Divorce

Should I Be the First Spouse to File for Divorce?

Published on: January 20, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Should I Be the First Spouse to File for Divorce?

The decision to divorce isn’t always an easy one. Couples often take time to try to resolve their differences before they choose to end their marriage. North Carolina has “no-fault” divorce. This means that the couple has irreconcilable differences and that neither party is to blame for the divorce. There are specific requirements necessary for couples to seek an absolute divorce in North Carolina. A knowledgeable family law attorney will help guide you through the process to make it as stress-free as possible.

Divorce Requirements in North Carolina

Divorce Requests Spike After the Holidays

Published on: January 7, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Divorce Requests Spike After the Holidays

January is sometimes called “divorce month” because of a spike in divorce requests. Many people may put their relationship issues on hold during the busy holiday season and decide to move forward with a divorce after December. The busy family time during the holidays makes it difficult to focus on major family decisions and changes. After the holidays, people have time to reflect on their lives and create a plan to move forward in the coming year.

Why Wait Until the New Year?

What is No-Fault Divorce in North Carolina?

Published on: December 31, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is No-Fault Divorce in North Carolina?

The decision to end your marriage is often a difficult one. It is a choice that likely comes with a great deal of emotional pain. When you know that your marriage is over, you will need to take steps to dissolve the union. North Carolina law allows for a no-fault divorce. This is probably the easiest and least stressful option for most couples. An experienced North Carolina divorce attorney will provide you with the guidance and expertise to help make the experience as easy as possible.

What Does No-Fault Mean?

Tips and Tools for Better Co-Parenting After Divorce

Published on: December 24, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Tips and Tools for Better Co-Parenting After Divorce

When parents divorce, it causes inevitable changes to the family dynamic. Parents need to learn how to work together to provide the best parenting they can for their children, both during the separation period and after the divorce is final. Parents must find ways to unite to help their children adjust to the new normal and thrive as they grow. You can successfully co-parent with some useful tips and resources.

Co-Parenting Strategies

What is a Contested Divorce?

Published on: December 17, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is a Contested Divorce?

The decision to end your marriage can be one of the most difficult things in your life. When you feel that your marriage is no longer viable and you can’t continue the relationship, it may be time to move on. Once you decide to divorce, you and your spouse need to resolve matters pertaining to the settlement. This includes dividing property and handling issues of child custody and more. There are times when couples do not agree on the settlement terms, which can create contention.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce

Divorce When One Spouse is in the Military

Published on: December 10, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Divorce When One Spouse is in the Military

Divorce can be a difficult and daunting experience, but it can be even more complicated when one or both spouses are in the military. Those in the military generally move around quite often and therefore need to know the rules and laws and how they apply specifically to military families. Military spouses need to know the residency requirements and other rules that apply to divorce. A knowledgeable divorce attorney will help guide you through the divorce process.

Residency Requirements

What is the Holiday Pause?

Published on: December 3, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is the Holiday Pause?

The holidays are the time for family get-togethers and parties. It is a season of joy and expectation, especially for children. Many couples who are considering divorce decide to put their relationship issues on hold until after December. This period is often called the holiday pause. It simply means that you are waiting until the new year to make important decisions or critical changes. Is the holiday pause necessary, and if so, what can you do to make this time better and easier?

Why Wait Until After the Holidays?

What are the 3 Cs of Divorce?

Published on: November 12, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What are the 3 Cs of Divorce?

Every year, more than half a million divorces occur in the United States. While you begin your marriage believing it will last forever, that is not always the case. Divorce is one of the most stressful events you will experience in your life. It can be even more difficult for you and your family when the situation is contentious. There are some things you can do to make divorce easier and less challenging. If you follow the 3 Cs, you can help resolve your divorce more quickly and with less acrimony.

Communication

What Happens to the Family Business in a North Carolina Divorce?

Published on: October 29, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What Happens to the Family Business in a North Carolina Divorce?

Divorce can be difficult, but when a couple owns a business, the split-up can make the situation much more complicated. You and your spouse may have worked for years or even decades to develop and grow your family business. With a divorce on the horizon, you need to know what will become of the company. How will the company be divided if you and your spouse end your marriage? A knowledgeable divorce attorney will help guide you through the process.

Distribution of Assets in North Carolina

Arnold & Smith, PLLC Wins Gold — Charlotte’s Best in Family Law 2025

Published on: October 26, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Arnold & Smith, PLLC Wins Gold — Charlotte’s Best in Family Law 2025

For the third year in a row, our firm has been awarded Gold in Family Law—a rare and remarkable achievement. This recognition underscores our continued leadership in family law across the Charlotte region.

Family law clients often face situations involving: