Divorce

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

North Carolina Divorce Basics

Published on: July 16, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

North Carolina Divorce Basics

The decision to divorce is one that couples do not take lightly. You may have been through quite a bit of drama and turmoil before finally concluding that you need to end your marriage. While divorcing is not particularly complicated, it can be quite stressful. You will want to follow the law while also ensuring that you get a fair settlement. Divorce in North Carolina is also called absolute divorce. Once the judge grants an absolute divorce, you are able to marry again if you choose.

Divorce Requirements

Coping With Divorce Anxiety

Published on: July 9, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Coping With Divorce Anxiety

Divorce can be difficult, and even those who want to end their marriage can be plagued with stress and anxiety. Coping with the divorce process requires you to go through a variety of emotions. At the same time that you are dealing with a tremendously personal loss, you are also helping your children with their emotions. In addition, you are dealing with financial issues that can make the future uncertain. During this time of turmoil, you need to learn how to best resolve issues and create a new family norm.

https://youtu.be/pByhCnizt6A

Gray Divorce on the Rise

Published on: July 2, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Gray Divorce on the Rise

The number of people getting divorced later in life is on the rise. According to a recent article published by the Institute for Family Studies, the number of divorces of those over the age of 65 is going up while the overall divorce rate is trending downward. There are a number of reasons why couples may choose to divorce later in life. Gray divorce can be challenging because the years together make property and asset distribution more complex. An experienced divorce attorney will guide you through the process.

https://youtu.be/b5F-q-3LmzA