What documents and information should I gather before filing for separation or divorce? – North Carolina Short Answer Before filing for separation-related claims or divorce in North Carolina, it helps to gather proof of the marriage, the separation timeline, and a clear snapshot of income, expenses, assets, and debts. North Carolina divorce is commonly based…
Do I need a divorce lawyer for a short marriage if my spouse is demanding property and won’t cooperate? – North Carolina Short Answer Often, yes—at least for advice and strategy—when a spouse is demanding a share of a home owned before the marriage and refuses to cooperate. In North Carolina, a short marriage does…
Can I file for divorce if I have only been married a short time? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the length of the marriage usually does not prevent filing for divorce. Most people still must meet the state’s main requirement for an absolute divorce: living separate and apart for one year (with…
Do I have to hire a divorce lawyer who practices in my county, or can I use someone from another county? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a divorce case must be filed in the county where either spouse lives, but the attorney does not have to be based in that county. Any…
What counts as being separated if we’re still living in the same house but not acting like a couple? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, “separated” for divorce purposes generally means spouses are living separate and apart—which usually requires living in different residences, not just sleeping in different rooms or stopping intimacy. If…
How do I file for divorce in the county where my spouse and I live? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, an absolute divorce case is filed with the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where either spouse lives. Most people start by filing a verified Complaint for Absolute Divorce (often based…
How do I start the process for a legal separation and divorce? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, there is no court filing to “start” a legal separation. Separation usually starts when spouses begin living in separate homes with the intent to remain separated, and many couples sign a written, notarized separation agreement…
How long do I have to be separated before I can file for divorce in my state? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a spouse can file for an absolute divorce after the spouses have lived separate and apart for at least one year (and at least one spouse has lived in North…
What are the first steps to start a divorce when I just got married recently? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the first practical step toward an absolute divorce is usually to start (and document) a true separation—living separate and apart—because most divorces require one full year of separation before a court can…
How do I handle suspected hidden assets or trust distributions in a divorce if I can’t prove it yet? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, suspected hidden assets or trust distributions get handled through an equitable distribution case and targeted discovery, not guesswork. The practical move is to file (or keep active) an…