visitation

Is Common Law Marriage Legal in North Carolina?

Published on: September 25, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Is Common Law Marriage Legal in North Carolina?

Marriage is less common than it used to be. Today, many more couples decide to live together without getting married. Some people live together as a trial before they wed, while others simply choose to cohabitate. Couples who live together generally do not have any of the benefits of marriage. However, in some states, if you live together as a couple long enough, you will automatically have a common law marriage. Not all states recognize common law marriage.

https://youtu.be/CM1ST8JOk7I

Tips for Navigating Divorce

Published on: September 11, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Tips for Navigating Divorce

Divorce can be one of the most stressful times in your life. Unless you have been divorced before, you may not know what to expect from the process. You might be feeling scared and unsure of how to navigate the process in a way that will be best for you and your family. A knowledgeable divorce attorney will help guide you through the procedure. Here are some tips for getting through the end of your marriage.

https://youtu.be/tnLTRpboTAw?si=UVXsEEP2wAstqK80

Can I Make Changes to a Divorce Decree in North Carolina?

Published on: August 28, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can I Make Changes to a Divorce Decree in North Carolina?

Divorce happens in at least a third of marriages. When you go through the divorce process, you and your spouse will agree on the major issues, called settlement terms. Once the divorce is final, the judge issues a divorce decree. The order provides for how to divide marital property, matters regarding child custody and visitation, and alimony, among others. When a divorce is final, both parties must abide by the order. If you violate the order, you could suffer legal consequences. So, what happens if you feel you need to make changes to the divorce order?

https://youtu.be/HJxjxQDbq-8?si=NGHZsIanHXI8Z7gw

Can a Parent Move Out of State With Their Child After Divorce?

Published on: August 21, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can a Parent Move Out of State With Their Child After Divorce?

Divorcing with children brings many complications. One of the most important considerations is where your children will reside. While the law assumes both mothers and fathers are equally able to care for their children, in most instances, the children will reside primarily with one parent while the other parent will have regular visits. In today’s fluid society, many people move around the country, whether for work or personal reasons. What happens when one parent wants to move out of state with their children?

https://youtu.be/Li7s3lKCflA?si=U0MRrIbMtVGwz6GI

Dividing Marital Debt in North Carolina

Published on: July 31, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Dividing Marital Debt in North Carolina

Going through a divorce can be one of the most challenging things you will ever do. Sometimes, even the most harmonious divorces can turn ugly. This is especially true when it comes to financial matters such as the distribution of assets and distribution of assets. Most couples have at least some debt. When a couple divorces, it can be difficult for them to handle debt alone. It is best to address marital debt concerns as soon as possible. An experienced divorce attorney will guide you through the process.

https://youtu.be/rh-6brVop4E?si=uA8iGIYnutHKWsKG

What is a High-Conflict Divorce?

Published on: July 24, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is a High-Conflict Divorce?

In North Carolina, as in other states, married couples may request a divorce based on irreconcilable differences. No other grounds for divorce generally apply to those who seek to end their marriages in North Carolina. Sometimes, couples are engaged in a contentious divorce. This is also sometimes called a high-conflict divorce. It happens when couples are having more difficulty than usual coming to an agreement regarding the terms of a divorce settlement.

https://youtu.be/j6RI3gGwm8I

What is a Parenting Coordinator?

Published on: July 17, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is a Parenting Coordinator?

Going through a divorce when you have children can cause a number of conflicts to arise between parents. Parents typically need to resolve the major issues concerning their kids, such as primary residence, visitation, and sharing parenting responsibilities. In some cases, parents have difficulty trying to come to an agreement about co-parenting. That is not hard to understand because many parents have different parenting styles and expectations. In these instances, a parenting coordinator may be helpful in resolving parenting conflicts.

What is a Parenting Coordinator?

Understanding Primary and Secondary Custody in North Carolina

Published on: July 10, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Understanding Primary and Secondary Custody in North Carolina

When parents divorce, they are both typically allowed to make legal decisions regarding their children. This is called legal custody. Physical custody is a little more complicated. North Carolina does not define joint custody or shared custody. One parent is given primary custody, while the other is given secondary custody. The child resides primarily with one parent, and the other parent has regular visits.

https://youtu.be/sVNdhPd_5I8

What is a 30-Day Waiver Divorce in North Carolina?

Published on: July 3, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is a 30-Day Waiver Divorce in North Carolina?

When you decide to seek a divorce, you must follow the laws of North Carolina. A couple must live apart for a period of at least a year with the intent to end their marriage. Once the year is over, you may proceed with an absolute divorce. An absolute divorce simply means that the marriage will be over and you will be free to move on.

30-Day Waiting Period

Getting Separated in North Carolina

Published on: June 26, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Getting Separated in North Carolina

Nobody gets married with the intention of getting divorced. Sometimes, however, a marriage just does not work out, and the best thing for both parties is to separate. While divorce is a way to end a marriage, a couple may choose to separate instead. A separation may allow you to resolve settlement issues as you prepare to end your union. There are a few things to know about separation in North Carolina. A knowledgeable Charlotte divorce attorney will help you through the process.

Separation