Divorce

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

What Does Equitable Distribution Mean in North Carolina Divorce?

Published on: October 15, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What Does Equitable Distribution Mean in North Carolina Divorce?

When a married couple decides to divorce, one of the most contentious aspects of the settlement may be the distribution of assets. Couples are expected to try to come to an agreement regarding how to split up their property, but it must be divided in an equitable manner. Before you can divide your assets, you need to understand the differences between marital property, separate property, and divisible property. A knowledgeable Charlotte divorce attorney will help guide you through the process.

Marital Property

What are the Steps for Divorce in North Carolina?

Published on: October 8, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What are the Steps for Divorce in North Carolina?

The day you get married is often the happiest day in your life. When you get married, you do not envision the marriage ending, but sometimes that is exactly what happens. When you and your spouse realize that you want to divorce, you may wonder what to expect in the process. North Carolina requires a separation period, which is not required in some other states. It is helpful to understand the steps involved in going through a divorce. Reach out to a knowledgeable Charlotte divorce attorney today for guidance.

Mandatory Separation Period

How Do We Handle Pets in a Divorce?

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

How Do We Handle Pets in a Divorce?

Pets are popular among American households. It is estimated that almost 60 million households own dogs, and more than 42 million own cats. When you own a pet, it becomes part of the family. Owning a pet is extremely beneficial, but it also comes with responsibilities. People need to properly care for their dogs, cats, and other pets by providing them with the care and love they need. When a couple divorces, they must decide where the pets will live. Although you may be a pet parent to your dog or cat, in the eyes of the law, pets are property.

Marital Property vs Separate Property

Tips For an Amicable Divorce

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

Tips For an Amicable Divorce

Divorce is one of the most stressful events in your life. When you decide to divorce, you begin a new journey that will result in major life changes for you and your family. Divorce has a reputation for being contentious, but it does not need to be that way. With some effort and planning, you can ensure that you have an amicable end to your marriage and pave the way for a courteous relationship in the future. While you do not need to be best friends with your ex, it does help if you can maintain a cooperative relationship.

Take Time to Heal

Make the Most of Your Divorce Consultation: Questions to Ask Your Attorney

Published on: August 13, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Make the Most of Your Divorce Consultation: Questions to Ask Your Attorney

The decision to separate and divorce can be fraught with questions and concerns. This is often one of the most stressful times in your life, yet you need to understand the process and what to expect as you move forward with your life. A consultation with a qualified divorce attorney is the first meeting with legal professionals and allows you to learn some basic information and get answers to general questions. The consultation may be in person or sometimes by phone or video chat.

Why You Need an Initial Consultation

Establishing Paternity in North Carolina

Published on: August 6, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Establishing Paternity in North Carolina

Single mothers are more common today than ever before. Society is changing and is much more accepting of single parenthood. About 40% of births in the United States are to single mothers. For comparison, in the 1960s, only about 10% of births in the U.S. were to single mothers. When children are born to single mothers, it can make establishing paternity more complicated. When children are born to married parents, the husband is presumed to be the father. However, paternity must be established for children of unmarried parents.

Ways to Establish Paternity in North Carolina

What is Marital Asset Dissipation in North Carolina?

Published on: July 30, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is Marital Asset Dissipation in North Carolina?

When a couple decides to end their marriage, they need to divide their assets and property, and make decisions about child custody and visitation. North Carolina requires a one-year separation period before divorce can take place. During that time, parties must resolve the settlement issues. One of the most contentious areas of settlement is the division of physical property. A concern that you may have is the potential for asset dissipation. A knowledgeable attorney will guide you through the process of separation and divorce and help with concerns of asset dissipation.

Marital Property

How Soon Can I Remarry After a Divorce in North Carolina?

Published on: July 23, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Soon Can I Remarry After a Divorce in North Carolina?

In today’s complex world, marriages don’t always last forever. When a marriage ends in divorce, it is possible that each spouse will get married again. A third to a half of those who get divorced will remarry. Sometimes, a person wants to get married again as soon as possible. This is especially true in cases where couples have lived apart for a long period of time. An experienced North Carolina divorce attorney will help you through the process.

Absolute Divorce