no fault divorce

How Long Will an Uncontested Divorce Take in North Carolina?

Published on: January 24, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How Long Will an Uncontested Divorce Take in North Carolina?

When you make the decision to end your marriage, you and your spouse will begin the divorce process. In North Carolina, absolute divorce is the name given to divorce that ends your marriage. You may be hoping to dissolve your union as quickly as possible, and you might wonder how long it will take to complete an uncontested divorce in North Carolina. The length of time can vary greatly from couple to couple, and there are various factors that will contribute to the time it takes to get a divorce.

Uncontested Divorce in North Carolina

What to Know About No-Fault Divorce in North Carolina

Published on: January 17, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What to Know About No-Fault Divorce in North Carolina

When you and your partner tie the knot, you do not expect it to end in divorce. The last thing you think about is going through life without your partner. Unfortunately, sometimes marriages do not work out. If you have explored your options and tried to resolve your issues, you may still come to the conclusion that you wish to go your separate ways. The decision to divorce is not an easy one, but it is made easier with the ability to seek a no-fault divorce in North Carolina.

What is No-Fault Divorce?

What is the Parent Education Program in North Carolina?

Published on: December 20, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is the Parent Education Program in North Carolina?

As a parent, you are responsible for the care and well-being of your children. When you divorce, you and your spouse are both generally required to continue to provide for your children. Often, parents share custody of their children. This means that they are both responsible for legal and physical custody of their kids. Sharing parental responsibilities can be challenging, especially in situations where you and your spouse are not getting along. North Carolina provides some guidance in the form of a parent education program that can be helpful to parents who are separating or divorcing.

Parent Education Program

Can a Child Choose Which Parent to Live With After a Divorce?

Published on: December 13, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can a Child Choose Which Parent to Live With After a Divorce?

Divorce can create a difficult situation for families. Generally, parents both have legal custody of their children and can make important decisions regarding their health, education, and more. Typically, a child will reside with one parent and have regular visitation with the other. The parent where the child resides is often called the primary custodial parent. Many parents wonder whether their child is allowed to choose which parent they wish to live with when they get divorced.

Where Will a Child Reside After Divorce?

Can a Child Choose Which Parent to Live With in a Divorce?

Published on: June 21, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can a Child Choose Which Parent to Live With in a Divorce?

Divorcing while having children can be challenging and stressful, not just for the parents, but also for the kids. Generally, parents share legal custody of their children after divorce. Legal custody allows a parent to make important decisions on behalf of the child. When it comes to physical custody, where the child resides, one parent is typically the primary custodial parent, and the other parent has regular visitation. Parents and courts will decide where children will live after their parents’ divorce, but many wonder whether the child has the option to choose his or her preference.

Child Custody: The Best Interest of the Child

What are the Most Common Divorce Mistakes?

Published on: June 14, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What are the Most Common Divorce Mistakes?

Divorce is one of the most difficult and emotionally draining times in your life. When you say “I do,” you do not expect the marriage to end. Yet almost half of all first marriages end in divorce. The decision to divorce starts a process that can be stressful. It can be even harder if you make mistakes along the way. There are some common mistakes that you can avoid to make your divorce easier, faster, and less tense. An experienced divorce attorney will answer your questions and help you through the process.

Failure to Communicate

What Factors Determine Child Support in North Carolina?

Published on: May 31, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What Factors Determine Child Support in North Carolina?

When parents’ divorce, they must still care for their children. Generally, parents share legal custody of their children, and they are both able to make important decisions on behalf of their children. Often, children reside with one parent while they have regularly scheduled visits with the other. When a child lives with one parent most of the time, that parent is said to have primary physical custody. The other parent is the non-custodial parent. Usually, the non-custodial parent pays child support for the care of their child.

What is Child Support?

The Engagement is Off – Do I Need to Return the Engagement Ring?

Published on: May 24, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

The Engagement is Off – Do I Need to Return the Engagement Ring?

The day you get engaged is only eclipsed by your wedding day. Your engagement is the beginning of your new life together and the start of planning for the big day. The engagement ring is one of the most well-known symbols of love in our society. The engagement ring is a way to show that you are betrothed and that you are in a committed relationship. Unfortunately, if you end your engagement, the wedding will not take place. If that happens, do you need to return the engagement ring?

Gift in Contemplation of Marriage

What is the Difference Between Joint and Sole Child Custody?

Published on: May 17, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

What is the Difference Between Joint and Sole Child Custody?

When parents’ divorce, they still have the responsibility of raising their children. Divorce can make parenting more challenging. Both parents are still part of their children’s lives and must still provide for them. Both parents generally have legal custody of their children. Legal custody means that you are allowed to make decisions on behalf of your child, such as those regarding education, religion, and medical needs. Parents may have joint or sole physical custody of their child.

Physical Child Custody

How is Spousal Support Determined in North Carolina?

Published on: May 10, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

How is Spousal Support Determined in North Carolina?

When a couple divorces, they must divide their marital property in half. Each party walks away with half of their assets. In some cases, one spouse needs money from the other for their ongoing living expenses. This money is called spousal support, maintenance, or alimony. Spousal support is not automatic. In order to obtain support, the judge must have evidence to prove that the spouse needs the money. It is helpful to understand how the courts determine spousal support in North Carolina.

Is Spousal Support Necessary?