Divorce

Tips for Going to Family Court

Published on: April 17, 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?”

The day you have anxiously anticipated and prepared for is here: It is finally your day in court to settle your divorce. You have likely been waiting many months for this day and your attorney has prepared for hours and hours for every contingency. It can be scary to finally set foot in a courtroom; you have endured hours of interviews, depositions, settlement negotiations, and other proceedings to prepare for a judge to make a determination. Below are tips to keep in mind before going into family court to ensure the best possible outcome.

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.

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.

Thinking About Divorce? Here is What You Need to Know

Published on: August 8, 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?”

Thinking about ending a marriage can be hard. When one starts to think that he or she might want a divorce, it can be overwhelming; there are many considerations and actions to be taken. If you are contemplating a divorce, here are some things to do to help you through the process.

An Explanation of Collaborative Divorce in North Carolina

Published on: July 11, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What does uncontested divorce mean?”

Going through a divorce can be tough. You are ending a relationship and declaring that you wish your legal marriage be terminated. The very nature of a relationship ending can lead to heightened emotions and turmoil during the divorce process. In an effort to avoid contentious divorces, be mindful of your options; there is an alternative to the traditional contentious divorce proceeding. Couples can decide to engage in a collaborative divorce proceeding.

The Impact of Adultery on Divorce

Published on: June 20, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “Does adultery affect my divorce case?”

The act of adultery of one or both spouses is one of the biggest reasons that couples get divorced. North Carolina is a no-fault state in regards to divorce. This means that the spouse who files for divorce is not required to prove that the other spouse is at fault for the divorce. In some states, adultery is one of the “faults” that a spouse can cite as a reason for divorce. This is not true in North Carolina. Nevertheless, adultery can have an impact on a divorce. Alimony payments, child custody, and property distribution can all be affected by adultery.

Supreme Court Wades Into Divorce Dispute

Published on: May 2, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What is an Absolute Divorce?”

It is exceedingly rare for a case about divorce to make its way before the U.S. Supreme Court. The Supreme Court typically concerns itself with higher profile matters than wading into legal matters between two individuals. Though rare, that is exactly what happened recently as the nation’s highest court heard oral arguments in Sveen v. Melin.

Philippines Moves One Step Closer To Allowing Divorce

Published on: April 11, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What is an Absolute Divorce?”

Divorce, though seldom celebrated, is a process taken for granted by many in the United States and other countries around the world. Though few people begin a marriage intending to divorce, if the time comes and a relationship deteriorates, it is a very good thing that there are legal methods to unwind a bad marriage. This allows the couple to go their separate ways, freeing up both to be happier on their own rather than forcing them to continue being miserable together.

Important Changes for Divorced Couples in New North Carolina Financial Power of Attorney Law

Published on: February 14, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What is an Absolute Divorce?”

Estate planning is something that many couples fail to take seriously until it is too late. It is common for people to think they are too young or too busy or too poor to bother to construct a plan to protect their family in the event something bad happens. The reality is that an estate plan can benefit almost everyone, regardless of age or income. Bad things can happen to anyone and when they do, they often happen without warning.

Wisconsin Considers Ditching Post-Divorce Waiting Period

Published on: November 1, 2017 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “How long does getting a divorce take?”

Normally, when we think of waiting periods and divorce, we are talking about the amount of time a couple has to wait before filing for divorce. In a number of states, these waiting periods exist to try and slow the process. Couples are often required to live separately for some period of time before either can file a divorce petition. Legislators say this time forces a couple to think twice (and maybe thrice) before finally pulling the trigger and moving ahead with a divorce. States have begun lowering these wait times, the goal being to further streamline the divorce process and get couples in and out of court faster.