Divorce

Financial Issues Unmarried Couples Need to Consider

Published on: November 28, 2018 | 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?”

We have all heard the fairytales – boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, boy and girl get married, boy and girl live happily ever after. Life is not a fairytale, and more and more couples are choosing to postpone marriage and instead live together as if they were a married couple – sharing financial responsibility, purchasing a home together, etc. There is nothing wrong with postponing marriage, but there are some financial considerations that couples must think about to avoid problems in the future. When unmarried couples do not have defined financial plans, or responsibilities, it can often result in financial harm.

Grandparents’ Rights in North Carolina

Published on: November 7, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What rules are there for Father’s Right in NC?”

In the midst of a divorce, the focus is on which parent will be awarded custody of the children. What most people do not know, though, is that there are other options in a custody battle beyond the biological parents. In North Carolina, there are various statutes that can award a grandparent custody or visitation. Grandparents play a special role in a child’s life. While there may be options for grandparents to seek custody and visitation, it is by no means a guarantee that the grandparent will receive the custody or visitation. Instead, the statutes are merely a means to get into the court system to ask for visitation. The statutes do not entitle a grandparent to court ordered custody or visitation.

Interference with Child Custody in North Carolina

Published on: October 31, 2018 | 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?”

Divorces can be messy. Suddenly two people are splitting their assets and lives into two, from what used to be a marriage. Divorce does not only affect the couple getting divorced, however. Oftentimes there are children to be considered. Most parents want what is best for their children, this includes wanting what is best for them in divorce. Custody agreements detail what exactly the arrangement will be between the two parents who will be co-parenting the child.

Common Questions of Domestic Violence Victims

Published on: October 24, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold 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?”

Things to Keep in Mind Before Going to Court for Custody

Published on: October 17, 2018 | 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?”

Going through a divorce can be difficult. Not only are you separating from the person with whom you once thought you would spend your life, but you are faced with the difficult task of dividing up all of your worldly possessions. As hard as divorce is on the couple, it is much worse when children are part of the question. Some couples will try to solve custody disputes outside of the courtroom in an effort to make this process as easy as possible for their children. However, the world is not perfect and not every set of parents can come to an amicable agreement, or even just an agreement, outside of the courtroom. There is a formal process, rules, and regulations that govern child custody disputes. Outside of these legal rules, however, it is important to keep a few other things in mind for child custody.

A Guide to Alimony in North Carolina

Published on: October 10, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “When do you get alimony?”

Not every marriage ends in a lifetime of happiness with your spouse. Unfortunately, spouses have irreconcilable differences that lead them to file for divorce and legally end their marriage. For some spouses, divorce results in each spouse continuing to work and live his or her separate life, just separate from the former spouse. For others, though, a divorce can cause them to wonder how they will continue in their previous lifestyle. In some instances, one spouse works and makes money to provide for the family, while the other spouse stays home or works at a lesser paying job. A divorce does not have to devastate one, or both, spouses financially. There is a potential for one spouse to receive alimony payments from the other spouse.

What Happens to a Personal Injury Award in Divorce?

Published on: September 19, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: ” Is there some property that the judge cannot divide?”

When couples are considering, or pursuing a divorce, there is a lot of discussion on the distribution of property between the couple. Is everything split down the middle? Is one spouse entitled to more of the assets than the other? What exactly are the property or assets that need to be divided? The assets and property that people most think of in divorce are homes, cars, and monetary assets. However, for some couples there are other types of property that must be considered. Personal injury settlements can become a contentious point in a divorce. To determine what happens to those settlements, you must first look at the way that property is classified by family law.

Thinking About Divorce? Here is What You Need to Know

Published on: August 8, 2018 | 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?”

Thinking about ending a marriage can be hard. When one starts to think that he or she might want a divorce, it can be overwhelming; there are many considerations and actions to be taken. If you are contemplating a divorce, here are some things to do to help you through the process.

The Impact of Divorce on Retirement Accounts

Published on: August 1, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: ” Is there some property that the judge cannot divide?”

For most individuals facing a divorce, their concern is what will happen to the children (if any) from the marriage and how the assets of the couple will be divided and assigned. A divorce can have many consequences to the present situation of the parties involved, but there are future considerations and consequences that must be considered by the parties when entering into a divorce agreement, as well. One of these future considerations is what will happen to any retirement accounts that the couple has.

Social Media can Have Unintended Consequences on Divorce

Published on: July 25, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “How is social media evidence used in divorce proceedings?”

Going through a divorce is a major transition in life. Suddenly, your assets are being divided, custody arrangements are being set, and you are left negotiating with a soon-to-be-ex spouse over assets and issues you never thought would be the subject of a legal battle. We see divorce on television or witnesses our close friends and families go through divorce, but we do not often consider the impact that our actions might have on the outcome of a divorce.