Lawyer

When can a Parent Request a Modification to the Child Support Order?

Published on: August 21, 2019 | 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?”

A lot of responsibility comes with being a parent. From infant to adult, parents have to provide their children with mental, emotional, and financial support. When a divorce occurs, these duties do not change, and chances are one parent will be required to pay child support. These payments will likely continue until the child is 18 years old, but the amount that is paid can easily be altered if a parent requests a modification to the child support order.

Five Tips for Child Support Modifications in North Carolina

Published on: August 14, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “Who pays for the children’s health insurance and co-pays?”

Courts calculate child support based upon the given situation at the time of divorce. However, as most of us know, things are subject to change over time. Major life events, such as changes in income or marital status, can be a contributing factor in seeking a modification of child support arrangement with your ex.

Your Introduction to Digital Estate Planning in North Carolina

Published on: August 7, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “Can any attorney help me with my family law needs in North Carolina?”

Estate planning often conjures up images of legacy and wealth planning. While this is true, estate planning directives are evolving with technology. However, many people are unaware of what happens to their digital assets upon death. It is for this reason that digital assets tend to go unaddressed at the time of one’s death.

Is a Collaborative Divorce Right for You?

Published on: July 31, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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

Divorcing couples in North Carolina can choose to go through the collaborative process to get a divorce rather than going through litigation. This is a good option for some couples, but not everyone will find it a suitable arrangement. So, what is a collaborative divorce? How does a couple know if it is an option they want to pursue?

How to Get a Premarital Agreement in North Carolina

Published on: July 24, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: ” If I remarry, can they look at my new spouse’s income?”

Making the decision to get married is an exciting time for any couple. It is common for couples to not want to temper that excitement by bringing up the subject of money, property, and what belongs to whom in the event of a divorce. Premarital agreements, more commonly referred to as prenuptial agreements, can help couples plan for the future and actually bring more security into a marriage. Consider it this way. Marriage is already a contract. Having a premarital agreement simply gives the couple more control over that contract than the courts.

Can I Make Changes to My Child Custody Agreement?

Published on: July 17, 2019 | 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?”

Making the decision to end your marriage is tough, period. There may be numerous complications that make you hesitate, such as lack of finances, not wanting to disappoint family and friends, embarrassment, or religious and ethical concerns. If you are a parent, you may feel that you have an even greater responsibility to do all that you can to preserve and repair your marriage, but that is not always possible.

Different Types of Divorces in North Carolina

Published on: July 10, 2019 | 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?”

The decision to get a divorce can be difficult to make. Whether there was infidelity in your marriage, irreconcilable differences, or you and your partner simply fell out of love, the divorce process can be taxing and difficult. Couples starting the divorce process might not know that there are different types of divorces they can pursue in North Carolina. Each couple is unique and certain divorces might be better for certain situations. The following are the types of divorces available to couples in North Carolina.

Paying Child Support in North Carolina

Published on: July 3, 2019 | 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?”

When a couple divorces, or otherwise separates, it is not uncommon for the parent without full custody of the child be required to pay child support to the parent primarily raising the child. Child support payments are supposed to help pay for the costs of raising a child and ensuring that the child’s needs are met. Housing costs, food, transportation, and other day-to-day living expenses are among the basic necessities that child support payments can cover. What happens, however, if the parent ordered to make the payments in not able to pay the required child support? When judges make a child support ruling, are there things that they must keep in mind?

Financial Considerations During a Divorce in North Carolina

Published on: June 26, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “How much does it cost to get divorced, and how does the billing process work?”

Going through a divorce can be stressful. You are suddenly tasked with splitting up a life that you built with another person and dividing all of your possessions, assets, and debts between you. In North Carolina, marital property is distributed under the premise of equitable distribution. This means that property is split according to what is fair, not necessarily equal, for each of the individuals. After the property distribution is settled and your divorce agreement is in place, there are additional financial considerations that will impact all divorced individuals.

Who Pays Legal Fees in a Divorce?

Published on: June 19, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “Can I get the judge to order my spouse to pay my attorney’s fees in a property division case?”

Divorce can take its toll on a person emotionally, mentally, and even financially. The financial cost of a divorce depends on the amount of time and work that must be put into it. Couples that are splitting amicably might have a divorce that costs less because there are fewer issues that need to be discussed or litigated. On the other hand, if a couple has a contentious divorce, then there are likely a multitude of issues that need to be discussed and will take longer to resolve. Depending on the financial situation of each individual spouse, it might seem daunting to pay the legal costs associated with divorce. This brings about the question of who is responsible for legal costs during a divorce?