How to Protect your Inheritance from your Spouse During a Divorce

Black and white image of an apple sliced in half with forks protruding from each of the halves denoting equal distribution and splitting of marital property

If you have received an inheritance, or a gift, or anticipate receiving either in the future, you may be wondering how you can protect it from your spouse in the event of a separation and divorce. In North Carolina when spouses divorce all property acquired by either spouse during the marriage is automatically presumed to…

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How Separate Property Can Become Marital Property

Image of a single toothbrush on a white field depicting the idea of separate personal property.

Transmutation is a term used in family law to describe property that has been transformed from a party’s separate property into marital property.In the context of equitable distribution, the term “separate property” refers to property that is owned by one spouse individually.

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What Happens When a Marital Asset Is Titled in the Name of a Business or Third Party?

Image of a toy, possibly a model, of a bright red antique truck filled with colorful tools depicting the idea of property belonging to a family that might be titled by a business or third party

In North Carolina, property that is owned at the date of separation by either spouse, individually or jointly, is presumed to be marital property. But, what happens when a business or third-party holds title to an asset that is claimed to be a marital asset? What if a spouse titles an asset acquired with marital funds in the name of a business or transfers title to a marital asset to a third-party, such as a child or parent, in an attempt to hide or divert the asset from the marital estate to deprive the other spouse of his/her share or interest?

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Costly Divorce Mistakes: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You.

Image of man standing on a blue background with his hand over his forehead as if ashamed of the mistake he has made.

In an effort to save money during divorce, many couples turn to self-help legal forms and generic advice found on the Internet rather than hiring a family law attorney. When parties attempt to represent themselves in the divorce process and forgo the benefit of legal counsel, they place themselves at risk of adverse legal and…

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Gifts during Marriage – When a Gift Is Not a Gift

Image of a woman with her hands held together in front of her holding a small white package with a red bow.

Separate property is considered property (either an asset or debt) that belongs to one spouse individually. Separate property is not subject to equitable distribution and its value is not included in the marital estate. Separate property includes: property that was owned by a spouse prior to marriage; property acquired in exchange for separate property; and…

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