Mecklenburg

What are ‘Red Flag Laws?’ Does North Carolina Need Them?

Published on: May 15, 2019 | Matthew R. Arnold, Esq.

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: ” I’m not getting along with my husband. We’ve been married two weeks and it was a mistake. Can’t I just get an annulment?”

Domestic violence is a serious issue across the United States. Unfortunately, abuse of a partner is all too common and individuals suffer every day because of it. Studies show that approximately 20,000 people make a call to a domestic violence hotline each year. There is not one single type of person who is likely to be an abuser or likely to be abused. However, studies have shown that there are factors that can increase the likelihood that an abused individual will be seriously injured or even killed.

What Not to do at a Custody Hearing

Published on: May 8, 2019 | Matthew R. Arnold, Esq.

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What can I do to gain custody of my child in North Carolina?”

Fighting for the custody of your children can be extremely difficult. Not only can court proceedings be difficult to understand, but the emotional toll of not knowing what the custody outcome will be can weigh on parents. An experienced family law attorney will help guide you through the process of obtaining custody in North Carolina. While an attorney can help you, there are still things that you can do to help. Specifically, there are actions that you can avoid during a custody hearing that could help your case.

The Role of Smartphones and Technology in Domestic Abuse

Published on: May 1, 2019 | Matthew R. Arnold, Esq.

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “How is social media evidence used in divorce proceedings?”

Domestic violence is a serious issue that plagues many, many people all over the world. When the victim of abuse finds the strength to leave a dangerous situation, it is something to applaud. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to leave an abusive situation, and the ways in which abuse can happen have only increased overtime. Domestic violence abusers have found new ways to inflict abuse on their partners. A big part of domestic violence abusers’ tactics is instilling fear into their victims. Recent technological advancements have provided more opportunities for abusers to spy on their victims and make them feel afraid.

Do I Need My Spouse’s Consent for a Divorce?

Published on: April 24, 2019 | Matthew R. Arnold, Esq.

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “How can an attorney help me with my Divorce or Separation in North Carolina?”

We live in a society in which nearly 50% of all marriages end in divorce. Sometimes two people choose to end their marriage amicably after realizing that the marriage is no longer working. The couple then files for divorce and parts ways without a lot of drama. The divorce process turns much more contentious when one spouse is not cooperative or on board with the divorce proceedings. In North Carolina, you do not need the consent of your spouse to move forward with divorce proceedings. Only one person’s consent is required to file for divorce. While one person can move forward with a divorce, there are often other questions and concerns that can pop up during a divorce when only one spouse has consented.

Tips for Going to Family Court

Published on: April 17, 2019 | Matthew R. Arnold, Esq.

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: ” I’m considering separating from my spouse; what actions should I refrain from doing?”

The day you have anxiously anticipated and prepared for is here: It is finally your day in court to settle your divorce. You have likely been waiting many months for this day and your attorney has prepared for hours and hours for every contingency. It can be scary to finally set foot in a courtroom; you have endured hours of interviews, depositions, settlement negotiations, and other proceedings to prepare for a judge to make a determination. Below are tips to keep in mind before going into family court to ensure the best possible outcome.

What is Parental Kidnapping?

Published on: April 10, 2019 | Matthew R. Arnold, Esq.

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “Can I keep my Kids from seeing the other parent?”

Hearing the word kidnapping in relation to your child can be utterly terrifying. When most people hear the term kidnapping, they probably think of a stranger abducting a child. Most people do not think of a kidnapping happening by one of the child’s own parents. They might think that a parent cannot kidnap his or her own child. However, parental kidnapping happens more frequently than one might think. In fact, parental kidnappings are not uncommon. Studies estimate that over the course of a year, 200,000 children were kidnapped by their own family members. An average of 800,000 children go missing each year. This breaks down to an average of about 2,000 children a day going missing.

Domestic Violence vs. Civil Harassment: What is the Difference?

Published on: April 3, 2019 | Matthew R. Arnold, Esq.

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “Can I keep my Kids from seeing the other parent?”

Every crime has a set of elements that must be met in order for an individual to be charged with that crime. While every crime is unique with its specific elements, some crimes might seem so similar that it is difficult to distinguish between them. Two of those crimes are domestic violence and civil harassment. The two may seem similar, but each has distinct characteristics. Each must be examined separately so that the elements and concepts behind each are clear and it can be determined which charge is appropriate in a given case.

Setting Boundaries in Your Divorce

Published on: March 27, 2019 | Matthew R. Arnold, Esq.

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: ” I’m considering separating from my spouse; what actions should I refrain from doing?”

Going through a divorce or separation in North Carolina can be extremely difficult. It can be hard to come to terms with the fact that your marriage is ending and you are starting a new chapter of your life. Regardless of whether the divorce is filled with contention or you and your ex have come to a mutual decision to amicably end the marriage, there will likely be some issues. Divorce does not just end your marriage; it also changes your entire life. Even if you are on the best of terms with your soon to be ex-spouse, it is important to set boundaries with him or her as you transition to life after divorce.

What Happens to My Bank Account After Divorce?

Published on: March 20, 2019 | Matthew R. Arnold, Esq.

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

It is not uncommon for couples who get married to have a joint bank account. A joint bank account makes paying for shared expenses easier than having to go through two separate accounts. What happens to the funds in this account, however, in the event that a couple gets divorced? When a couple files for divorce, a judge will need to examine the money in the account to determine if it is joint property or the property of the individual.

Adoption by Stepparents in North Carolina

Published on: March 13, 2019 | Matthew R. Arnold, Esq.

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What can I do to gain custody of my child in North Carolina?”

Adoption is beautiful. Whether a family is adopting a child from foster care or a stepparent is adopting a child from the blended family, adoption is usually a process filled with happiness and love. However, the process of adopting another individual can also be difficult and confusing, especially for those step-parents who want to adopt a child. With the number of divorces occurring all across the United States, it is not surprising that there are more stepparents than ever who want to adopt the children they have helped in raising.