prenup

Can an Unmarried Father Get Visitation of His Child?

Published on: September 27, 2023 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Can an Unmarried Father Get Visitation of His Child?

The societal trends of families in the United States have changed quite a bit over the last 50 years. While families in the mid-1900s were composed mainly of married parents, that is not always the case today. The number of unmarried fathers has doubled over the last half-century. About 1 in 5 children are living with their unmarried mother. This means that unmarried fathers must take steps to seek visitation with their children.

Unfortunately, without a legal order, mothers are not required to allow an unmarried father to spend time with their child. A father should seek a court order to ensure that they get regular visits with their child. Before you can take legal action, you must establish that you are the child’s biological father.

Do I Have to Share My Inheritance in a Divorce?

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

Do I Have to Share My Inheritance in a Divorce?

When you divorce, you know that you will need to share your property and divide it between each of you. While you hoped your marriage would last forever, you are now facing the fact that your union is coming to an end. Both you and your spouse need to abide by the law while also making sure that you each receive the property that you are entitled to from your marriage, including any inheritance. An experienced North Carolina divorce attorney will help guide the process and assist you through a fair uncoupling.

Division of Property in North Carolina

Do We Need a Prenuptial Agreement?

Published on: October 27, 2021 | 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?”

Your wedding is approaching and you are focusing on the many arrangements that you must make for your special day. One thing you might not be thinking about is a prenuptial agreement. While you may feel that a prenup is an admission that the marriage could end, it is actually more like an insurance policy that can protect both parties in case the union results in divorce. Nobody likes to think about divorce, especially at the start of your marriage, but it is something that could happen down the road and it is good to be prepared.

Five Things to Consider When Divorcing in Your 20s

Published on: November 11, 2020 | 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?”

While many millennials are delaying marriage, it is not rare for people to get married in their mid-20s nowadays. However, not all marriages are meant to last forever, which is why many couples in their 20s end up getting divorced.

How to Get a Premarital Agreement in North Carolina

Published on: July 24, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: ” If I remarry, can they look at my new spouse’s income?”

Making the decision to get married is an exciting time for any couple. It is common for couples to not want to temper that excitement by bringing up the subject of money, property, and what belongs to whom in the event of a divorce. Premarital agreements, more commonly referred to as prenuptial agreements, can help couples plan for the future and actually bring more security into a marriage. Consider it this way. Marriage is already a contract. Having a premarital agreement simply gives the couple more control over that contract than the courts.

Do I Need a Postnuptial Agreement?

Published on: January 16, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What does uncontested divorce mean?”

You have probably heard of a prenuptial agreement (“prenup”) – an agreement entered into by soon-to-be married couples to protect their assets. Prenuptial agreements are not the only agreements that couples have that can protect their assets. A postnuptial agreement (“postnup”) is entered into after a couple has already gotten married. A postnup can be just as important as a prenup. There are many reasons that a couple might want to enter into a postnuptial agreement.

Reasons to Consider a Prenup Before Marriage

Published on: July 18, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “How Can I protect myself from my spouses spending habits?”

Prenuptial agreements often have a bad reputation. Marriage is “supposed” to be the union of two people who are in love and want to be married forever. When a prenuptial agreement is discussed, people often think of one spouse who is financially better off protecting his or her money in the event that the marriage ends in divorce. They think that it is a sign that the marriage will not last or be successful. This is not true. A prenuptial agreement (“prenup”) is a contract entered into before marriage that will serve as a guide in the event that a divorce happens. While people do not want to think that their marriage will end someday, it is smart to plan for all contingencies and possibilities.

Dangerous Myths About Prenuptial Agreements

Published on: May 30, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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

Most engaged couples are not thinking that their marriage will end in divorce. However, many couples enter into prenuptial agreements to protect their assets in the event the marriage should end in divorce.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Forgo A Prenup

Published on: March 28, 2018 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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

It is a fairly common practice in the United States to consider a prenup before marriage. This is especially true if you are rich and/or famous and have substantial assets to protect. The goal of the prenup is to shield these assets so that they remain safe in the event of a divorce. Though prenups are not just for those with lots of cash in the bank, wealthy individuals are especially well served by considering the drafting of such an agreement.

Experts Say Postnuptial Agreements Are Increasing In Popularity

Published on: May 3, 2017 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

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

Though you’ve likely heard of a prenup, either from a friend, a relative or in popular culture, postnups aren’t nearly as common. Though a much newer invention, experts in the family law business say they’re beginning to catch on, with large numbers of family law attorneys reporting an increase in interest from clients. What is a postnup? How does it work? Is there any value? To learn more, keep reading.