January is Fresh Start Month January has long been known as the month of fresh starts. Many people make New Year’s resolutions. These are promises to themselves to make things better in the coming year. Common resolutions include improvements in diet, fitness, and work. Those who are struggling with inadequate…
Five Tips to Make Divorce Easier The decision to divorce is not always an easy one. When a marriage is no longer happy or healthy, it may be time to end the union. Divorce can be stressful, and in some cases, it can be a lengthy process. There are some…
Is Common Law Marriage Legal in North Carolina? Marriage is less common than it used to be. Today, many more couples decide to live together without getting married. Some people live together as a trial before they wed, while others simply choose to cohabitate. Couples who live together generally do…
Who Keeps the Dog in a Divorce? Your pets are part of your family. Often, couples have pets before they have children, and sometimes they have pets instead of kids. Most households own some type of pet. In fact, pet ownership has increased significantly over the last 30 years. As…
What are a Father’s Rights in North Carolina? A child has two biological parents, and both often play important roles in their life. Although a mother gives birth, both the mother and father have rights and responsibilities. Generally, both parents are allowed to spend time with their children. One parent…
What is Supervised Visitation? Parents typically have the right to spend time with their children, even after they get divorced. Both parents generally share legal custody and parenting responsibilities. Often, children reside primarily with one parent while the other parent has visitation. Children can have time with each parent. A…
Alimony FAQ When you and your spouse divorce, one partner may need to pay money to the other for living costs and other expenses. The word alimony originates from the Latin word “alimonia” which means sustenance or nourishment. In North Carolina, alimony is also called spousal support. When couples divorce,…
Tips for Parenting Through the Holidays After Divorce Parenting can be challenging, especially for those who are divorced. Whether you are going through a separation, are recently divorced, or have been apart for a while, it can be difficult to navigate the schedule with your children around the holidays. While…
Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “How will the judge divide our property?” Marriage may be less popular today than it was decades ago. Back then, cohabitation was frowned upon and people were not likely to have children outside of marriage. Over the last 40 years,…
How Do We Divide Property in a North Carolina Divorce? The decision to end your marriage is the beginning of many more choices you will need to make. You and your spouse may have accumulated many assets over the years and must determine the best way to divide them. Couples…