Separation & Divorce

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Does It Matter in a Divorce If One Spouse Was the “Breadwinner” During Marriage?

March 31, 2016

A common refrain that attorneys hear during the divorce process is: “I earned all the money during the marriage, so why should I have to give my ex half of everything I own?” Employment income that is earned during the marriage and before the date of separation is considered marital income, regardless of which spouse earned it. North Carolina equitable distribution laws are based upon the concept that marriage is a partnership in which both…

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How Is the Date of Separation Determined (And Why Is It Important)?

February 29, 2016

The date of separation is determined by the actual date that the parties begin living separate and apart from each other in separate residences. Establishing separate bedrooms while living in the same house does not count toward the period of separation. The date of separation is an important date in matters related to divorce. In North Carolina, before a legal action for absolute divorce can be filed, the parties must be physically separated for at…

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Five Tips to Help You Survive Divorce

December 7, 2015

Marital relationships may take years to completely unravel. Spouses often make the final break after many unsuccessful attempts to salvage their marriage. Yet most people are surprisingly unprepared when the inevitable separation occurs. The decisions that you make during the divorce process can have serious and long-term consequences. Therefore, it is crucial that you make rational and informed decisions. The following are five tips to help you survive the emotional, financial, and legal realities of…

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Can My Spouse and I Use the Same Divorce Attorney?

November 17, 2015

When spouses separate, there may be many legal issues that arise in connection with their marital separation, including child custody, child support, spousal support, and equitable distribution of marital property and debts, as well as the actual “absolute” divorce. Divorcing spouses often look for ways to reduce their legal expenses and may wonder if they can use one attorney to prepare their separation agreement and/or obtain their divorce. In North Carolina, the answer is “no.”…

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What Is Cohabitation and How Will It Affect My Alimony?

November 2, 2015

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When alimony is paid pursuant to the terms of an order entered by a North Carolina Court, then North Carolina law governs the conditions under which the alimony terminates. Under North Carolina law, alimony shall terminate upon the first to occur of the following: (1) the date, time period, or circumstances specified by the court in its order, (2) the death of either the supporting spouse or the dependent spouse; (3) the dependent spouse’s remarriage;…

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