Child Support

Child Support Modifications

Published on: September 7, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “How is the amount of child support decided in North Carolina?”

https://youtu.be/JknvUf6YyeY

Parents are responsible for providing for the financial needs of their children, regardless of their marital status. When a couple ends their marriage, the judge reviews the details of the case and will determine the child support obligation necessary. Generally, the non-custodial parent will pay child support to ensure proper care of their child. After a child support order is in place, it is up to the parent to follow the law and make payments accordingly. If payments are not made, the parent could face serious consequences. However, there are some reasons why a modification to child support may be warranted.

What Can I Do if My Former Spouse Stops Paying Child Support?

Published on: June 29, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “How is the amount of child support decided in North Carolina?”

When parents divorce, they are still required to provide for their children’s regular and ongoing needs. Typically, children reside primarily with one parent while the other parent has visitation and is required to pay support. Children are entitled to support from their parents in order to lead a happy and healthy life. Unfortunately, sometimes a former spouse gets behind on child support payments or stops paying altogether. When this occurs, there are some things that the primary custodial parent can do to resolve the matter.

How Much Child Support Will I Pay in North Carolina?

Published on: May 4, 2022 | 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?”

When parents divorce, they are generally both responsible for providing care for their children. Both parents have rights and responsibilities for their children until they become adults. There are a number of criteria that are used to calculate the amount of child support that each parent is to provide. North Carolina uses guidelines that calculate the amount of payments that parents must pay towards their child’s care. A helpful worksheet on the North Carolina Division of Social Services Child Support Services website can give you a better understanding of how calculations will be made.

What are the Grounds for Divorce in North Carolina?

Published on: April 27, 2022 | 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?”

The decision to end your marriage is one that is not taken lightly. In most cases, you and your spouse have been experiencing problems for some time and have been working unsuccessfully to resolve them. When you finally decide to divorce, you likely have many questions and concerns about the process and what to expect.

Who Pays For College After a Divorce?

Published on: April 20, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What children’s expenses are not covered by child support?”

Parents want the best for their children. A divorce should not mean that the kids will not get the college education they deserve. Regardless of the age of your children when you end your marriage, you want to make arrangements to provide for their college education when the time comes. Generally, divorced parents are both equally responsible for their children’s care. However, support typically ends when a child graduates from high school and does not usually include the costs of higher education. You and your spouse should plan for higher education costs at the time you end your marriage.

What is Divorce From Bed and Board in North Carolina?

Published on: April 16, 2022 | 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?”

When you wed you believe that you will have a happy married life. Unfortunately, that is not the case for everyone. Some couples grow apart, and when that happens, you may want to end your union. In North Carolina, there are two main types of divorce. These include divorce from bed and board, and absolute divorce. When you think of divorce, you usually consider the marriage will end, however, that is not always true. Depending on your needs and your beliefs, you may want to obtain a divorce from bed and board. It is helpful to speak to an experienced divorce attorney to ensure that you seek the proper route to end your union.

What is Spousal Abandonment?

Published on: April 6, 2022 | 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?”

The decision to end your marriage is one that most couples take seriously. It can take some time to work through disputes and ultimately determine that it is best to seek a divorce. For most couples, the decision is a mutual one. Sometimes, however, one spouse leaves the other behind. When that happens, you may want to obtain a divorce but are unsure of how to go about ending the union. Spousal abandonment is a circumstance that may allow you to get a divorce. To file for absolute divorce in North Carolina, a couple must be separated for a period of at least one year.

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 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.