Legal Technology

Serving your spouse online? Divorce courts increasingly say it’s possible

Published on: August 16, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What does a “No-Fault’ divorce mean in NC?”

If you’re preparing for a North Carolina divorce, you likely realize the first step will require formally notifying your spouse of your decision to end the marriage. This step is known as serving notice. Typically service takes place in person, by hiring a process server or local law enforcement to deliver the necessary documents. In cases where the person is difficult to locate it can be possible to serve notice by other means, including by certified mail. In the worst cases, where spouses appear to have vanished without a trace, publishing a notice in a local newspaper can suffice. But what about social media? Increasingly, social media is being viewed as possible means of effecting service. To find out more about the possibility of using Facebook or Twitter to start your divorce, keep reading.

New York Criminal Case Has Serious Family Law Implications

Published on: April 5, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Divorce Lawyer Matt Arnold answers the question: “Can I sure someone for breaking up my marriage?”

It’s (thankfully) not very often that the criminal law and family law worlds collide and usually, when they do, something truly tragic has occurred. A recent case out of New York brought the two practice areas together, with the state appeals court issuing a decision in a criminal matter that has serious implications for those in the family law world.

Dividing Social Media Accounts In A Divorce

Published on: March 15, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Divorce Attorney Matthew R. Arnold of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question ” Are overtime, bonuses, and commissions included in calculating child support?”

Most people have heard of divorces that turn nasty as couples fight over bank accounts, retirement funds, homes and even furniture. In a surprising turn of events, social media accounts now appear to be worth fighting over. This recent development supports the claim by some family law experts who say that divorce in the internet age will require rethinking the way property is divided, including drafting social media clauses to insert in settlement agreements.

Social Media and Family Law

Published on: February 11, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Divorce Attorney Matthew R. Arnold of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question “Who pays for the children’s health insurance and co-pays?”

We live in an age where, for many, it has almost become second nature to compose a Facebook post, tweet, text message or email. It can also be tempting to see celebrities announcing details about their separations, divorces and infidelity accusations on social media platforms and want to follow suit. However, for family law attorneys, these digital snapshots into people’s lives can help make or break cases.

Say No to social media and Yes to your marriage, says psychologist

Published on: May 26, 2015 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Charlotte Divorce Attorney Matthew R. Arnold of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question ” I’m considering separating from my spouse; what actions should I refrain from doing?”

Attorneys have long used Facebook and other social-media sites to compile evidence in divorce cases. Married users by the thousand have found out about their spouses’ cheating hearts through decidedly unceremonious Facebook status updates.

Divorce should be tougher or it should be easier, depending on who you ask

Published on: May 21, 2015 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Matthew R. Arnold of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question “How can an attorney help me with my Divorce or Separation in North Carolina?”

Think divorce is tough? It’s not tough enough, say activists and legislators in several American states.

Company sells itself as cheaper online divorce alternative

Published on: May 7, 2015 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Matthew R. Arnold of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question “How can an attorney help me with my Divorce or Separation in North Carolina?”

Since its inception, the online realm’s “open source” mantra has seen so-called techies from points all over the world collaborating for the betterment of online humanity. That seemed at least to be the idea of the internet in its early days.

Divorce? There’s an app for that, in some states

Published on: April 21, 2015 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Matthew R. Arnold of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question “Do I need an attorney to get a Divorce in North Carolina?”

The technological innovations and wholesale changes to American culture brought on by the personal computer and high-speed word and document processing have reshaped the American business, legal and financial realms in untold ways.

New York judge allows service of lawsuit via Facebook

Published on: April 7, 2015 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Matthew R. Arnold of Arnold & Smith, PLLC answers the question “How long does getting a divorce take?”

“I’ll sue you!”