Will we need to appear in court, or can everything be handled by mail or online if we both agree? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, many family law issues can be resolved by written agreement and handled largely through paperwork if both sides agree, but some matters still require a judge’s involvement…
What information and documents should I gather before my first divorce consultation? – North Carolina Short Answer Before a first divorce consultation in North Carolina, gather basic family information, a clear timeline of the relationship and separation, and recent financial documents showing income, assets, debts, and monthly expenses. If children are involved, collect school, medical,…
Can my recent job loss be used against me in custody or child support, and what should I show the court? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a recent job loss usually does not hurt custody by itself, but it can matter if it affects stability, availability to parent, or the child’s routine.…
Can I file for divorce if we are still living in the same home? – North Carolina Short Answer Usually, no. In North Carolina, an absolute divorce based on one-year separation generally requires spouses to live in separate residences for at least one year, not just separate bedrooms in the same home. If spouses still…
If my spouse or I violates the separation agreement later, what happens and what are my options? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a separation agreement is usually enforced like a contract. If one spouse violates it, the other spouse can typically pursue contract remedies such as a lawsuit for breach and, in…
How do I handle custody and a temporary school arrangement when my child is staying with a relative in a different county? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a parent can ask the District Court for a temporary custody order that clearly states where the child will live during the school year, who…
What other ways are there to serve someone who is avoiding service or moving around? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina family law cases, if someone is avoiding service or is hard to locate, the next options usually include service by certified mail (or a designated delivery service), substituted service at the person’s…
What is the difference between an absolute divorce and a regular divorce, and why might the other party switch it at the last minute? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, “absolute divorce” is the standard court judgment that ends the marriage and changes both spouses’ legal status from married to single. People often…
How do I start the divorce process in my county? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the divorce process usually starts by filing a verified divorce complaint (and a civil summons) with the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where either spouse lives. After filing, the other spouse must be properly served…
Can a judge approve a consent custody order without a hearing, and how long does that usually take? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a judge can sometimes sign a consent custody order without holding a live hearing, but it is not automatic. The judge still has an independent duty to protect the…