Family Law

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

Emergency Child Custody in North Carolina

Published on: May 18, 2022 | 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?”

Your child’s health and welfare are likely your biggest concern. When a child is in danger it is essential to take immediate action. When a child is in danger, you may file for emergency child custody. Emergency child custody is a request through the court system. The courts take child endangerment seriously and therefore they have a process in place to protect a child from harm. If you believe that the child is in danger you may file for emergency child custody. A child custody attorney will assist you with the request and will guide the process to protect the minor from any potential harm.

How Much Child Support Will I Pay in North Carolina?

Published on: May 4, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What children’s expenses are covered by child support?”

When parents divorce, they are generally both responsible for providing care for their children. Both parents have rights and responsibilities for their children until they become adults. There are a number of criteria that are used to calculate the amount of child support that each parent is to provide. North Carolina uses guidelines that calculate the amount of payments that parents must pay towards their child’s care. A helpful worksheet on the North Carolina Division of Social Services Child Support Services website can give you a better understanding of how calculations will be made.

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.

Who Pays For College After a Divorce?

Published on: April 20, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What children’s expenses are not covered by child support?”

Parents want the best for their children. A divorce should not mean that the kids will not get the college education they deserve. Regardless of the age of your children when you end your marriage, you want to make arrangements to provide for their college education when the time comes. Generally, divorced parents are both equally responsible for their children’s care. However, support typically ends when a child graduates from high school and does not usually include the costs of higher education. You and your spouse should plan for higher education costs at the time you end your marriage.

Current Issues in Family Law

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

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What does uncontested divorce mean?”

Each year, millions of spouses across the United States seek the services of experienced local divorce attorneys who focus on not only divorce, but various other areas of family law such as child custody and property distribution. While some aspects of family law remain relatively stable over time and throughout different jurisdictions, others are prone to frequent change based on a number of factors.

What are the Considerations of Divorce in North Carolina?

Published on: January 5, 2022 | 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?”

The decision to end your marriage can be a difficult one. Once you know that your marriage is over, you will need to take steps to legally end the union. In North Carolina, a divorce is also called “absolute divorce.” North Carolina allows for no-fault divorce. This means that spouses are no longer able to remain married and the marriage cannot be repaired. Divorce can be complex, especially when you have children or when you have been married a long time. It is helpful to seek guidance from a knowledgeable family law attorney to assist with the process from start to finish.

Do We Need a Prenuptial Agreement?

Published on: October 27, 2021 | 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?”

Your wedding is approaching and you are focusing on the many arrangements that you must make for your special day. One thing you might not be thinking about is a prenuptial agreement. While you may feel that a prenup is an admission that the marriage could end, it is actually more like an insurance policy that can protect both parties in case the union results in divorce. Nobody likes to think about divorce, especially at the start of your marriage, but it is something that could happen down the road and it is good to be prepared.

Distributing Property in a North Carolina Divorce

Published on: July 14, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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

In North Carolina, residents take pride in their work. The money they earn in exchange for their time and skill allows them to build capital and make purchases and investments that can greatly enhance their quality of life, as well as that of their families. When couples decide to marry, joining finances allows them to build wealth on a greater scale. However, when these couples elect to file for divorce, questions about this wealth are certain to arise.

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).