Divorce

Marriage and Divorce Rates Down in North Carolina

Published on: February 26, 2020 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “How can an attorney help me with my Divorce or Separation in North Carolina?”

Compared to a decade ago, fewer people are getting married in North Carolina. At the same time, the divorce rate continues to decline compared to 2008. New census data showed that both marriage and divorce rates continue to decline in most states, including North Carolina. As reported by Patch, the number of North Carolina marriages has fallen from 18.5 per 1,000 females in 2008 to 15.7 in 2018.

How Does a Divorce From Bed and Board Affect Your Marital Rights in North Carolina?

Published on: February 12, 2020 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “Does adultery affect my divorce case?”

North Carolina’s family law allows spouses to obtain a legal separation by asking the court for what is known as a divorce from bed and board. While this type of “divorce” does not end your marriage, it has a significant impact on the rights you and your husband/wife have.

How to Get a Divorce in North Carolina Without Waiting a Year

Published on: January 1, 2020 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What does a “No-Fault’ divorce mean in NC?”

Most people who want to get divorced wish to get it over with as quickly as possible, but what many of them do not realize is that North Carolina law requires a one-year waiting period for divorces.

Is it Legal to Wiretap Your Spouse in North Carolina?

Published on: November 6, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: ” I’m considering separating from my spouse; what actions should I refrain from doing?”

Many divorcing spouses will stop at nothing to obtain a favorable divorce settlement, but how about recording your soon-to-be ex-spouse’s conversations secretly or spying on him or her? Does North Carolina make it illegal to wiretap your spouse?

North Carolina’s ‘Self-Help Packet’ for Divorced Without an Attorney: Does it Really Work?

Published on: October 30, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “Do I need an attorney to get a Divorce in North Carolina?”

If you cannot afford a Charlotte divorce attorney, North Carolina’s court system has another option that does not require you to pay for legal representation. The North Carolina Judicial Branch has introduced the first-ever statewide “self-help packet” for those who cannot afford a lawyer or do not want to deal with attorneys. The packet provides an easier method for getting divorced by offering general guidance, according to The News-Herald.

Divorcing Military Personnel: Special Considerations for Children

Published on: September 11, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What are my custody rights if the other parent moves?”

Whether you are in the military, or you have a spouse who is in the military, you experience particular strains to your marriage that not every couple does. Dealing with the high-pressure work and the extreme separations can take a toll. Unfortunately, sometimes the strain results in divorce. In fact, in any given year, there can be as many as 30,000 military divorces. As in any divorce, taking care of the physical, emotional, and mental needs of children can be complicated. Some might say that children’s issues are even more complicated in military divorces. If you are part of a military couple seeking to terminate their marriage, an experienced divorce attorney can help.

Is a Collaborative Divorce Right for You?

Published on: July 31, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What does uncontested divorce mean?”

Divorcing couples in North Carolina can choose to go through the collaborative process to get a divorce rather than going through litigation. This is a good option for some couples, but not everyone will find it a suitable arrangement. So, what is a collaborative divorce? How does a couple know if it is an option they want to pursue?

Different Types of Divorces in North Carolina

Published on: July 10, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: ” I’m considering separating from my spouse; what actions should I refrain from doing?”

The decision to get a divorce can be difficult to make. Whether there was infidelity in your marriage, irreconcilable differences, or you and your partner simply fell out of love, the divorce process can be taxing and difficult. Couples starting the divorce process might not know that there are different types of divorces they can pursue in North Carolina. Each couple is unique and certain divorces might be better for certain situations. The following are the types of divorces available to couples in North Carolina.

Financial Considerations During a Divorce in North Carolina

Published on: June 26, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “How much does it cost to get divorced, and how does the billing process work?”

Going through a divorce can be stressful. You are suddenly tasked with splitting up a life that you built with another person and dividing all of your possessions, assets, and debts between you. In North Carolina, marital property is distributed under the premise of equitable distribution. This means that property is split according to what is fair, not necessarily equal, for each of the individuals. After the property distribution is settled and your divorce agreement is in place, there are additional financial considerations that will impact all divorced individuals.

Who Pays Legal Fees in a Divorce?

Published on: June 19, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “Can I get the judge to order my spouse to pay my attorney’s fees in a property division case?”

Divorce can take its toll on a person emotionally, mentally, and even financially. The financial cost of a divorce depends on the amount of time and work that must be put into it. Couples that are splitting amicably might have a divorce that costs less because there are fewer issues that need to be discussed or litigated. On the other hand, if a couple has a contentious divorce, then there are likely a multitude of issues that need to be discussed and will take longer to resolve. Depending on the financial situation of each individual spouse, it might seem daunting to pay the legal costs associated with divorce. This brings about the question of who is responsible for legal costs during a divorce?