Union County

How can I Reduce My Child Support Payments in North Carolina?

Published on: December 2, 2020 | 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?”

In most cases, a child support obligation accounts for a large percentage of the supporting parent’s income. However, when circumstances change over time, the supporting parent may be able to petition the court to reduce their child support payments. Involuntary loss of employment or decrease in income may qualify as a “substantial change in circumstances” to lower a child support obligation in North Carolina.

How can You Avoid an Alimony Award in North Carolina?

Published on: November 25, 2020 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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

If your marriage is headed for divorce, there is little you can do to avoid an alimony award. However, judges in North Carolina do not automatically order alimony in every divorce case.

How Long Does a Divorce Take in North Carolina?

Published on: November 18, 2020 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “How long does getting a divorce take?”

If you and your spouse decided to end your marriage, you need to understand that it might take months to get a divorce in North Carolina, and that does not even take into consideration the period of separation. In rare cases, your divorce could be resolved within a month. If there are many disputed and contested issues involved, it would take a year or longer to finalize your divorce.

Five Things to Consider When Divorcing in Your 20s

Published on: November 11, 2020 | 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?”

While many millennials are delaying marriage, it is not rare for people to get married in their mid-20s nowadays. However, not all marriages are meant to last forever, which is why many couples in their 20s end up getting divorced.

Do You Need a Divorce Attorney if Your Divorce is Amicable?

Published on: November 4, 2020 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “How long does getting a divorce take?”

Uncontested divorces, also known as amicable divorces, tend to be less complicated than contested ones. If you and your spouse are able to resolve many or all of the issues in your divorce, your divorce is considered amicable in North Carolina.

What Happens if One Spouse Refuses to Sign Divorce Papers in North Carolina?

Published on: October 28, 2020 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “How long does getting a divorce take?”

Divorce is almost always tough for both spouses. However, the divorce process can become even more complicated when one spouse refuses to sign divorce papers. If the decision to end the marriage is not mutual, it may be difficult to finalize your divorce.

Can Your Child Decide Which Parent to Live With in North Carolina?

Published on: October 21, 2020 | 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?”

The short answer is: no, children cannot simply decide which parent to live with under North Carolina’s family law. However, a child’s preference to live with either parent can be taken into consideration by the court during a child custody case.

Four Tips for Co-Parenting and Distance Learning in the COVID-19 Era

Published on: October 14, 2020 | 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?”

https://youtu.be/u7xF07u5008

As the end of the COVID-19 pandemic is nowhere in sight, parents and children are required to navigate online schooling and distance learning. Adjusting to the new reality can be difficult and stressful for all parents, especially divorced parents who share child custody.

Divorce Rates Have Spiked in Charlotte Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

Published on: October 7, 2020 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What does a “No-Fault’ divorce mean in NC?”

Apparently, the COVID-19 pandemic and its stay-at-home orders throughout the country have wreaked havoc on marriages. Or at least that is what a new analysis of court filings in Charlotte, North Carolina, shows.

Does a Parent’s Substance Abuse or Addiction Affect Child Custody in North Carolina?

Published on: September 30, 2020 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “Does adultery affect who gets custody?”

A partner’s addiction or problem with alcohol or drugs can put a significant strain on your relationship. In fact, addiction issues are one of the most common reasons for divorce. When marriage involves children, either parent’s substance abuse or addiction can have a detrimental effect on children.