. Protecting your personal assets is a process that should begin before you get married.

Identify Your Assets

It is essential to understand which assets are yours alone and which are considered marital property. Separate property is generally anything you owned prior to marriage. Document your personal assets with receipts, titles, and photos. In particular, you will want to secure proof of purchase date to show that you bought the asset prior to your date of marriage.

Divorce and Military Families

Published on: July 8, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Divorce happens to thousands of families every year. It is estimated that overall, about 40 to 45% of all marriages will end in divorce. It affects people in all walks of life and in all professions, including military families. Divorce can be more complicated when one or both spouses are military members. A knowledgeable divorce attorney will guide you through the ins and outs of military divorce.

Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act

While marital assets in North Carolina are distributed equally, military pay can be complex. The Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA) is a law that gives state courts the right to distribute military retired pay to a spouse/former spouse. It is a federal law, so it pertains to the entire country. A former spouse may get medical benefits as well as commissary and exchange benefits through either the MWR program or through Tricare medical benefits. To qualify for these benefits, you must meet certain criteria. This is called the 20/20/20 rule.

The Basics of No-Fault Divorce in North Carolina

Published on: July 1, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

The idea of blaming your spouse for divorce is long gone. Instead, the concept of no-fault divorce is the standard. Each state has its own laws and rules that govern the divorce process. North Carolina is no exception. In North Carolina, you may obtain a no-fault divorce without having to prove that the other party did something wrong. It is helpful to understand the basics of a no-fault divorce.

What is a “No-Fault” Divorce?

You do not need to prove marital misconduct in order to obtain a no-fault divorce. There are no grounds for divorce necessary for an absolute no-fault divorce in North Carolina. Neither party is to blame. You need only agree that the marriage is irretrievably broken and no longer viable. A no-fault divorce is concerned with the reason the marriage failed. While marital misconduct is not a part of the reason for divorce, it may be brought up during the consideration of alimony, also called spousal support.

How Can A Parent Seek Changes in Child Custody in North Carolina?

Published on: June 24, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Can A Parent Seek Changes in Child Custody in North Carolina?

The court provides a decision regarding child custody and parenting time arrangements, generally as part of divorce proceedings. This child custody order remains in place until the children reach adulthood. However, there may be times when one or both parents wish to make changes in custody. A change to child custody, called a modification, must be done through the court. It is helpful to understand more about when and how to request a change in child custody in North Carolina.

Custody Modification Laws

How Does a Mediated Divorce Settlement Work?

Published on: June 17, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Does a Mediated Divorce Settlement Work?

Divorce can be stressful and challenging. When you decide to divorce, even the most amicable of relationships can turn acrimonious. Suddenly, you and your spouse are arguing about possessions. Sometimes, it may seem impossible to resolve your differences and come to an understanding about your divorce settlement. In North Carolina, marital assets are to be distributed in an equal and equitable manner. If you run into difficulties, you may need to seek divorce mediation.

What is Divorce Mediation?

Divorce With Kids in North Carolina: What You Need to Know

Published on: June 10, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Divorce With Kids in North Carolina: What You Need to Know

The decision to end your marriage is never an easy one and is especially difficult when you have children. It is estimated that about half of all divorces involve children under the age of 18. When you have children, you likely face a few issues that those without children do not have to handle. While divorce with kids can be a bit more complicated, it does not mean that you have to have a stressful or difficult uncoupling. There are some things to understand about divorce with kids that will help you navigate the process.

Child Custody

What Happens if a Parent Fails to Pay Child Support?

Published on: June 5, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What Happens if a Parent Fails to Pay Child Support?

Children are born to two parents. Regardless of whether parents stay together or split up, they must provide for their kids. In North Carolina, both parents are supposed to ensure that they pay for the basic needs of their children. Often, the children live primarily with one parent while the other parent has regular visitation. The non-custodial parent generally pays child support. Many people wonder what happens if a parent fails to pay child support.

Court-Ordered Child Support

What is Beta Parenting?

Published on: May 27, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is Beta Parenting?

There are many types of parenting styles and various names to describe them. You have probably heard of helicopter parenting, free-range parenting, lighthouse parenting, tiger moms, and others. These parenting styles are generally part of broader categories of authoritative, permissive, and uninvolved. One of the latest trends is called beta parenting. Parenting styles can impact your child, and differing styles can affect your marriage.

What is Beta Parenting?

What to Know About Domestic Violence Protective Orders

Published on: May 20, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What to Know About Domestic Violence Protective Orders

Personal relationships are complex. We are usually very trusting of our loved ones. However, there are times when a relationship takes a turn for the worse. When someone you love harms you or threatens to impose harm, it can be terrifying. A victim of domestic violence or abuse needs a way to protect themselves from future harm. A domestic violence protective order is a legal way to prevent contact and abuse in the future. A knowledgeable attorney will help guide you through the process of obtaining a protective order.

What is a Domestic Violence Protective Order?

Understanding Financial Disclosure in North Carolina Divorce

Published on: May 13, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Understanding Financial Disclosure in North Carolina Divorce

In North Carolina, divorce requires the equitable distribution of a couple’s marital assets. Distributing assets and debts in divorce begins with a complete review and evaluation of a couple’s finances. Both spouses must provide financial information and details as part of the divorce. A full understanding of financial disclosure is essential to ensuring an accurate assessment and distribution. A knowledgeable Charlotte divorce attorney will help guide you through the financial disclosure process.

What is Financial Disclosure?