Educational Blog

Child Custody Child Support Parenting Relationships

With a divorce rate of 2.3 per 1,000 people, North Carolina’s rate is higher than the national average. In order to get divorced in North Carolina, a couple has to be separated and living apart for at least one year,…

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Episode 49 – How to Talk to Your Children About Divorce

Podcast

Ex-It Strategy Podcast Episode 47 Hosts/Participants: Elizabeth Stephenson, Sarah Hink, and Dr. Lindsey Ohler, Psy.D. Elizabeth: Hi everyone, I’m Elizabeth Stephenson with New Direction Family Law. Sarah: And I’m Elizabeth’s law partner, Sarah Hink. Thank you for joining us today.…

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5 Ways To Model Healthy Relationships For Your Children

Parenting Relationships

In the complex world we live in, childhood experiences weave their way into the very fabric of who we become. Children, regardless of their age, are remarkably observant. Even when we assume they are preoccupied with other matters, they are…

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What To Know If Your Spouse Had An Affair

Learning that your spouse had an affair can feel like the world has turned against you. Fear about your future can be overwhelming, especially if you have children. It’s understandable to feel completely lost about the next steps you should…

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Dividing Assets During Divorce: How a Property Division Attorney Helps

Despite general divorce rates falling, around 2.4% of people end up divorced every year, which amounts to a lot of legal hassle. Even if you have not started a family, splitting up everything you own can lead to great frustration.…

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Episode 47 – I Always Feel Like Somebody’s Watching Me

Podcast

Ex-It Strategy Podcast Episode 47 Hosts/Participants: Elizabeth Stephenson, Sarah Hink, Ashley Oldham, Jen Bordeaux Elizabeth: Hi, everyone, it’s Elizabeth Stephenson. Sarah: And Sarah Hink. And also, Ashley Oldham over there. Elizabeth: We have three legal minds here today. Sarah: Three…

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Relocation Relocation Relocation

Child Custody Podcast

Ex-It StrategyPodcast 45 Hosts/Participants Elizabeth Stephenson, Sarah Hink, Jen Bordeaux Elizabeth: Hello everyone. I’m Elizabeth Stephenson with New Direction Family Law. Sarah: And I’m Sarah Hink, Elizabeth’s law partner and we are so happy to be here with you…

Separation of family figure cut away from gavel on grey background | New Direction Family Law

What to Consider When Creating a Child Custody Agreement

Podcast Separation & Divorce

Children often have a very difficult time adjusting to their new normal when their parents decide to get divorced. Some studies have suggested it may take children up to 2 years to get fully adjusted to their new way of…

Gavel and wedding rings on a table with papers | New Direction Family Law

Separation Agreement or Court: What You Should Know (Part 2)

Ex-It Strategy Podcast Episode 19 Hosts/Participants Elizabeth Stephenson, Sarah Hink, Jen Bordeaux Elizabeth: Hi everyone. It’s Elizabeth Stephenson. Sarah: And Sarah Hink of New Direction Family Law. We’re here today on a podcast, Ex-It Strategy. We’re gonna talk about…

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Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce: What’s the Difference?

With around 6% of people in North Carolina divorcing in 2019, know that you are not alone if you seek this option. Depending on your circumstances and the needs of both partners, you might want a contested or uncontested divorce. …

White rose and wedding rings on Marriage certificate | New Direction Family Law

Could a Prior Divorce Affect Your Second Marriage?

If you’re embarking on a second marriage, it’s natural to wonder how your prior divorce might impact your new union. Several factors come into play, particularly concerning child support, custody arrangements, and the need for prenuptial or postnuptial agreements. Child…

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Divorce and Dividing Retirement Plans

For many individuals, their retirement accounts and homes constitute the cornerstone of their wealth—a product of hard work, careful planning, and the cherished “nest egg” for the future. These assets also represent their financial security. When facing a divorce, emotions…

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How to Choose a Divorce Lawyer: Everything You Need to Know

Domestic Violence Health Lifestyle Relationships Separation & Divorce

Did you know that there are 1,327,910 lawyers in the United States? In NC alone, there are over 30,000 licensed lawyers regulated by the State Bar. While this is a large number to choose from, not all of these lawyers…

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Ask a Lawyer About Mental Health Issues and Divorce

