contested custody

What is the Process to Modify a Child Support Order in North Carolina?

Published on: March 13, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is the Process to Modify a Child Support Order in North Carolina?

Both parents are required to provide for their children. Generally, when parents divorce, a child resides primarily with one parent and has regular visits with the other parent. The non-custodial parent typically pays child support, which is money provided for their portion of the care of the child. Once a parent is required by court order to pay child support, the only way to change it is through child support modification.

When Can a Parent Ask for Modification of Child Support?

What to Know About Divorce in North Carolina

Published on: March 6, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What to Know About Divorce in North Carolina

When you get married you never think you will get a divorce. Yet, sometimes divorce happens. If you and your spouse are no longer able to remain together, you will need to consider ending your union. There is some basic information that you need to know as you begin the divorce process. An experienced divorce attorney will help you through the process and provide you the guidance you need to get through this stressful time.

A Couple Must Live Apart for a Year

Remarriage and Child Support in North Carolina

Published on: February 28, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Remarriage and Child Support in North Carolina

When parents divorce, the children often reside primarily with one parent while the other parent has regular visitation. This arrangement is common because although both parents are allowed to make legal decisions for their children, it usually makes more sense for a child to live with one parent most of the time. The non-custodial parent typically pays child support. As divorced parents move on with their lives, they are likely to date and eventually remarry. Many people wonder how remarriage impacts child support in North Carolina.

Child Support Orders

Types of Marital Contracts

Published on: February 21, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Types of Marital Contracts

Whether you are planning your marriage or have made the decision to separate and divorce, you need to put the terms into a formal agreement. Marital agreements are contracts between a married couple. In North Carolina, there are four main types of marital agreements or contracts. These include prenuptial, postnuptial, separation, and settlement agreements. Each type of agreement has a specific use and is best made with help from a knowledgeable family law attorney.

Prenuptial Agreement

Child Abandonment in North Carolina

Published on: February 14, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Child Abandonment in North Carolina

About 18.3 million children are living in families without their fathers, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That equates to about one in four children in the United States. Most often, it is a father who abandons a child, but a child could also be abandoned by a mother. Abandonment can occur in cases where parents are married, separated, divorced, or unmarried.

What is Child Abandonment?

How Long Will an Uncontested Divorce Take in North Carolina?

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

How Long Will an Uncontested Divorce Take in North Carolina?

When you make the decision to end your marriage, you and your spouse will begin the divorce process. In North Carolina, absolute divorce is the name given to divorce that ends your marriage. You may be hoping to dissolve your union as quickly as possible, and you might wonder how long it will take to complete an uncontested divorce in North Carolina. The length of time can vary greatly from couple to couple, and there are various factors that will contribute to the time it takes to get a divorce.

Uncontested Divorce in North Carolina

What to Know About No-Fault Divorce in North Carolina

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

What to Know About No-Fault Divorce in North Carolina

When you and your partner tie the knot, you do not expect it to end in divorce. The last thing you think about is going through life without your partner. Unfortunately, sometimes marriages do not work out. If you have explored your options and tried to resolve your issues, you may still come to the conclusion that you wish to go your separate ways. The decision to divorce is not an easy one, but it is made easier with the ability to seek a no-fault divorce in North Carolina.

What is No-Fault Divorce?

Why is January Known as National Divorce Month?

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

Why is January Known as National Divorce Month?

A new year is here, and with it comes changes, resolutions, and, in some cases, divorce. Many people refer to January as an unofficial divorce month. Certainly, January seems to be a month when more couples make the decision to end their marriages. Divorce is not something that couples take lightly. Most couples contemplate divorce for some time before they decide to move forward with the process. If you are ready to end your union, you may want to discuss the matter with a qualified divorce attorney in North Carolina.

Why is January a Popular Month for Divorce?

Who Keeps the Dog in a Divorce?

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

Who Keeps the Dog in a Divorce?

Your pets are part of your family. Often, couples have pets before they have children, and sometimes they have pets instead of kids. Most households own some type of pet. In fact, pet ownership has increased significantly over the last 30 years. As of 2023, about 66% of households in the United States are home to a pet. That equates to about almost 90 million homes. When couples divorce, they need to decide which one will keep the family pet.

Pets are Property

How Do I Change My Name Back When I Get Divorced?

Published on: December 27, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Do I Change My Name Back When I Get Divorced?

When you get married, it is customary to take your husband’s last name. In some cases, you may even choose to hyphenate your new and old names to form your new surname. If you later divorce, you may wish to return to using your original last name. If you want to return to the last name you had prior to getting married, you will need to know the steps to take to achieve this change.

Resumption of Pre-Marital Surname