Charlotte

How Can I Annul My Marriage?

Published on: December 8, 2021 | 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?”

When you feel that your marriage was a mistake, you may want to end the union. Rather than go through the divorce process, you may be able to obtain an annulment. An annulment is a civil legal process that ends the marriage and makes it as though the union did not happen. An annulment is not the same as a religious annulment, which does not legally end the marriage. There are a number of reasons that you may seek an annulment, but there are also limited reasons that an annulment may be granted. The first step in the process is to determine whether your circumstances qualify for annulment in North Carolina.

Will I Get Alimony in a Divorce in North Carolina?

Published on: December 1, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “When do you get alimony?”

When couples in North Carolina seek to end their marriages, they determine how to distribute their assets and debts in an equitable manner. In some cases, alimony is necessary for one or the other spouse. Alimony is also called spousal support. Alimony is money that is paid from one spouse to the other as decided during the divorce process. It may be a permanent order that is put into place by a judge in family court. An experienced divorce attorney will review the details of your case and help you get spousal support if it is warranted.

Can I Get an Emergency Child Custody Order?

Published on: November 24, 2021 | 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?”

Divorce is never easy, but when you have children, divorce can be much more complicated. There are many issues that involve the kids, and parents must work to resolve them as best they can. Of all the many matters that pertain to children in divorce, one of the most important and the most urgent is the issue of where the children will reside. Usually, children will remain with one parent while parents work out the divorce. This is generally an acceptable solution for the short-term. However, there are some instances in which a parent may want to make sure that they obtain an immediate custody order. This is called an emergency child custody order or an ex-parte request.

What is Arbitration in Divorce Conflict?

Published on: November 17, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “Can you guarantee I will get the resolution I want?”

Divorce can be complicated, and many times couples find themselves embroiled in a battle. The settlement in a divorce includes details regarding how to divide property and assets, matters concerning child custody and support, and other issues such as alimony. North Carolina is not a community property state. Instead, it uses the principle of equitable distribution to divide property and assets. This can lead to some conflicts that can delay the divorce process and make the situation more stressful. An experienced North Carolina divorce attorney will help you resolve settlement distribution conflicts and ensure that you get your fair share in a divorce.

What is an Annulment?

Published on: November 10, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold being interviewed on the Legal Forum. This was recorded in Charlotte, North Carolina. Topics discussed include: How to choose a divorce lawyer? How long does a divorce take? How much does a divorce cost? When can a person get an annulment?

When two people decide they want to end their marriage, they usually file for divorce. Divorce, also known as divorce from bed and board, is the most common way to dissolve a marriage. You may have heard of annulment and wonder what it is and whether it is a viable alternative for you instead of divorce. Annulment is a legal end to a marriage that is available only in a limited number of circumstances. Annulment not only ends the marriage but essentially voids it as if it did not exist.

Parenting Plans in North Carolina

Published on: November 3, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What children’s expenses are covered by child support?”

Divorce can be a stressful time in your life and in the lives of your whole family. When parents end a marriage it can create a chaotic and difficult period of adjustment. In order to ensure that both parents spend time with their children they can agree to a parenting plan. A plan is the ideal way to handle the many issues that come up while parenting your child following a separation and divorce. It is usually best to consult with an experienced family law attorney to prepare a document that meets your needs and protects your rights.

Do We Need a Prenuptial Agreement?

Published on: October 27, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “How should I prepare if I intend to file for divorce in the near future?”

Your wedding is approaching and you are focusing on the many arrangements that you must make for your special day. One thing you might not be thinking about is a prenuptial agreement. While you may feel that a prenup is an admission that the marriage could end, it is actually more like an insurance policy that can protect both parties in case the union results in divorce. Nobody likes to think about divorce, especially at the start of your marriage, but it is something that could happen down the road and it is good to be prepared.

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.

Prepping for Property Division in a North Carolina Divorce

Published on: October 6, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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

Although there is a degree of nobility involved in pursuing a minimalist lifestyle that attempts to obtain as little debt and unnecessary living items as possible, the reality is that for many Americans, building wealth and accumulating different types of property is a lifelong goal. When two people decide to get married, this decision often results in the combination of wealth and assets as they forge a path together. When the relationship sours and the couple decides to explore divorce, it can call into question what each spouse’s property ownership will look like in the future.