The decision to divorce can be a difficult one. When you get married, you do not expect the union to end. Unfortunately, many marriages come to an end with divorce. The end of a marriage often comes slowly, and both parties may realize that they have grown apart and the marriage is no longer working. North Carolina allows for no-fault divorce, so neither party needs to place blame for the breakup. There are some things you can do to prepare for divorce.
Gather Financial Documents
You are going to need all of your financial documents, including bank statements, loan details, mortgage agreements, and more. One of the first steps to take when you are seeking a divorce is to understand your finances. North Carolina requires couples to live apart for at least a year before they divorce. You will want to know your bank account information as of the date of separation.
Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “Do I need an attorney to get a Divorce in North Carolina?”
Discuss Settlement Terms
The biggest hangup that couples have during divorce is that they disagree about the settlement terms. These include such things as distribution of assets and debt, child custody, and alimony, to name a few. If you can work out the details of the divorce settlement, it will make divorce easier and faster. Keep in mind that you will need to split the marital property in half so both parties receive a fair settlement.
Parents and children can have a difficult time learning to adjust to the new normal during separation and divorce. It can be very helpful to spend time with a family counselor to help guide the process. You and your kids will learn skills for working through feelings and how to deal with conflict in a way that isn’t harmful. Your kids can adjust more easily and have fewer emotional scars.
Learn to Communicate
Communication is essential during and after a divorce. You will need to communicate effectively with your former spouse in order to be effective co-parents. Ironically, lack of communication may be something that contributed to your divorce. Work together to develop strategies for how you will talk to each other in the future regarding important issues that have to do with your children. Keep in mind that your children will watch and learn from your behaviors. Even though you are not happy with your child’s parent, you should not convey that to your child or say negative things about the parent in front of the child. You need to do what is best for the child.
Get Support
It is helpful to go through a divorce with help from supportive friends and family members. You can also seek out divorce support groups where you can discuss divorce matters with people who are going through the same things as you. Do not vent to your children about their other parent. Instead, strive to keep your life happy and stress-free even as you go through this difficult period.
Hire an Attorney
Divorce can be complicated, even when spouses are on the best of terms. It is in your best interest to hire an experienced divorce attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will guide you through the process, making it as easy and stress-free as possible. Your lawyer will work to handle the many details of the case so you can focus on your family. Get answers to all your divorce questions from us today at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828. Contact us by phone or online to schedule a consultation or find additional resources here.
The family law practice group at Arnold & Smith, PLLC includes two Board-Certified Family Law specialists and one Child Welfare Law specialist, as well as several attorneys with many years of family law experience that are committed to providing a powerful voice to individuals facing the often-tumultuous issues in this area of law. The range of issues our family law clients may be facing include pre- and post-nuptial agreements; separation agreements; post-separation support; child support (both temporary and permanent); absolute divorce; divorce from bed and board; military divorce; equitable distribution of assets; child custody (both temporary and permanent); retirement benefits and divorce; alimony and spousal support; adoption; and emancipation. Because this area of the law is usually emotionally charged and complicated, the family law attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC act with the utmost dedication to ensure that each client understands his or her options, and then act to achieve the best result possible for that client’s particular situation.
Source:
What Is A Divorce Settlement Agreement? (2023 Guide) – Forbes Advisor
Separation and Divorce | North Carolina Judicial Branch (nccourts.gov)
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