Can my spouse accept service or waive the standard response period to speed up the divorce, and what does that process look like? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a spouse can accept service of the divorce papers instead of being served by the sheriff or certified mail, and that often speeds up…
How can I start a divorce and request alimony and post-separation support when my spouse refuses to work and I have health issues? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, starting the divorce process usually means filing a court action in District Court (often for post-separation support/alimony first) and then filing for absolute divorce…
What should I expect to pay for a divorce, and do you offer payment plans? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the total cost of a divorce usually has two parts: (1) court filing and service costs paid to the Clerk of Superior Court, and (2) attorney fees based on how much work…
What happens if I can’t find the other party to get them served? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a family law case generally cannot move forward until the other party is properly served with the summons and complaint (or accepts service). If the other party cannot be found after a documented, diligent…
If we live in different counties and we were married in a different county, where should I file an uncontested divorce? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, an uncontested divorce can usually be filed in the county where either spouse currently resides, not necessarily the county where the marriage took place. The case…
How long does it usually take to serve someone who doesn’t have a stable address? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina family law cases, there is no single “usual” timeline when the other party does not have a stable address, because timing depends on whether personal service succeeds or whether the case must…
Can I change or correct an affidavit of marriage after it has been notarized? – North Carolina Short Answer Usually, no. In North Carolina, once an affidavit has been signed and notarized, it should not be altered because changes can call the affidavit and the notarization into question. If a correction is needed, the safer…
How do I start the divorce process and what paperwork do I need? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, most people start the divorce process by filing a verified Divorce Complaint (typically for “absolute divorce”) in the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where either spouse lives, then having the other spouse…
Do I have to go to court in person, or can the divorce be handled remotely? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, many uncontested divorces can be finalized without an in-person court appearance, because the court can decide the required facts based on sworn paperwork (such as affidavits) or a short, non-evidentiary hearing.…
What happens after I file a contempt motion in family court, and how soon could a hearing be set? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina family court, once a party files a motion for contempt, the case will be set for a hearing before a district court judge, either through a notice of…