Weddington

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.

Can I Appeal a Family Law Order?

Published on: December 26, 2018 | 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?”

The reality of court cases is that there is likely to be one side that is happy with the result and one that is not as pleased with the result. We all know that criminal convictions are often appealed and even some civil suits are changed in appeal, but what about family law cases? Are there legal grounds of appeal in North Carolina family law cases? Yes, there are legal avenues for people to try to bring a family law case to the North Carolina Court of Appeals.

Financial Issues Unmarried Couples Need to Consider

Published on: November 28, 2018 | 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?”

We have all heard the fairytales – boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, boy and girl get married, boy and girl live happily ever after. Life is not a fairytale, and more and more couples are choosing to postpone marriage and instead live together as if they were a married couple – sharing financial responsibility, purchasing a home together, etc. There is nothing wrong with postponing marriage, but there are some financial considerations that couples must think about to avoid problems in the future. When unmarried couples do not have defined financial plans, or responsibilities, it can often result in financial harm.

Commonly Asked Questions About Domestic Violence

Published on: November 21, 2018 | 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?”

Grandparents’ Rights in North Carolina

Published on: November 7, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What rules are there for Father’s Right in NC?”

In the midst of a divorce, the focus is on which parent will be awarded custody of the children. What most people do not know, though, is that there are other options in a custody battle beyond the biological parents. In North Carolina, there are various statutes that can award a grandparent custody or visitation. Grandparents play a special role in a child’s life. While there may be options for grandparents to seek custody and visitation, it is by no means a guarantee that the grandparent will receive the custody or visitation. Instead, the statutes are merely a means to get into the court system to ask for visitation. The statutes do not entitle a grandparent to court ordered custody or visitation.

Common Questions of Domestic Violence Victims

Published on: October 24, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: ” I’m not getting along with my husband. We’ve been married two weeks and it was a mistake. Can’t I just get an annulment?”

Things to Keep in Mind Before Going to Court for Custody

Published on: October 17, 2018 | 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?”

Going through a divorce can be difficult. Not only are you separating from the person with whom you once thought you would spend your life, but you are faced with the difficult task of dividing up all of your worldly possessions. As hard as divorce is on the couple, it is much worse when children are part of the question. Some couples will try to solve custody disputes outside of the courtroom in an effort to make this process as easy as possible for their children. However, the world is not perfect and not every set of parents can come to an amicable agreement, or even just an agreement, outside of the courtroom. There is a formal process, rules, and regulations that govern child custody disputes. Outside of these legal rules, however, it is important to keep a few other things in mind for child custody.