custody rights

Is Common Law Marriage Legal in North Carolina?

Published on: September 25, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Is Common Law Marriage Legal in North Carolina?

Marriage is less common than it used to be. Today, many more couples decide to live together without getting married. Some people live together as a trial before they wed, while others simply choose to cohabitate. Couples who live together generally do not have any of the benefits of marriage. However, in some states, if you live together as a couple long enough, you will automatically have a common law marriage. Not all states recognize common law marriage.

https://youtu.be/CM1ST8JOk7I

Tips for Navigating Divorce

Published on: September 11, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Tips for Navigating Divorce

Divorce can be one of the most stressful times in your life. Unless you have been divorced before, you may not know what to expect from the process. You might be feeling scared and unsure of how to navigate the process in a way that will be best for you and your family. A knowledgeable divorce attorney will help guide you through the procedure. Here are some tips for getting through the end of your marriage.

https://youtu.be/tnLTRpboTAw?si=UVXsEEP2wAstqK80

Can I Make Changes to a Divorce Decree in North Carolina?

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

Can I Make Changes to a Divorce Decree in North Carolina?

Divorce happens in at least a third of marriages. When you go through the divorce process, you and your spouse will agree on the major issues, called settlement terms. Once the divorce is final, the judge issues a divorce decree. The order provides for how to divide marital property, matters regarding child custody and visitation, and alimony, among others. When a divorce is final, both parties must abide by the order. If you violate the order, you could suffer legal consequences. So, what happens if you feel you need to make changes to the divorce order?

https://youtu.be/HJxjxQDbq-8?si=NGHZsIanHXI8Z7gw

Can a Parent Move Out of State With Their Child After Divorce?

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

Can a Parent Move Out of State With Their Child After Divorce?

Divorcing with children brings many complications. One of the most important considerations is where your children will reside. While the law assumes both mothers and fathers are equally able to care for their children, in most instances, the children will reside primarily with one parent while the other parent will have regular visits. In today’s fluid society, many people move around the country, whether for work or personal reasons. What happens when one parent wants to move out of state with their children?

https://youtu.be/Li7s3lKCflA?si=U0MRrIbMtVGwz6GI

Dividing Marital Debt in North Carolina

Published on: July 31, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Dividing Marital Debt in North Carolina

Going through a divorce can be one of the most challenging things you will ever do. Sometimes, even the most harmonious divorces can turn ugly. This is especially true when it comes to financial matters such as the distribution of assets and distribution of assets. Most couples have at least some debt. When a couple divorces, it can be difficult for them to handle debt alone. It is best to address marital debt concerns as soon as possible. An experienced divorce attorney will guide you through the process.

https://youtu.be/rh-6brVop4E?si=uA8iGIYnutHKWsKG

Getting Separated in North Carolina

Published on: June 26, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Getting Separated in North Carolina

Nobody gets married with the intention of getting divorced. Sometimes, however, a marriage just does not work out, and the best thing for both parties is to separate. While divorce is a way to end a marriage, a couple may choose to separate instead. A separation may allow you to resolve settlement issues as you prepare to end your union. There are a few things to know about separation in North Carolina. A knowledgeable Charlotte divorce attorney will help you through the process.

Separation

Grandparent Visitation in North Carolina

Published on: June 19, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Grandparent Visitation in North Carolina

Grandparents play a special role in the lives of their grandchildren. Children have special memories of their grandparents that last a lifetime. The love and care of a grandparent cannot be replaced. Grandparents form unique bonds with their grandchildren that are essential to kids. While most grandparents are able to see their grandchildren on a regular basis, there are times when a grandparent may be denied visitation. Many people wonder whether grandparents have visitation rights in North Carolina.

Do Grandparents Have Rights?

Five Reasons Why You Should Establish Paternity as an Unmarried Father

Published on: April 14, 2021 | 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?”

A child born during a marriage is automatically considered an heir to both parties of the marriage. However, when a child is born to unmarried parents, the father should establish paternity (the unmarried mother is legally considered the parent).

Do I Have Visitation Rights as a Grandparent in North Carolina?

Published on: March 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?”

There is a special bond between grandparents and their grandchildren. Their relationship is based on love and appreciation. For this reason, many grandparents wonder, “Do I have any visitation rights as a grandparent in North Carolina?”

Five Mistakes That Could Hurt Your Child Custody Case in North Carolina

Published on: July 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?”

For many parents who are going through a divorce, child custody becomes their top priority. In fact, many parents do not care that much about alimony and property distribution as they do about custody.