Separation

What is Marital Separation in North Carolina?

Published on: October 20, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “Do I have to be living separately to meet with a lawyer about divorce?”

Going through a separation and divorce can be a painful time in your life. Once you and your spouse decide to end your marriage, the first step is to separate. You and your spouse must physically separate for a period of a year before you can get an absolute divorce in North Carolina. While a couple may decide to separate, they may not always do so with a document. However, a separation agreement is often helpful in protecting your rights and reducing disputes during the divorce process.

Separation vs. Divorce in North Carolina

Published on: October 13, 2021 | 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?”

When two people decide to get married, there is often a “honeymoon period” that extends past the actual honeymoon trip. This period of new married life is filled with firsts, as many couples begin to navigate and adjust to married life, which sometimes means living with their partner for the first time. While for some couples this period extends into a happy life together, for others it can be the start of a tumultuous time that ultimately leads to discussion of divorce.

What is a Separation Agreement, and Why Would You Need One?

Published on: May 26, 2021 | 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?”

Can Spouses Reconcile After Separation in North Carolina?

Published on: March 17, 2021 | 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?”

It is not uncommon for spouses who become “legally separated” to reconcile instead of filing for divorce. Under North Carolina law, a couple must be separated for one year and a day before they can seek a divorce.

What is the Difference Between a Consent Order and a Separation Agreement in North Carolina?

Published on: February 24, 2021 | 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?”

If you are contemplating a divorce in North Carolina, you may be considering your options to resolve your disputes with the spouse. Often, couples think that going to court is their only option to get a divorce in North Carolina. However, that is not true. There are two viable alternatives to divorce litigation — a separation agreement and consent order. But what is the difference between the two?

Can You Date While Separated in North Carolina?

Published on: January 22, 2020 | 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?”

When you told your friends about your plans to seek a divorce, you may have heard from them something along the lines of, “There are plenty of fish, you should start seeing new people ASAP.”

Are Separation Agreements Mandatory in North Carolina?

Published on: December 18, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: ” Is there some property that the judge cannot divide?”

If you are considering a legal separation in Charlotte or other parts of North Carolina, you probably have many questions on your mind. The most reasonable questions to ask are, “Do I need a separation agreement?” and “Do I need a Charlotte divorce attorney to draft the agreement, or are there other ways to negotiate and prepare this document?”

Things to Consider During Separation or Divorce in North Carolina

Published on: December 12, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: ” I’m not getting along with my husband. We’ve been married two weeks and it was a mistake. Can’t I just get an annulment?”

The process of getting a divorce in North Carolina can be confusing. Not only are the rules complicated, but you are also likely wrestling internally with some heavy emotions and transitioning to a new chapter of your life. No two divorces are identical, but if you are considering separating from you spouse, there are some important things you must consider first.

Are juries used in divorce trials?

Published on: October 13, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What is an Absolute Divorce?”

For those only passingly familiar with the judicial system, it can be confusing to understand the process of a family law case. You may have heard that everyone has a right to a trial by jury, which would seem to indicate that the same is true when it comes to a divorce. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your perspective), this doesn’t always apply across the board. To learn more about when and where juries can be used in a family law context, keep reading.

California Passes Law Redefining “Separate and Apart”

Published on: August 9, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “Can I keep my Kids from seeing the other parent?”

Divorce often comes with new burdens, many of them financial. In addition to the cost of dividing your assets, paying attorneys and adjusting to a budget based on only one income, those going through a split also have to get new housing on their own. Many people underestimate this expense, forgetting that the same money that used to support one joint household will now need to be divided to support two separate homes.