Gaston County

Is Common Law Marriage Legal?

Published on: November 2, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “How will the judge divide our property?”

Marriage may be less popular today than it was decades ago. Back then, cohabitation was frowned upon and people were not likely to have children outside of marriage. Over the last 40 years, societal norms and conventions have changed and it is perfectly acceptable for couples to live together and even become parents outside of marriage. Many times, couples live together for a period of time before they get married. Other times, couples continue to cohabitate without ever taking marriage vows. While living together without formally getting married may suit a couple, it can make it more difficult if they decide to part ways.

Gray Divorce

Published on: October 26, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “How should I prepare if I intend to file for divorce in the near future?”

Divorce rates have been on the decline for the last decade or more. For those that end in divorce, the median length of the first marriage is about 12 years. While the divorce rate on average is going down, the divorce rate among older individuals is actually rising. Baby boomers are continuing to divorce at a higher rate than those who are younger. Baby boomers are those people who were born between 1946 and 1964. If you are ending your marriage, you may want to seek guidance from a knowledgeable divorce attorney.

Five Common Divorce Mistakes to Avoid

Published on: October 19, 2022 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “Should I delete old posts or censor new posts while going through a divorce?”

The divorce process can be an emotional and overwhelming experience. This is especially true for those who are going through a divorce for the first time. You may not know what to expect and might be angry and stressed out over the entire ordeal. It is helpful to know some of the most common divorce mistakes to avoid so you can have a more balanced and realistic approach to the process. An experienced divorce attorney will answer your questions and guide the procedure from start to finish.

Are Separation Agreements Mandatory in North Carolina?

Published on: December 18, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: ” Is there some property that the judge cannot divide?”

If you are considering a legal separation in Charlotte or other parts of North Carolina, you probably have many questions on your mind. The most reasonable questions to ask are, “Do I need a separation agreement?” and “Do I need a Charlotte divorce attorney to draft the agreement, or are there other ways to negotiate and prepare this document?”