When a parent is considering divorce, their most common concern is how it will affect their children. The truth is divorce will affect your children, but you have some say over how. If you and your spouse consistently put your children’s needs first during and after...
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Do I have to list my ex-spouse on my child’s school forms?
In North Carolina, as in most states, the law favors joint legal custody for divorced or separated parents. This means that generally, both parents have equal rights when it comes to making major decisions about their children's health, education, and welfare....
Top financial issues that affect marriage
Marriage is a beautiful and fulfilling union between two individuals, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. Financial issues are one of the most significant challenges that can strain a marriage. Money problems can cause stress, arguments and even lead to...
Are child support orders enforced across state lines?
Yes. All 50 states, including North Carolina, have passed a law called the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), which makes it possible to quickly enforce child support orders across state lines, when necessary. The UIFSA simplified the process for doing so,...
Do I have to pay child support if I have full custody of my kids?
The answer is probably no, but it depends on what you mean by having full custody. In North Carolina, there are two types of child custody: legal and physical. You could have full legal custody and still owe child support if your ex has shared physical custody....
Is alimony only for women?
Not at all. Whether or not you get alimony (“spousal support”) depends on your financial position in the marriage and whether it would be fair, under the circumstances, to grant alimony. North Carolina’s alimony statute does not refer to spouses by their gender. It...
What is parental alienation syndrome and what legally can be done about it?
Parental alienation syndrome (PAS) is a somewhat controversial psychological term, but what it describes is real enough. PAS sometimes happens during or after a contentious divorce or custody case. PAS is when children “programmed by the allegedly ‘loved’ parent,...
Can you get sued for child support without a paternity test?
Yes, but you’re probably going to be taking a paternity test if there is a question about whether you are the biological parent. A woman who claims an unmarried man is the father of her child can sue him for child support. If the alleged father’s paternity is not...
Engaged? A premarital agreement can build financial intimacy
If you’re getting married, congratulations! Now, let’s talk about why you (both) need a premarital agreement (“a prenup”). If you haven’t noticed this already, you will soon enough. You and your fiancé(e) may love each other deeply. You may have a lot in common. You...
3 ways to split time with the kids during spring break
When you have children together and divorce, you will need to decide how to fairly divide your time parenting – and that includes holidays and school breaks. Spring break is special because it’s often a convenient time to take a week-long holiday with the kids. Spring...
