It used to be quite rare for people over 50 to divorce, but times are changing. Between 1990 and 2009, the divorce rate among people 50 and older doubled. In 1990, the divorce rate among that group was about 1 in 10. By 2009, it was one in four. So if you’re...
A Brighter Future Awaits.
Family Law
Do I get full legal custody if my ex has been absent for a while?
It’s not automatic, but you may be able to get full legal custody, depending on how long your ex has been absent and the reason for that absence. The first step is to consult with an attorney who knows how the system works. The difference between legal and physical...
If you have kids, summer is a little different after a divorce
Who doesn’t love summer? It’s a chance for kids to run through the sprinklers on hot days. There could be time at the beach or at the local pool. It’s for freedom and ice cream. For parents who have broken up, things may not always seem so rosy. You’re working for...
How long does it really take to get a divorce in North Carolina?
We hate to do it to you, but the answer is “it depends.” There are a lot of factors at work in determining how long a divorce will take. Some of them you can control, while others may be unavoidable. First, there are time limits in the law. To get divorced in North...
When can I get an annulment in North Carolina?
An annulment is different from a divorce. Where a divorce declares the marriage to be dissolved, an annulment declares that the marriage never happened. There is a lot of rumor and misinformation about annulments. For example, annulment is not a way for people who...
My ex got emergency custody of my children but there is no danger
If your children’s other parent has obtained an emergency custody order for your kids, you are probably outraged, especially if your kids were in no danger to begin with. Unfortunately, it’s not unheard of for parents to make false allegations in an effort to gain...
Does my ex have to keep supporting our adult child with a disability?
Unfortunately, the answer is, “it depends.” In North Carolina, parents are only legally obligated to support their children until they graduate from high school or turn 20, whichever comes first. However, your custody order may contain an agreement that support will...
I just moved to North Carolina. Does my old custody order still apply?
If you had a child custody order from your prior state, you may be wondering if it still applies. Will you have to go through new child custody proceedings in North Carolina, now that you have moved here? No. However, it’s a good idea to register the order from your...
Can I make changes to my child custody order?
A child custody order is a court order, so you’re not allowed to deviate from it unless both parties agree or it is changed by the court. That said, it’s not meant to be set in stone. Sometimes, a change in circumstances makes it necessary to change your custody...
Why is it called ‘emergency custody’ if I can’t get a hearing right away?
Something bad has happened. Your kids’ other parent has put them in jeopardy or is threatening to take them out of state. There’s got to be something you can do to help your kids, right? There is. If your children are in imminent danger of bodily injury or sexual...