Ask a Lawyer About Mental Health Issues and Divorce If you find yourself grappling with questions about the impact of mental health issues on divorce, it is advisable to reach out to a lawyer for assistance. Navigating the complexities of…

Understanding NC Child Custody Laws

Child Custody Separation & Divorce

When a couple goes through a divorce, there can be many challenging issues to navigate. One of those is child custody. If children are involved in a relationship, the divorce affects more than just the two partners involved. Understanding how…

Illicit Sexual Behavior

Podcast Separation & Divorce

Ex-It Strategy Podcast 3 Hosts/Participants Elizabeth Stephenson, Sarah Hink You can listen to this episode of Ex-It Strategy on Apple | Google | Spotify | Stitcher Elizabeth: Hi everyone. Sarah and I are back. I’m Elizabeth Stephenson. Sarah: And I’m…

A Guide to Understanding Alimony

Child Custody Child Support Podcast Separation & Divorce

If you’re contemplating separation and divorce you may be wondering what role alimony may play in protecting or reducing your wealth. You may even have questions about how alimony is awarded and if you will be eligible. Read on to…

Legal Fees: Who, What, Why, When and How Much?

Ex-It Strategy Podcast 40 Hosts/Participants Elizabeth Stephenson, Sarah Hink, Jen Bordeaux Elizabeth: Hi, it’s Elizabeth Stevenson. Sarah: And Sarah Hink. We are the partners and podcasters at New Direction Family Law. Elizabeth: And we were talking about money. Sarah: Yes,…

Pros and Cons of Getting a Prenup

Child Custody Podcast Separation & Divorce

If you’re getting married, you might be considering a prenuptial agreement, or a prenup. Many couples complete a prenup to achieve security and peace of mind around their assets and debts before marriage. A prenup clearly defines what will happen…

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Do You Really Want Your Day in Court?

Ex-It Strategy Podcast 39 Hosts/Participants Elizabeth Stephenson, Sarah Hink, Jen Bordeaux Elizabeth: Hi everyone. Elizabeth with New Direction Family Law. Sarah: Sarah Hink. We are here today to talk about…we’ve just recorded an episode about affairs and how that…

What Happens When a Child of Divorced Parents Turns 18?

Child Custody Child Support Separation & Divorce

Updated: November 9, 2022 When a child of divorced parents turns age eighteen, child support requirements may change. In most situations, parents do not have to continue paying child support. Custody arrangements will end too. If you have an older…

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Top 7 Signs You Need to Hire a Divorce Lawyer

Child Custody Domestic Violence Separation & Divorce

In the United States, almost half of first marriages end in divorce, and that number rises significantly for second and third marriages. Once the relationship is irretrievably broken, divorce often becomes the only option. The divorce process can be a…

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Save the Holiday Drama for Your Mama

Child Custody Parenting Podcast Separation & Divorce

Ex-It Strategy Podcast 25 Hosts/Participants Elizabeth Stephenson, Sarah Hink, Jen Bordeaux, Chris Hicks Elizabeth: Hi everyone. It’s Elizabeth Stephenson with New Direction Family Law Sarah: and I’m Sarah Hink, here with Elizabeth, we’re the partners and the couple of…

7 Common Child Custody Mistakes to Avoid After Divorce

Podcast Separation & Divorce Wealth

While divorce rates in the US are falling, children of divorced parents are still more likely to experience negative consequences. Filing for divorce can seem overwhelming, especially if you’re also pursuing child custody. Knowing what not to do can make…

Adam Levine Sliding into DMs: Was it Illicit Sexual Behavior?

Podcast Relationships

Ex-It Strategy Podcast 38 Hosts/Participants Elizabeth Stephenson, Sarah Hink, Jen Bordeaux Elizabeth: Hi everyone. I’m Elizabeth Stephenson with New Direction Family Law. Sarah: And I’m Sarah Hink. We are the partners in podcasters at New Direction Family Law. Thank…

Divorcing in Today’s Real Estate Market

Ex-It Strategy Podcast 36 Hosts Elizabeth Stephenson and Sarah Hink Guests Christina Jasper, mortgage professional with Jasper Mortgage Group; Meredith Pope, real estate professional with Inhabit Real Estate. Elizabeth: Hi everyone. Hi, Sarah Jane. Sarah: Hello. Elizabeth: I’m Elizabeth Stephenson…

