Waxhaw

Setting Boundaries in Your Divorce

Published on: March 27, 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?”

Going through a divorce or separation in North Carolina can be extremely difficult. It can be hard to come to terms with the fact that your marriage is ending and you are starting a new chapter of your life. Regardless of whether the divorce is filled with contention or you and your ex have come to a mutual decision to amicably end the marriage, there will likely be some issues. Divorce does not just end your marriage; it also changes your entire life. Even if you are on the best of terms with your soon to be ex-spouse, it is important to set boundaries with him or her as you transition to life after divorce.

What Happens to My Bank Account After Divorce?

Published on: March 20, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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

It is not uncommon for couples who get married to have a joint bank account. A joint bank account makes paying for shared expenses easier than having to go through two separate accounts. What happens to the funds in this account, however, in the event that a couple gets divorced? When a couple files for divorce, a judge will need to examine the money in the account to determine if it is joint property or the property of the individual.

Adoption by Stepparents in North Carolina

Published on: March 13, 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?”

Adoption is beautiful. Whether a family is adopting a child from foster care or a stepparent is adopting a child from the blended family, adoption is usually a process filled with happiness and love. However, the process of adopting another individual can also be difficult and confusing, especially for those step-parents who want to adopt a child. With the number of divorces occurring all across the United States, it is not surprising that there are more stepparents than ever who want to adopt the children they have helped in raising.

Searching for Assets During Divorce

Published on: March 6, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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

When a marriage is falling apart, one of the first things that might happen is one or both spouses losing trust in one another. While not present in every divorce case, it is likely that divorces resulting from adultery and other misrepresentations of truth during the marriage often see a dissolution of trust between the couple. These trust issues can become an issue during the division of assets during a divorce.

What is an Emergency Child Custody Order?

Published on: February 27, 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?”

Determining child custody during a divorce can be a difficult process for every party involved. Tension might be filling the air and emotions are likely running high. Child custody orders are usually done in conjunction with both parties and looking out for the best interest of the child. However, there are instances in which an emergency child custody order might be entered. An emergency child custody order is a request by one party for immediate custody of the child that does not provide notice to the other party before the order is entered. Usually, emergency child custody orders are for the custody of minor children.

Three Major Issues in Family Law Cases

Published on: February 13, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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

Every divorce and family law case is different because every family is different. There are different family dynamics, marital assets, and child custody disputes. While the specific facts of each case are different, there are commonalities among many family law divorce cases. The following are the three of the major issues that commonly arise in a divorce proceedings.

Child Testimony in North Carolina Divorce

Published on: February 6, 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?”

Most parents do not want their children to become pawns in a divorce. However, emotions are often running high in divorce and even the best parents can become blind to their own behavior. In divorce proceedings, most states allow the testimony of the child and his or her preference on what the custody arrangement should be. North Carolina is one of those states.

Social Media and Your Divorce

Published on: January 30, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “Should I delete old posts or censor new posts while going through a divorce?”

Divorce is difficult. Suddenly, two people who have spent a portion of their lives, regardless of how long or short of a time, together are deciding to end their marriage and separate. Due to the personal nature of divorce, conflict and emotions can run high. It can be difficult to split up assets, reach a custody agreement, and come to a mutual decision on the best division of property. Each side wants what they want and will present evidence to help them get it. One type of evidence that is commonly used in divorce proceedings that you might not expect is social media posts. Social media can have a negative impact on your divorce. The following are some guidelines to social media to consider during divorce proceedings in North Carolina.

What is Spousal Privilege?

Published on: January 9, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: ” Is there some property that the judge cannot divide?”

Marriage brings about different experiences and problems that you might not face on your own, such as raising children, figuring out how to merge your finances, and many others. One thing that you might not expect is that your spouse could face criminal charges and the prosecution looking to you for testimony and evidence against him or her. Are you required to testify against your spouse? Spousal privilege is a doctrine that protects some communications between husband and wife.

Custody Mediation in North Carolina

Published on: January 2, 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?”

One of the most difficult parts of the divorce and separation process is coming to a custody agreement. It is important to look out for the best interests of the child, but also take into consideration the parents’ feelings and ability to care for the child. As such, there are policies and procedures in place in North Carolina to make sure that child custody agreements are made in the best interest of the child by reducing conflict between the parents. Court can be stressful for all parties involved, especially children, mediation is an alternative way for parties to reach an agreement and avoid the stress of trial.