Child visitation

What is a High-Conflict Divorce?

Published on: July 24, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is a High-Conflict Divorce?

In North Carolina, as in other states, married couples may request a divorce based on irreconcilable differences. No other grounds for divorce generally apply to those who seek to end their marriages in North Carolina. Sometimes, couples are engaged in a contentious divorce. This is also sometimes called a high-conflict divorce. It happens when couples are having more difficulty than usual coming to an agreement regarding the terms of a divorce settlement.

https://youtu.be/j6RI3gGwm8I

What is a Parenting Coordinator?

Published on: July 17, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is a Parenting Coordinator?

Going through a divorce when you have children can cause a number of conflicts to arise between parents. Parents typically need to resolve the major issues concerning their kids, such as primary residence, visitation, and sharing parenting responsibilities. In some cases, parents have difficulty trying to come to an agreement about co-parenting. That is not hard to understand because many parents have different parenting styles and expectations. In these instances, a parenting coordinator may be helpful in resolving parenting conflicts.

What is a Parenting Coordinator?

Understanding Primary and Secondary Custody in North Carolina

Published on: July 10, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Understanding Primary and Secondary Custody in North Carolina

When parents divorce, they are both typically allowed to make legal decisions regarding their children. This is called legal custody. Physical custody is a little more complicated. North Carolina does not define joint custody or shared custody. One parent is given primary custody, while the other is given secondary custody. The child resides primarily with one parent, and the other parent has regular visits.

https://youtu.be/sVNdhPd_5I8

What is a 30-Day Waiver Divorce in North Carolina?

Published on: July 3, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is a 30-Day Waiver Divorce in North Carolina?

When you decide to seek a divorce, you must follow the laws of North Carolina. A couple must live apart for a period of at least a year with the intent to end their marriage. Once the year is over, you may proceed with an absolute divorce. An absolute divorce simply means that the marriage will be over and you will be free to move on.

30-Day Waiting Period

How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take?

Published on: February 22, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take?

Going through a divorce can be difficult, but it may be much more challenging when one party contests the divorce. When that happens, the divorce process becomes more lengthy, and it can extend how long it takes to complete the process. In North Carolina, couples must be separated for a period of at least a year before they can move forward with a divorce. Although a couple resides apart, one party may not agree with the divorce or with some of the settlement terms. An experienced North Carolina divorce attorney will help guide the process and assist in resolving disputes.

What is a Contested Divorce?

What is Parental Alienation and What Can I Do About it?

Published on: August 24, 2022 | 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?”

https://youtu.be/u7xF07u5008

Getting a divorce is never easy for anyone, especially those with children. Divorce can create a lot of animosity between spouses, which can cause undue stress on all family members. Parents should be careful to keep their personal dislike of each other away from the kids. Unfortunately, sometimes a parent uses their resentment to alienate children against the other parent. Parental alienation can create a challenging situation and may require some unique insights and resolution for shared parenting and visitation after divorce.

How Often Can I Have Visitation With My Child?

Published on: June 22, 2022 | 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 changes the family dynamic and requires adjustments from all family members. Children are especially important when considering the new way that a family will interact. Generally, both parents are allowed to spend time with their child following a divorce. Typically, parents share custody, but a child resides primarily with one parent and has regular visitation with the other. The parent in the home where the child resides is often called the primary custodial parent. It is essential to ensure that a child spends time with the non-custodial parent following a divorce.

What are the Rights of Unmarried Parents?

Published on: May 11, 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?”

The family dynamic has been changing over the last several decades. Today it is much more acceptable to give birth to children out of wedlock. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, approximately 40.5% of all live births in the United States in 2020 were to unmarried women. While there are many children born to single parents, there are many issues that may arise in regards to child care, custody, support, and visitation. Both parents need to understand their obligations, responsibilities and rights when it comes to their biological children.

What Should I Do if I Was Served With Divorce Papers?

Published on: January 26, 2022 | 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?”

Going through a divorce is decidedly one of the most stressful situations you and your family can go through. In North Carolina, couples can request a no-fault divorce. A no-fault divorce means that the couple know they are no longer compatible and the marriage has no chance of being saved. No blame is placed on either party. With any divorce, one person must initiate the process by filing a divorce complaint with the court. The party that initiates the divorce is called the complainant and the other party is the respondent.

Child Custody and COVID-19: Sharing Custody During the Coronavirus Pandemic in North Carolina

Published on: April 8, 2020 | 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?”

On March 27, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper ordered North Carolinians to stay home until April 29 in an attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19. How does the state’s stay-at-home order, which prohibits residents from leaving their home except for essential activities, impact your child custody order?