divorce lawyer

The Benefits Of Prenuptial Agreements For Same-Sex Couples

Published on: December 29, 2015 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Divorce Attorney Matthew R. Arnold of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question “When do you get alimony?”

Family law experts have long said that not enough people consider the potential value of a prenuptial agreement. Too often what family law attorneys hear is that prenuptial agreements are only for rich people or those on second and third marriages that want to ensure children from their first marriage are being looked after. This couldn’t be further from the truth, as prenups can be useful in almost any circumstance. Unfortunately, this same prenuptial skepticism has carried over to many same-sex couples who, for the first time, are now able to marry legally nationwide. The reality is that though prenuptial agreements are beneficial to same-sex couples for all the same reasons as they are to opposite-sex couples, there are other reasons why same-sex couples may benefit even more. To find out more about the benefits of prenuptial agreements for same-sex couples, keep reading.

Divorce And Its Impact On Your Job

Published on: December 8, 2015 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Divorce Attorney Matthew R. Arnold of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question “Does adultery affect my divorce case?”

It’s common for people to think through the potential impact a divorce could have on their lives. For instance, would the divorce cause problems among family members or force friends into an awkward spot? Something most people wouldn’t think about is how the divorce may impact them at work. However, that’s precisely the subject of a recent New Jersey Supreme Court case, which delved into the impact that a divorce can have on your job.

What Do Children Think About Divorce?

Published on: November 24, 2015 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Matthew R. Arnold of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question “How can an attorney help me with my Divorce or Separation in North Carolina?”

A recent survey conducted by a British family law organization, Resolution, shed light on the divorce process by revealing some interesting statistics. Importantly, and unusually, the survey did not focus on the adults, but instead surveyed children, asking them their thoughts on divorce and ideas about what parents can do to make the process easier on the kids. Specifically, the group focused on hundreds of young people between the ages of 14 and 22 whose parents had gone through a divorce. To find out more about what the survey revealed about children and divorce, keep reading.

Khloe and Lamar example of how a divorce is only final when it’s final

Published on: November 17, 2015 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Divorce Attorney Matthew R. Arnold of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question ” I’m not getting along with my husband. We’ve been married two weeks and it was a mistake. Can’t I just get an annulment?”

As an example of how a divorce is only final when it’s final, Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom have decided to withdraw the petition for dissolution of their marriage. The withdrawal comes after Khloe has spent weeks by Lamar’s side after Lamar was found unresponsive in a Nevada brothel last month.

Are Gifts Considered Income When Calculating Child Support?

Published on: November 3, 2015 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Divorce Attorney Matthew R. Arnold of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question ” Are overtime, bonuses, and commissions included in calculating child support?”

Everyone knows that income plays a role in divorce. It can impact not only child support obligations, but also spousal support and, in some circumstances, equitable division of assets. What is interesting is that income includes more than just what you earn from working. Income can be from investments, income can be from bonuses and income can also be imputed. Imputation occurs when a court decides that a person should be given credit for earning a certain income, even if it isn’t really being earned.

Divorce Battles Over Dogs

Published on: October 27, 2015 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Matthew R. Arnold of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question “What are my custody rights if the other parent moves?”

Family law attorneys are used to hearing and seeing it all. The combination of anger, embarrassment and hurt feelings can combine to cause good people to act out in all manner of strange ways. One area that was often a central focus of this acting out concerned custody battles, with the parents engaging in brutal battles to secure more advantageous custody or visitation arrangements. While this is certainly still the case among some couples, a new subject has recently been getting attention: pet custody.

Father of bride pauses wedding procession to honor stepfather

Published on: October 22, 2015 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Divorce Attorney Matthew R. Arnold of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question ” I’m not getting along with my husband. We’ve been married two weeks and it was a mistake. Can’t I just get an annulment?”

A father’s gesture at his daughter’s wedding is tugging at the heartstrings of millions worldwide, but has especially resonated with those affected by divorce.

What Happened To Civil Unions?

Published on: October 6, 2015 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Divorce Attorney Matthew R. Arnold of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question ” I’m considering separating from my spouse; what actions should I refrain from doing?”

For years, as the push for same-sex marriage gained steam across the country, several states tried another option, a kind of middle ground between denying all rights to marry and fully embracing same-sex marriage. These states passed laws allowing for civil unions. In the flurry of activity since the Obergefell v. Hodges decision this past June, there has been very little discussion of what happens to civil unions and those who are united in civil unions.

California Family Law Case Could Set Standard For Dealing With Frozen Embryos

Published on: September 22, 2015 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Matthew R. Arnold of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question “What can I do to gain custody of my child in North Carolina?”

A sad and legally complex divorce case out of California is set to be resolved in the coming months. Though divorce cases are hardly novel, this one may end up blazing an important trail as experts believe the judge could lay down rules for how cases involving frozen embryos will be decided. The issue has appeared across the country, but the results have been largely unpredictable. The hope among many is that this case may provide a path forward, clearly outlining how these thorny issues are to be dealt with.

How Divorce Can Hurt Your Credit Score

Published on: September 15, 2015 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

North Carolina State Bar Certified Family Law Specialist Matthew R. Arnold answers the question “How long does getting a divorce take?”

Divorce can be a trying time for a lot of reasons: the emotional pain, worries about your kids, financial stress, etc. Something that many people may not realize, but should pay attention to, is the way that divorce can impact your credit score. When assets are divided during a divorce, most people believe that’s the end of the fight, mistakenly assuming that if the other spouse was ordered to be responsible for a debt then they are free and clear. This is often not the case and can lead to an unsuspecting spouse having a once pristine credit score trashed. To find out more about how divorce can impact your credit score and what to do to prevent that, keep reading.