Issues such as separation, divorce and child custody can be overwhelming to your family. These life-altering decisions need to be handled with great care to ensure your rights are protected.

Our family law attorneys help people make important decisions related to adoption, divorce, division of assets, alimony, child support, custody and visitation. We understand that clients involved in the process of making these important decisions need support and compassion. We are able to provide clients with sensitive understanding combined with the legal tools to make informed decisions during stressful times.

Divorce can be stressful, but with advisors who can provide you with an understanding of the law and your options, you can better make informed decisions about child custody, child support, and the division of your assets. When facing a relationship dispute, you need objective and sensitive legal counsel. Whether you’re looking for counseling to help you plan and protect your economic future, guidance on how to avoid divorce, help in negotiation of a settlement agreement, or representation in court, we are here to help.

What are the requirements to obtain a divorce in North Carolina?

In order to obtain a divorce in North Carolina, either you or your spouse must live in North Carolina for at least six months prior to filing an action for divorce and you must have lived separate and apart for at least one year.

Does that mean I have to wait a year to resolve issues such as property division, alimony, child custody and child support?

Absolutely not! You can and should resolve these issues prior to a final divorce decree. Our attorneys can assist you with drafting a Separation Agreement and Property Settlement to resolve issues such as who gets what property, how child custody will be arranged and how much, if any, child support and/or alimony will be paid.

Can I date before my spouse and I are officially divorced?

Because North Carolina is one of the few states that recognize Criminal Conversation (a civil cause of action where a third party can be sued for having sexual intercourse with another person’s spouse) and Alienation of Affection (a civil cause of action where a third party can be sued for interfering in a marital relationship and causing a loss of affection between the spouses), it is best not to date until you and your spouse are either officially divorced or you have both signed a Separation Agreement which waives these causes of action.