contested custody

Why is January Known as National Divorce Month?

Published on: January 10, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Why is January Known as National Divorce Month?

A new year is here, and with it comes changes, resolutions, and, in some cases, divorce. Many people refer to January as an unofficial divorce month. Certainly, January seems to be a month when more couples make the decision to end their marriages. Divorce is not something that couples take lightly. Most couples contemplate divorce for some time before they decide to move forward with the process. If you are ready to end your union, you may want to discuss the matter with a qualified divorce attorney in North Carolina.

Why is January a Popular Month for Divorce?

Who Keeps the Dog in a Divorce?

Published on: January 3, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Who Keeps the Dog in a Divorce?

Your pets are part of your family. Often, couples have pets before they have children, and sometimes they have pets instead of kids. Most households own some type of pet. In fact, pet ownership has increased significantly over the last 30 years. As of 2023, about 66% of households in the United States are home to a pet. That equates to about almost 90 million homes. When couples divorce, they need to decide which one will keep the family pet.

Pets are Property

How Do I Change My Name Back When I Get Divorced?

Published on: December 27, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Do I Change My Name Back When I Get Divorced?

When you get married, it is customary to take your husband’s last name. In some cases, you may even choose to hyphenate your new and old names to form your new surname. If you later divorce, you may wish to return to using your original last name. If you want to return to the last name you had prior to getting married, you will need to know the steps to take to achieve this change.

Resumption of Pre-Marital Surname

Military Divorce FAQ

Published on: December 6, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Military Divorce FAQ

The decision to end your marriage is a difficult one, and that holds true whether you are in the military or not. When one or both of you are serving in the military, it can bring up some questions. You may wonder about the steps to divorce and how being in the military will impact your separation and ultimate divorce. Here are answers to some of the most common military divorce questions. If you are considering divorce, you will want to seek legal guidance from an experienced divorce attorney.

Is Military Divorce More Complicated Than Typical Divorces?

What is Spousal Abandonment?

Published on: November 29, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is Spousal Abandonment?

Every state in the country now has no-fault divorce in place. No-fault divorce means that neither party needs to blame the other for the end of their marriage. In North Carolina, spouses may decide to seek a no-fault divorce, but what happens when one spouse abandons the other? If a spouse leaves the marital home and does not intend to return, one partner may have abandoned the other. The partner who is left behind may need to take steps to end the union by seeking a divorce. An experienced North Carolina divorce attorney will assist you through the process from start to finish.

What is Abandonment?

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

Divorced Parents Guide to Co-Parenting Through the Holidays

Published on: November 15, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Divorced Parents Guide to Co-Parenting Through the Holidays

The holidays are times to celebrate with family, but if you are recently divorced or newly separated, this time of year can be extremely stressful. You are learning to navigate parenting from a new perspective, and at the same time, you are trying to provide your kids with stability and traditions. There are some tips you can use to help you get through this challenging time with your family.

Follow Your Parenting Plan

Can Remarriage Impact an Existing Child Support Order?

Published on: November 8, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can Remarriage Impact an Existing Child Support Order?

One of the most important of all divorce settlement terms is the child support order. Generally, when a couple divorces, the children will reside primarily with one parent while the other parent has regular visitation. Child support is payment made by the non-custodial parent for the care of their child. Child support typically becomes part of a court order and is therefore required as per the order. Sometimes, a divorced parent remarries, and they may wonder whether their new marital status will have any impact on their existing child support order.

Child Support Guidelines

Cohabitation in North Carolina: What You Need to Know

Published on: November 1, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Cohabitation in North Carolina: What You Need to Know

Many couples choose to live together before they get married. The number of people who cohabitate has been rising steadily over the last 30 years. Many couples try living together as a prerequisite to marriage. It is estimated that as many as 75% of married couples lived together before they tied the knot. However, cohabitation does not always result in marriage. There are some things to consider when you decide to live with someone to whom you are not married.

Cohabitation is Not Legal in North Carolina

What is a Bifurcated Divorce?

Published on: October 25, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is a Bifurcated Divorce?

Bifurcation is the division of something into two parts. Most people have never heard of a bifurcated divorce until hearing it in relation to celebrity divorces in the news. One of the most famous bifurcated divorces was between Kim Kardashian and Kayne West. A bifurcated divorce allows you to split the division of property and assets from the legal end of your marriage. This option allows you to deal with the divorce settlement issues separately after you are already legally divorced. While it is not often utilized, a couple may opt for a bifurcated divorce in some instances.

Reasons for Bifurcated Divorce