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What are the Rights of Unmarried Parents?

Published on: May 11, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “How is the amount of child support decided in North Carolina?”

The family dynamic has been changing over the last several decades. Today it is much more acceptable to give birth to children out of wedlock. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, approximately 40.5% of all live births in the United States in 2020 were to unmarried women. While there are many children born to single parents, there are many issues that may arise in regards to child care, custody, support, and visitation. Both parents need to understand their obligations, responsibilities and rights when it comes to their biological children.

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.

What is Divorce From Bed and Board in North Carolina?

Published on: April 16, 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?”

When you wed you believe that you will have a happy married life. Unfortunately, that is not the case for everyone. Some couples grow apart, and when that happens, you may want to end your union. In North Carolina, there are two main types of divorce. These include divorce from bed and board, and absolute divorce. When you think of divorce, you usually consider the marriage will end, however, that is not always true. Depending on your needs and your beliefs, you may want to obtain a divorce from bed and board. It is helpful to speak to an experienced divorce attorney to ensure that you seek the proper route to end your union.

What is Spousal Abandonment?

Published on: April 6, 2022 | 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?”

The decision to end your marriage is one that most couples take seriously. It can take some time to work through disputes and ultimately determine that it is best to seek a divorce. For most couples, the decision is a mutual one. Sometimes, however, one spouse leaves the other behind. When that happens, you may want to obtain a divorce but are unsure of how to go about ending the union. Spousal abandonment is a circumstance that may allow you to get a divorce. To file for absolute divorce in North Carolina, a couple must be separated for a period of at least one year.

When Does Alimony End?

Published on: March 30, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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

As in other states, North Carolina allows for alimony in divorces unders some circumstances. Alimony, also called spousal support or maintenance, is money that one spouse pays to another as part of a divorce order. Alimony is not automatic and is determined on a case-by-case basis using a variety of factors. Alimony may be permanent and might be paid in regular monthly payments or in a lump sum. Post-separation alimony is money that is provided from one spouse to another on an interim basis until the divorce is final.

What is Parental Kidnapping?

Published on: March 23, 2022 | 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?”

As a parent, you want to do everything you can to protect your child and keep them safe from all types of harm. Parents keep watch over their children in all circumstances to ensure their safety. The word “kidnapping” brings terrifying thoughts of a child being torn away from a parent without hope of reuniting. While kidnapping by a stranger can happen, it is a rare occurrence. The most frequent type of child kidnapping happens when a non-custodial parent takes the child or refuses to return a child after visitation. Parental kidnapping is a serious concern for many parents. When a parent takes their own child away from a custodial parent, the situation can best be described as parental kidnapping.

Absolute Divorce in North Carolina

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

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What is an Absolute Divorce?”

Couples marry each other with the hope that the union will last forever. Unfortunately, that does not always happen. In many cases, couples grow apart and no longer wish to remain together. When spouses face irreconcilable differences, they may wish to seek a no-fault divorce. In North Carolina, there are two legal avenues that allow for separation or divorce from a spouse. Absolute divorce gives couples the opportunity to end a marriage in North Carolina. An experienced divorce attorney will answer your questions and help guide the process.

Parenting Time in North Carolina

Published on: March 9, 2022 | 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?”

One of the most difficult parts of a divorce is having to spend time away from your children. Divorce can make life difficult for everyone. The key to a successful transition is to resolve matters regarding parenting time so that both parents get to have regular time with their children. When you establish a new schedule, kids will often quickly adapt and will get used to their new normal. Both parents should make an attempt to come to an agreement regarding parenting time and other key decisions regarding their children. An experienced divorce attorney will help you create a parenting plan that works.