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7 Benefits of Hiring a Child Support Lawyer

Child Support Separation & Divorce Wealth

When you have minor children, both parents have a moral and legal obligation to provide emotional and financial support until they become adults. This applies regardless of whether or not the parents have ever been married. When facing a court…

Preserving Your Credit After Divorce

Are you worried about preserving your credit after divorce? Problems with credit can happen with divorce, but there are steps you can take now to protect yourself. If you need to preserve your credit or shield yourself from debt, speak…

Enforcing a Prenup or Postnup in Court

Child Custody Parenting Separation & Divorce

If you are getting a divorce, you may need legal assistance enforcing a prenup or postnup in court. Prenups and postnups are important when couples want to protect their individual assets in case of future divorce, and they’re important for…

Can You Seek Sole Custody of Your Child in North Carolina?

If you’re wondering if you can seek sole custody of your child in North Carolina, find out more by speaking to a lawyer. Custody arrangements depend on many different factors that are specific to your situation. There are different types…

Can You Modify Your Divorce’s Property Division?

Can You Modify Property Division after Your Divorce is Finalized?

As you move through the divorce process, you may wonder if you can modify your divorce’s property division later. Getting divorced can be stressful, and you may feel a weight lifted off your shoulders once it’s over and done. However,…

Can You Keep Your Inheritance in the Divorce?

Health Lifestyle Separation & Divorce

It is important to consult a divorce lawyer about keeping your inheritance in a divorce. Do not wait until your divorce is almost final – if you are thinking about getting a divorce, talk to a lawyer right away. Because…

Will You Lose Your Health Insurance in the Divorce?

Will you lose your health insurance in a divorce? It’s less thought of, but is still an important issue during a divorce. Many spouses depend on health insurance coverage from their spouse’s plan. Children may depend on the plan as…

Planning for After the Divorce

Lifestyle Parenting Relationships Separation & Divorce

Have you taken the time to do some planning for after the divorce? If you have made the decision to divorce and are taking steps to find a lawyer and begin your separation period, the post-divorce time may not be…

Do You Own Real Estate and Want a Divorce? Reasons to Consult a Family Law Lawyer

Child Custody Domestic Violence Parenting

If you own real estate and want a divorce, you should consult a lawyer. Dividing up marital property is a major part of many divorces. Real estate in particular could be difficult for you to divide because it can’t easily…

What Is a Guardian Ad Litem in North Carolina Court?

If you have a guardian ad litem involved in your custody case, you may have questions about their role in North Carolina. A custody case may become extremely contentious, and sometimes the child’s interests can get forgotten as the parents…

What Will Happen to Your Investments and Retirement Plan When You Divorce?

It is important to understand what will happen to your investments and retirement plan when you divorce. If you have decided to divorce, your marital assets will be divided. This could affect your retirement planning or investment strategy. Depending on…

What Is a Divorce Settlement?

Relationships Separation & Divorce Wealth

If you would like to finalize your divorce, you may wonder if a divorce settlement is right for you. Divorces can be resolved in a variety of ways. For some couples, reaching an agreement together and getting it approved by…

Divorcing Later in Life: What You Need to Know

When divorcing later in life, there are important considerations that you need to know. You may need to think through very different issues for a divorce at a later age than you would for a divorce when younger. Crucial points…

What to Bring to Your Initial Consultation with a Divorce Lawyer

Child Custody Parenting Relationships Separation & Divorce

Before you first speak to a divorce lawyer, you may wonder what to bring to your initial consultation. For some people, getting a divorce is the first time you have needed a lawyer for anything. You may be unfamiliar with…

Can a Parent Coordinator Help With Your Divorce?

You may not realize how much a parent coordinator could help with your divorce. Adults are the ones who make the decision to end their marriage, but children can very easily get pulled into this difficult situation and caught in…

Divorce Lawyers for Families: Learn More Here

Parenting Relationships Separation & Divorce

Divorce lawyers can help navigate the significant changes to your family unit that divorce may bring. Ending a marriage affects many more people than just the married couple. The entire family’s life is affected. Children from the marriage, children from…

Considering Divorce? Your Options for Splitting Up

If you are considering divorce, you have options for splitting up. There are methods for getting divorced that do not involve a lot of court appearances, if you and your spouse agree on a different setting. You could use the…

Parenting Plans in Child Custody Cases

Child Custody Domestic Violence Lifestyle Parenting Relationships

Co-parents involved in child custody cases may agree to parenting plans. A parenting plan is an agreement between parents of a child that discusses their rights and responsibilities moving forward. Parenting plans are common when couples who have a child…

Your Spouse Left the State with Your Kids – What’s Next?

