Separation

Am I Eligible for Post-Separation Support?

Published on: October 1, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Am I Eligible for Post-Separation Support?

When you prepare for divorce in North Carolina, you may find that you are unable to meet your financial needs during this time. Couples must live apart, and this may create some stress over money issues. One person may remain in the marital home while the other moves to a different residence. Both parties need to be able to pay their bills while they move forward towards ending their marriage. A spouse may need to seek support from the other during this transitional period.

What is Post-Separation Support?

What is the Mandatory Separation Period in North Carolina?

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

What is the Mandatory Separation Period in North Carolina?

North Carolina, like other states, has simplified divorce by allowing for no-fault divorce. No-fault divorce allows couples to end their marriages because of irreconcilable differences. Although you do not need to prove fault to end your union, you do need to complete a mandatory separation period. North Carolina is one of only a handful of states that requires couples to live apart before they can file for divorce.

Mandatory Separation Requirement

Separation in North Carolina

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

Separation in North Carolina

When couples tie the knot, they do not imagine that their marriage will ever come to an end. Unfortunately, almost half of all marriages will result in divorce. In North Carolina, absolute divorce means that you and your partner legally end your marriage. Couples are required to live apart for a year before they may divorce. The separation period is designed to ensure that you are prepared to end your marriage. During this time, many issues arise that you need to know how to handle. It is helpful to understand separation with help from an experienced divorce attorney in Charlotte.

https://youtu.be/ToZbKy-NJNc

Tips for Helping Kids Through Separation

Published on: March 19, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Tips for Helping Kids Through Separation

Separation and divorce can be a time of turmoil and uncertainty, especially for children. It is estimated that about half of all children come from divorced families. As a parent, you want to protect your children from the harm that could be related to dysfunctional or even harmful families. Sometimes, separation and divorce are the best ways to improve life for everyone.

Parents can help their children navigate the new family dynamic with some thoughtful planning.

Separation Tips for Divorcing Couples in North Carolina

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

Separation Tips for Divorcing Couples in North Carolina

When you decide to end your marriage, you must follow the basic divorce laws. North Carolina has a specific separation requirement that couples must meet before they may qualify for a no-fault absolute divorce. While most states do not have a separation requirement, North Carolina requires a one year separation before a couple may seek a divorce. This period ensures that couples are ready and prepared to move forward with dissolving their marriage.

https://youtu.be/Wn_oTMtaJ9M

Getting Separated in North Carolina

Published on: June 26, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Getting Separated in North Carolina

Nobody gets married with the intention of getting divorced. Sometimes, however, a marriage just does not work out, and the best thing for both parties is to separate. While divorce is a way to end a marriage, a couple may choose to separate instead. A separation may allow you to resolve settlement issues as you prepare to end your union. There are a few things to know about separation in North Carolina. A knowledgeable Charlotte divorce attorney will help you through the process.

Separation

Can I Date While Separated in North Carolina?

Published on: November 22, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can I Date While Separated in North Carolina?

You and your spouse have decided to end your marriage. Now, you are in the middle of a divorce, and you are wondering whether you can start dating again. This is a common question, and the answer is not always clear. It is helpful to understand the divorce process in North Carolina and how it will impact your social life. An experienced divorce attorney will guide you through the process to make it easier and less stressful.

Separation Before Divorce

Do We Need to Have a Separation Agreement Before We Get Divorced in North Carolina?

Published on: August 9, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Do We Need to Have a Separation Agreement Before We Get Divorced in North Carolina?

Every state has a set of laws and rules that you must follow when you seek to end your marriage. North Carolina allows for a no-fault divorce, which means that neither party needs to blame the other for the end of their marriage. In order to seek an absolute divorce in North Carolina, there is a requirement for couples to live apart for a period of one year prior to divorce. This is meant to ensure that the couple is certain about their decision to end their union. A knowledgeable divorce attorney will assist you through the separation and divorce process.

Do We Need a Separation Agreement?

Five Common Questions About Divorce in North Carolina

Published on: March 22, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Five Common Questions About Divorce in North Carolina

Couples who are considering divorce may be unsure of what to expect. There are many issues to think about, and it can seem daunting. An experienced North Carolina divorce attorney will answer your questions and guide the process to make it easier and as stress-free as possible.

Can We Get a No-Fault Divorce?

How Do I Begin the Divorce Process?

Published on: December 28, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Do I Begin the Divorce Process?

It can be difficult to make the decision to end your marriage. Once you know that there is no hope for saving the union, you will need to start the divorce process. North Carolina allows for a no-fault divorce, so you can obtain a divorce because you and your spouse have irreconcilable differences. There are two types of divorce, including divorce from bed and board and absolute divorce. When you want to end the marriage completely, you will likely want to file for an absolute divorce. A knowledgeable North Carolina divorce attorney will help guide you through the process of obtaining an absolute divorce.

Required Separation