In a divorce, the court determines whether there is a need to award alimony or spousal support, the amount to award and who receives it. The court usually awards alimony to the spouse it determines to be financially dependent on the other spouse during the marriage....
Family Law
Confidentiality corner: What to share with your divorce counsel
Going through a divorce can feel overwhelming, and the idea of sharing intimate details with someone you just met might add to the stress. But remember, your divorce representative is there to protect your rights and complete honesty is vital to a successful outcome....
Crafting a workable parenting time schedule
Crafting a workable parenting time schedule is necessary for a co-parenting relationship that isn’t constantly colored by tension. It requires careful consideration and collaboration to ensure that it meets the needs of both the parents and the children in a family....
2 signs you need to sign a prenuptial agreement before marriage
Love is a wonderful thing. And when you meet the love of your life, all you want is to spend the rest of your life with them. However, one item on your wedding planning list that is barely romantic is signing the prenup. Basically, this is a legal document that...
Do you need to change your child custody plan?
A child custody plan outlines how you and your co-parent will raise your child after a separation or divorce. It sets the schedule for your child's time with each parent and includes details about important decisions like education and healthcare. But over time,...
Helping your children adjust after a divorce
It is no secret that divorce creates challenges for families with kids, but often it is better than continuing in a relationship that does not work. Helping your kids adjust to a new normal is a top priority as a parent. Keep the following guidelines in mind to help...
What are the differences between post and prenuptial agreements?
Couples have a couple of options for creating an agreement that will protect each of them in a divorce. A couple can do this either before or after marriage. Before marriage, it would be a prenuptial agreement. After marriage, it is a postnuptial agreement. The two...
Child support, poverty and the IV-D program
Child support plays an important role with respect to the financial well-being of children, and you should handle any child support issues you face carefully. If you have to pay support, it is crucial to make payments on time and in full, not only to help your kids...
Can parallel parenting make joint custody easier?
Many divorces end on bad terms. This is one matter if there are no children involved, but if the couple has joint custody, they must find a way to work together as parents. Depending on the causes behind the divorce, this may seem an insurmountable challenge....
Do North Carolina courts oversee custody for new residents?
After you and your spouse divorced, you may have decided that North Carolina offers you greater job opportunities or a better quality of life and have taken up residence in the state. Now that you are here, you might wonder whether the state courts will take over your...