North Carolina divorce law.

Protecting Your Personal Assets in a Divorce

Published on: July 15, 2026 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

When a couple decides to divorce, one of the main areas of dispute is often the division of property. In North Carolina, the law states that in a divorce, couples must divide their marital assets in a manner that is fair and equitable. Sometimes, spouses may argue over their assets, particularly those that they owned before they got married. It is helpful to understand the differences between separate and marital assets when dividing your property. Protecting your personal assets is a process that should begin before you get married.

Identify Your Assets

It is essential to understand which assets are yours alone and which are considered marital property. Separate property is generally anything you owned prior to marriage. Document your personal assets with receipts, titles, and photos. In particular, you will want to secure proof of purchase date to show that you bought the asset prior to your date of marriage.

Avoid These Five Divorce Mistakes

Published on: January 22, 2025 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Avoid These Five Divorce Mistakes

Divorce is not only stressful, it can also be costly. When you are ending your marriage, you will want to avoid some mistakes that could end up being very costly. Here are five mistakes to avoid when getting a divorce.

Leaving in Haste

Five Things to Know About Spousal Support in North Carolina

Published on: December 11, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Five Things to Know About Spousal Support in North Carolina

Divorce can be difficult and even the most agreeable couples often get into disagreements over the settlement. The main areas of settlement, such as the distribution of assets and child support, can be somewhat straightforward in some instances. What can be in dispute is the financial support of a spouse. Also called alimony, spousal support is sometimes a necessity when one partner is not able to make ends meet without it. A knowledgeable divorce attorney will guide you through the divorce process and assist you with spousal support matters.

Spousal Support is Not Automatic

October is National Domestic Awareness Month

Published on: October 6, 2024 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

October is National Domestic Awareness Month

Domestic violence is a serious issue that impacts many families every year. Victims of domestic violence may have a variety of health and emotional problems that can be long-lasting. Domestic violence is often considered an epidemic. In North Carolina, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some type of violence by an intimate or domestic partner. If you are a victim of domestic violence, report it to the police and seek help through various resources.

What is Domestic Violence?