Divorce

French Lawmakers Consider Speeding Up Divorce

Published on: May 10, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “How does custody work if one parent moves internationally?”

A common complaint from those currently going through or recently emerging from a North Carolina divorce is that the whole process simply takes too long. Meeting with lawyers, filing the necessary documents, dealing with custody, agreeing to a settlement and getting everything finalized can take time, sometimes a long time. The problem of a slow divorce process is apparently not unique to the United States, as French citizens have complained and lawmakers are considering taking action to speed the process along.

Couples Increasingly Open To “Birdnesting” Post-Divorce, But Is It Always A Good Idea?

Published on: May 5, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What can I do to gain custody of my child in North Carolina?”

A recent article discussed the trend among some couples, celebrity and otherwise, to consider new approaches to co-parenting post-divorce. One such trend, known as “birdnesting”, has been around for years, but appears to be enjoying particular popularity at the moment. Gwyneth Paltrow and her ex-husband Chris Martin do a version of birdnesting, while Anne Dudek, from “Mad Men”, and her ex publicly announced that they would pursue a birdnesting arrangement once their split is final.

Friend Acted as Agent, Did Not Destroy Attorney-Client Privilege in NC Divorce Case

Published on: May 3, 2016 | 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?”

The attorney-client privilege can be an almost sacred right for either party in a divorce proceeding. Knowing that the private communications you have with your attorney about your case stay sacrosanct fosters candor and peace of mind in the relationship you have with the person representing you on such a personal case. This in turn allows your attorney to better prepare for your case. Similarly, the work product privilege protects materials prepared in preparation for litigation. These two immunities protect information from being produced (through documentation or testimony) via discovery from the opposing side. In any given divorce or family law case there can be facts, confidences and strategies that you do not want shared with your (soon-to-be former) spouse’s side and argued against you in court.

There’s No Doubt About It: Gwen Stefani’s Recent Divorce Shows the Power of Settlement Agreements

Published on: April 28, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “How will the judge divide our property?”

Divorce is almost always a difficult, drawn-out event for those not living as celebrities. Of all high-profile divorces, those in Hollywood tend to be especially histrionic. So when a divorce involves one of music’s power couples and a love triangle within the same reality television singing competition, you expect the colors to really fly.

Advice About Going To Court In Your North Carolina Divorce Case

Published on: April 21, 2016 | 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?”

Going to court can be a scary thing, even when you haven’t done anything wrong. The formal setting, the judge, the lawyers, all of that can lead to stress among those facing a divorce court appearance. People often fear saying or doing the wrong thing and waste unnecessary energy worrying about something that isn’t deserving of the anxiety. To find out some tips for how to conduct yourself in court and hopefully save stress for things that matter, keep reading.

The Devil’s In The Details

Published on: April 7, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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

They say it’s important to remember to dot your “i’s” and cross your “t’s”. This advice is especially true in the family law world, where seemingly small mistakes, such as those in final divorce decrees or settlement agreements, parenting plans or financial disclosures can come back to cause serious problems. This point was driven home quite clearly in a recent case out of New York where a sugar executive must now fork over millions of dollars thanks to a simple mistake involving paperwork.

New York Criminal Case Has Serious Family Law Implications

Published on: April 5, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Divorce Lawyer Matt Arnold answers the question: “Can I sure someone for breaking up my marriage?”

It’s (thankfully) not very often that the criminal law and family law worlds collide and usually, when they do, something truly tragic has occurred. A recent case out of New York brought the two practice areas together, with the state appeals court issuing a decision in a criminal matter that has serious implications for those in the family law world.

Could Kanye Keep Up With Kardashian Alimony Payments?

Published on: March 29, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Divorce Attorney Matthew R. Arnold of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question “What does uncontested divorce mean?”

Although most people probably don’t identify much with Kim Kardashian beyond possibly having a Twitter-rant-prone partner, the reality star’s current family law situation is highly relatable.

Elon Musk Prepares For Second Divorce From His Second Wife

Published on: March 24, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Divorce Attorney Matthew R. Arnold of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question ” I’m considering separating from my spouse; what actions should I refrain from doing?”

The billionaire founder of PayPal, SpaceX and Tesla will soon find himself among a small group of incredibly eligible bachelors. That’s because his current (and former) wife, Talulah Riley has recently filed for divorce. The filing took place last week in a Los Angeles Superior Court and, should it move forward, it will mark Musk and Riley’s second divorce.

Proving Separation Before Divorce

Published on: March 10, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Matthew R. Arnold of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question “How can an attorney help me with my Divorce or Separation in North Carolina?”

The Maryland legislature took a first step this past week to make divorce easier on residents of the state. The state House of Delegates just passed a bill by wide margins that would eliminate the current requirement that a witness be brought to testify during uncontested divorces.