co-parenting

What is Conscious Co-Parenting?

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

What is Conscious Co-Parenting?

Divorce can take its toll on all members of the family. Parents often worry that divorce will cause their children irreparable emotional harm. Parents need to be mindful of how they handle the many issues revolving around divorce so they make the process as easy for children as possible. One way to help kids through the separation and divorce period and beyond is with a technique called conscious co-parenting. Co-parenting is an arrangement of custody in which both parents share time with their children.

https://youtu.be/oo-2SF8ZU3Y

Divorced Parent Guide to Preparing for the School Year

Published on: October 9, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Divorced Parent Guide to Preparing for the School Year

Summer is quickly coming to a close, and school will start soon. Whether you are separated, newly divorced, or have been divorced for some time, you and your former spouse will need to work together to prepare for the upcoming school year. It is essential to establish routines and make the school year as easy and stress-free for your child as possible.

Implement a New Routine

Is Common Law Marriage Legal in North Carolina?

Published on: September 25, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Is Common Law Marriage Legal in North Carolina?

Marriage is less common than it used to be. Today, many more couples decide to live together without getting married. Some people live together as a trial before they wed, while others simply choose to cohabitate. Couples who live together generally do not have any of the benefits of marriage. However, in some states, if you live together as a couple long enough, you will automatically have a common law marriage. Not all states recognize common law marriage.

https://youtu.be/CM1ST8JOk7I

Tips for Navigating Divorce

Published on: September 11, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Tips for Navigating Divorce

Divorce can be one of the most stressful times in your life. Unless you have been divorced before, you may not know what to expect from the process. You might be feeling scared and unsure of how to navigate the process in a way that will be best for you and your family. A knowledgeable divorce attorney will help guide you through the procedure. Here are some tips for getting through the end of your marriage.

https://youtu.be/tnLTRpboTAw?si=UVXsEEP2wAstqK80

Can I Make Changes to a Divorce Decree in North Carolina?

Published on: August 28, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can I Make Changes to a Divorce Decree in North Carolina?

Divorce happens in at least a third of marriages. When you go through the divorce process, you and your spouse will agree on the major issues, called settlement terms. Once the divorce is final, the judge issues a divorce decree. The order provides for how to divide marital property, matters regarding child custody and visitation, and alimony, among others. When a divorce is final, both parties must abide by the order. If you violate the order, you could suffer legal consequences. So, what happens if you feel you need to make changes to the divorce order?

https://youtu.be/HJxjxQDbq-8?si=NGHZsIanHXI8Z7gw

Can a Parent Move Out of State With Their Child After Divorce?

Published on: August 21, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can a Parent Move Out of State With Their Child After Divorce?

Divorcing with children brings many complications. One of the most important considerations is where your children will reside. While the law assumes both mothers and fathers are equally able to care for their children, in most instances, the children will reside primarily with one parent while the other parent will have regular visits. In today’s fluid society, many people move around the country, whether for work or personal reasons. What happens when one parent wants to move out of state with their children?

https://youtu.be/Li7s3lKCflA?si=U0MRrIbMtVGwz6GI

Dividing Marital Debt in North Carolina

Published on: July 31, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Dividing Marital Debt in North Carolina

Going through a divorce can be one of the most challenging things you will ever do. Sometimes, even the most harmonious divorces can turn ugly. This is especially true when it comes to financial matters such as the distribution of assets and distribution of assets. Most couples have at least some debt. When a couple divorces, it can be difficult for them to handle debt alone. It is best to address marital debt concerns as soon as possible. An experienced divorce attorney will guide you through the process.

https://youtu.be/rh-6brVop4E?si=uA8iGIYnutHKWsKG

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

Grandparent Visitation in North Carolina

Published on: June 19, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Grandparent Visitation in North Carolina

Grandparents play a special role in the lives of their grandchildren. Children have special memories of their grandparents that last a lifetime. The love and care of a grandparent cannot be replaced. Grandparents form unique bonds with their grandchildren that are essential to kids. While most grandparents are able to see their grandchildren on a regular basis, there are times when a grandparent may be denied visitation. Many people wonder whether grandparents have visitation rights in North Carolina.

Do Grandparents Have Rights?

Who Pays for College After Divorce?

Published on: June 12, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Who Pays for College After Divorce?

Divorce involves a lot of compromises, and you must make decisions about how you will divide up your assets and property. Even more important are decisions regarding your children. Typically in North Carolina, both parents are equally responsible for their children, and both are able to make legal decisions such as those regarding school, health care, and religion, among others. Children usually reside primarily with one parent while the other parent has visitation and pays child support. Parents may wonder who will pay for their children’s college costs when they are divorced.

Child Support Guidelines