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...
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...
Maybe. It depends on the circumstances, such as whether leaving them with you was intended to be temporary and whether they have remained involved in their children’s lives. When grandparents seek custody, however, there is usually something serious going on. Your...
First of all, let us say that we understand how frantic you must feel. It’s an urgent situation and your spouse is very likely violating your rights. You need to talk to an attorney as soon as possible. During the separation period before a North Carolina divorce,...
Co-parenting when you live in different states takes both sensitive parenting and clear communication. Especially if the kids spend the entire school year with one parent, the other parent may feel they are missing their children’s childhood. It’s harder for the kids,...
Divorce and child custody mediation are required by North Carolina law. The good thing is, they are also usually a good idea. The best way to take advantage of mediation is to prepare in advance so you know what you want to negotiate toward. A divorce trial is...
North Carolina law doesn’t require a separation agreement before you can get a divorce, so why get one? Isn’t it just an added expense? No, it's not just an added expense. You should definitely negotiate a separation agreement, and a good one may well pay for itself....
No. If you want parental rights, you need to file a paternity action. This doesn’t have to be acrimonious. Your girlfriend or ex-girlfriend might not oppose the action. You may already have acknowledged paternity at the hospital. If you did, you probably have a Child...
You probably know that you will face early withdrawal penalties and taxes if you take money out of your 401(k) before you reach retirement age. You probably also know that your 401(k) account will be divided in your divorce. If you were to write your spouse a check...
Did you know that most divorce attorneys see a surge in business as soon as January rolls around? It’s true. January is, by far, the most popular month to call a lawyer about getting a divorce. How much does it happen? Some family law attorneys report as much as a...
