Mecklenburg County Divorce

Are North Carolina Divorce Laws Changing? Senate Bill 626

Published on: October 21, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Are Divorce Changes Coming to North Carolina?

Changes to North Carolina divorce laws are under consideration. North Carolina provides for absolute divorce when couples meet the criteria. Our state currently has one of the strictest requirements of all the states, stipulating that couples must live apart for a period of at least one full year prior to filing for divorce. Most states do not have any separation requirement while in a handful of states couples must live apart for a period of time. Legislation was introduced in North Carolina that would change the divorce criteria.

What are the Current North Carolina Divorce Requirements?

Who Keeps the Family Pet in a North Carolina Divorce?

Published on: October 14, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Who Keeps the Family Pet in a Divorce?

Pets are important to families. According to research by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), about 71% of U.S. households own dogs and 53% own cats. Many families have multiple pets. You may look at your pet as a beloved family member and wonder how you will determine which spouse will keep the pet after divorce. Pets, unlike children, are not part of custody or visitation orders in a divorce.

Pets are Considered Property

Contested Divorce in North Carolina: Property, Custody & Resolution

Published on: October 7, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Dealing With a Contested Divorce in North Carolina

Divorce can be stressful, even in the best of circumstances. When divorce is contested, it can become arduous. The courts expect parties to work through difficult settlement terms to come to an agreement. This is not always easy and, at times, can be contentious. When parties disagree about the settlement terms of divorce, it is considered a contested divorce. An experienced North Carolina divorce attorney will assist you in making the process easier.

What is a Contested Divorce?

New Survey Ranks Cities According To Divorce Rate

Published on: February 2, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold being interviewed on the Legal Forum. This was recorded in Charlotte, North Carolina. Topics discussed include: How to choose a divorce lawyer? How long does a divorce take? How much does a divorce cost? When can a person get an annulment?

A recent survey by a company called FindTheHome set out to rank cities according to divorce rates. Specifically, the survey sought to identify the one city in each state with the most divorces, dubbing the city that state’s “capital of divorce.” The ranking was just released and the results indicate that in North Carolina, the capital is located in Thomasville.

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.