Equitable Distribution

How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take?

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

How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take?

Going through a divorce can be difficult, but it may be much more challenging when one party contests the divorce. When that happens, the divorce process becomes more lengthy, and it can extend how long it takes to complete the process. In North Carolina, couples must be separated for a period of at least a year before they can move forward with a divorce. Although a couple resides apart, one party may not agree with the divorce or with some of the settlement terms. An experienced North Carolina divorce attorney will help guide the process and assist in resolving disputes.

What is a Contested Divorce?

What Happens to the House in a Divorce?

Published on: February 15, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What Happens to the House in a Divorce?

Your home is one of your most important assets and likely the most significant. When you get married, you may dream of buying your home together. Your house holds many memories for you and your family. Your children may not know any other place to live beside your marital home. But what happens when you and your spouse divorce? Which one of you will be able to keep the house?

Certainly, there are many issues that you and your spouse need to resolve during the divorce process and distributing assets, including how to handle the home. A knowledgeable divorce attorney will help guide the process to ensure that you reach an equal settlement.

What are the Requirements for Divorce in North Carolina?

Published on: February 1, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What are the Requirements for Divorce in North Carolina?

Marriages do not always last forever. Although you and your spouse began your marriage with the intention of a lifelong union, people and circumstances change, and you may decide to end your marriage. There are many issues that you must settle as part of a divorce. Before you can begin the process, you need to understand the requirements and make sure that you meet the criteria set forth by North Carolina law to dissolve your marriage.

Absolute Divorce in North Carolina

How Do I Divorce a Spouse Who Lives in Another State?

Published on: January 11, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Do I Divorce a Spouse Who Lives in Another State?

The decision to divorce often comes after a long period of discord or discontent. In North Carolina, couples can file for a no-fault divorce based on irreconcilable differences. Couples are required to live apart for a period of at least one year before they can seek an absolute divorce in North Carolina. In some cases, one or both parties may move out of the area where they originally resided. When this happens, it can complicate the divorce process. If you are seeking a divorce from a partner who lives out of state, it is helpful to seek guidance from an experienced North Carolina divorce attorney.

Residency and Jurisdiction

Gray Divorce

Published on: October 26, 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?”

Divorce rates have been on the decline for the last decade or more. For those that end in divorce, the median length of the first marriage is about 12 years. While the divorce rate on average is going down, the divorce rate among older individuals is actually rising. Baby boomers are continuing to divorce at a higher rate than those who are younger. Baby boomers are those people who were born between 1946 and 1964. If you are ending your marriage, you may want to seek guidance from a knowledgeable divorce attorney.

How Do We Divide Property in a North Carolina Divorce?

Published on: October 5, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Do We Divide Property in a North Carolina Divorce?

The decision to end your marriage is the beginning of many more choices you will need to make. You and your spouse may have accumulated many assets over the years and must determine the best way to divide them. Couples often disagree as to how to handle the division of property in a divorce, and it can be a challenging issue to resolve. An experienced divorce attorney will help guide the process and work on your behalf to try to come to a fair settlement agreement.

What is Equitable Distribution?

How Do I File for Divorce in North Carolina?

Published on: July 13, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “Do I need an attorney to get a Divorce in North Carolina?”

Divorce is not the answer for every problematic marriage, but when a couple is no longer able to continue with the union, it may be the best solution. When you have made the tough decision to divorce, you need to focus on the legal process of ending your marriage. There are various steps that you must follow in order to obtain a divorce in North Carolina. You must make sure that you abide by the law in order to ensure a smooth process. An experienced divorce attorney will help guide the process to make it easier and less stressful for you and your family.

What are the Grounds for Divorce in North Carolina?

Published on: April 27, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “Do I need an attorney to get a Divorce in North Carolina?”

The decision to end your marriage is one that is not taken lightly. In most cases, you and your spouse have been experiencing problems for some time and have been working unsuccessfully to resolve them. When you finally decide to divorce, you likely have many questions and concerns about the process and what to expect.

Financial Disclosure in North Carolina Divorce

Published on: February 16, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What happens when a person’s income is not guaranteed and fluctuates from year to year”.

Finances are among the issues that are most often areas of contention in divorce. Couples may agree on many things, but when it comes to money, the couple might disagree. North Carolina is a state that requires equitable distribution of assets. This simply means that the property, assets, and debts the couple have accumulated during marriage are to be divided between each party in a fair and equitable manner. Going through a divorce can be stressful and you will want to ensure that you get the assets that you deserve. An experienced North Carolina divorce attorney will assist you in obtaining a fair resolution.

Prepping for Property Division in a North Carolina Divorce

Published on: October 6, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “How will the judge divide our property?”

Although there is a degree of nobility involved in pursuing a minimalist lifestyle that attempts to obtain as little debt and unnecessary living items as possible, the reality is that for many Americans, building wealth and accumulating different types of property is a lifelong goal. When two people decide to get married, this decision often results in the combination of wealth and assets as they forge a path together. When the relationship sours and the couple decides to explore divorce, it can call into question what each spouse’s property ownership will look like in the future.