divorce settlement

How Do I Prepare for a Custody Case?

Published on: April 26, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Do I Prepare for a Custody Case?

When parents divorce, they often disagree about some of the fundamental settlement terms. Disputes regarding the children are among the most common arguments between divorcing couples. In North Carolina, both parents often share legal custody of their children. This is called shared parenting or co-parenting. The children typically live primarily with one parent and have regular visits with the other parent. Sometimes, parents cannot agree on child custody. When that happens, it can make the divorce process more difficult and stressful.

Child Custody

What is the Waiting Period for Divorce in North Carolina for?

Published on: April 19, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is the Waiting Period for Divorce in North Carolina?

Making the decision to divorce is likely one of the most difficult things you will ever do. Once you realize that you cannot make your marriage work, the next step is to begin the divorce process. In North Carolina, divorce is called absolute divorce. North Carolina requires couples to live separately for a period of one year before they can seek a no-fault divorce. The one-year period is required to ensure that you are ready to end your marriage. One partner will then file a petition for absolute divorce.

Waiting Period in North Carolina

Managing Your Credit Score During Divorce

Published on: April 12, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Managing Your Credit Score During Divorce

You work hard for years to maintain a good credit history and score. When you are married, you and your spouse are usually responsible for the debts that you incur. Although you may always pay your bills on time and keep a good credit to debt ratio, you could face some credit challenges during and after your divorce. Even when couples agree to end their marriage, they may disagree about finances. In North Carolina, when couples divorce their marital property, including debts are to be divided equally.

Marital Debts

What is a Custody Evaluation?

Published on: April 5, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is a Custody Evaluation?

When couples divorce, they need to resolve many settlement issues. Some divorces are amicable, but often, couples disagree about important matters such as child custody. Parents may both have legal custody of their child, which allows both parents to make important decisions about a child’s health, education, and religion, among other things. Physical custody refers to where a child will live most of the time. Disputes about child custody can be emotional and challenging to resolve.

Resolving Custody Disputes

How Can I Relocate With My Child After Divorce?

Published on: March 29, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Can I Relocate with My Child After Divorce?

Parenting is often difficult after a divorce. When parents go their separate ways, they still have responsibilities to their children. Usually, both parents share legal custody of their child in that they are both able to make important decisions regarding the life of their child. Some of these decisions revolve around the child’s health, education, and religion, among others. Often, children reside primarily with one parent while they enjoy regular visitation with the other parent. The custodial parent may want to move out of the area after a divorce. Before you relocate, you need to make sure that you do so in a way that is legal.

Are There Restrictions on Relocation After Divorce?

Five Common Questions About Divorce in North Carolina

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

Five Common Questions About Divorce in North Carolina

Couples who are considering divorce may be unsure of what to expect. There are many issues to think about, and it can seem daunting. An experienced North Carolina divorce attorney will answer your questions and guide the process to make it easier and as stress-free as possible.

Can We Get a No-Fault Divorce?

Preparing for Your First Meeting with a Divorce Attorney

Published on: January 4, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Preparing for Your First Meeting with a Divorce Attorney

You have decided to end your marriage, and now you are ready to begin the divorce process. While you are not required to have an attorney, a knowledgeable divorce attorney will most certainly make the process easier and less stressful. You can help the procedure if you properly prepare in advance for the first meeting with your divorce attorney. Your lawyer will typically provide you with some information prior to your meeting.

List Assets and Debts

How Do I Begin the Divorce Process?

Published on: December 28, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Do I Begin the Divorce Process?

It can be difficult to make the decision to end your marriage. Once you know that there is no hope for saving the union, you will need to start the divorce process. North Carolina allows for a no-fault divorce, so you can obtain a divorce because you and your spouse have irreconcilable differences. There are two types of divorce, including divorce from bed and board and absolute divorce. When you want to end the marriage completely, you will likely want to file for an absolute divorce. A knowledgeable North Carolina divorce attorney will help guide you through the process of obtaining an absolute divorce.

Required Separation

Five Common Divorce Mistakes to Avoid

Published on: October 19, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “Should I delete old posts or censor new posts while going through a divorce?”

The divorce process can be an emotional and overwhelming experience. This is especially true for those who are going through a divorce for the first time. You may not know what to expect and might be angry and stressed out over the entire ordeal. It is helpful to know some of the most common divorce mistakes to avoid so you can have a more balanced and realistic approach to the process. An experienced divorce attorney will answer your questions and guide the procedure from start to finish.

What is a Collaborative Divorce?

Published on: September 14, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “How should I prepare if I intend to file for divorce in the near future?”

What is a Collaborative Divorce?