protect assets

What is Marital Separation in North Carolina?

Published on: October 20, 2021 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “Do I have to be living separately to meet with a lawyer about divorce?”

Going through a separation and divorce can be a painful time in your life. Once you and your spouse decide to end your marriage, the first step is to separate. You and your spouse must physically separate for a period of a year before you can get an absolute divorce in North Carolina. While a couple may decide to separate, they may not always do so with a document. However, a separation agreement is often helpful in protecting your rights and reducing disputes during the divorce process.

Things to Consider Before Entering Into a Prenuptial Agreement

Published on: August 28, 2019 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “What does a “No-Fault’ divorce mean in NC?”

You work hard and have achieved your desired level of success. It is understandable that you would want to protect your assets. For many, the decision to enter into a prenuptial agreement is not an easy one. In addition to shielding what you have from spousal acquisition, you have to consider the feelings of your significant other. How will he or she react? Will your soon-to-be spouse be offended at the suggestion? Discussing the matter frankly and openly has the potential to cause unwanted turmoil in your relationship.

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.

When it comes to prenups, let ‘Brangelina’ be an example

Published on: September 28, 2016 | On behalf of Arnold & Smith, PLLC

Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: “Can I get the judge to order my spouse to pay my attorney’s fees in a property division case?”

Though initial reports indicated that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie did not have a prenuptial agreement, that appears to have been inaccurate. Various papers are now reporting the two signed an agreement before marrying which lays out how their assets will be divided in the event of an eventual divorce. Though some feel the approach may not be the most romantic, it’s certainly useful, especially in the case of Brad and Angelina who some experts believe have a combined marital estate worth upwards of $400 million.