When a marriage is breaking up, it’s not unusual that one spouse leaves the state with the kids. Sometimes the move is agreed upon by the other spouse, and sometimes it is not. If your spouse unexpectedly took the children…

Denied Visitation? Exercising Your Parental Rights

If you have been denied visitation, you will need to take steps toward exercising your parental rights. Some parents decide that informal custody arrangements will work for them. But one parent may later decide to deny the other parent visitation…

How Your Divorce Attorney Can Help During a Collaborative Divorce

A trained collaborative divorce attorney can help you determine if this type of divorce is an option for you. Collaborative divorce involves negotiation and discussion of the many issues involved in a divorce. Your lawyer will be an integral part…

Working with a Collaborative Divorce Attorney

Lifestyle Relationships Wealth

When you decide to end your marriage, you may want to work with a collaborative divorce attorney. Divorce does not have to be difficult, lengthy, or antagonistic. Many people look into the collaborative divorce process to see if it’s an…

Do You Need a Prenup Lawyer to Sign an Agreement?

If you want a prenup, you need to consult with a lawyer before you sign the agreement. Signing a prenuptial agreement could affect your life and assets many years in the future. Do not sign a form that your fiancé…

3 Reasons to Get a Domestic Violence Attorney for Your Divorce

If you are in an abusive relationship and need a divorce, you should find a domestic violence attorney to help you. Divorce lawyers who have experience with domestic violence matters, like our firm, can take the necessary steps to protect…

Uncontested Divorce: What You Can Expect

If you and your spouse plan to get an uncontested divorce, you should know what to expect. Not all divorces involve bitter custody battles or fights over dividing property. Sometimes couples decide to divorce amicably because their marriages have not…

How Can a Child Custody Lawyer Help Me?

When you have a legal issue involving child custody, you need help from a child custody lawyer. Getting or keeping custody of your child can be an extremely stressful process. While your priority is spending time with your child, it…

Military Families and Divorce in North Carolina

For military families in North Carolina, divorce raises a few important issues. Divorce for members of the armed forces may involve both state and federal law. In addition, military families may be dealing with active deployment and child custody issues…

Parent and Child Name Changes During a Divorce

If you are involved in a divorce, you may wonder about parent and child name changes due to the end of the marriage. Many American couples follow the tradition of the wife taking the husband’s last name when they marry.…

My Spouse Won’t Sign a Separation Agreement. What’s Next?

If your spouse won’t agree to sign a separation agreement, you may wonder what’s next for your divorce case. You might have thought a separation agreement would help smooth out issues during the separation period and in divorce court; but,…

Divorce & Common Financial Mistakes

When you go through a divorce, make sure you are aware of common financial mistakes that some people make. Divorce can be a financially taxing process as well as an emotional drain. Many people are not aware how much a…

Protecting Inherited Assets in a Divorce: What You Need to Know

Child Custody Domestic Violence

If you are getting a divorce, protecting inherited assets from division and distribution to your spouse may be a major concern. When you inherit money or property from your family, you may not want your ex to receive any part…

Emergency Child Custody in North Carolina

Unfortunately, sometimes people need emergency child custody when a child is in danger. It might be tough to think about a situation like this. Luckily, the courts have a system in place to protect children who are in trouble by…

Why Should You Make Your Divorce Final After Separation?

If you and your spouse have ended your marriage, it is a good idea to make your divorce final after separation. Some couples may remain separated without getting a court order finalizing the divorce. However, there are several good reasons…

3 Good Reasons to Sign a Prenuptial Agreement

Child Support Lifestyle Wealth

A couple who wants to protect themselves and their assets may decide to sign a prenuptial agreement before marriage. There are many good reasons to make use of a prenuptial agreement (also called a “prenup”). For example, you can protect…

Economic Stimulus Checks and Child Support

Updated: October 31, 2022 Can Economic Stimulus Checks Be Intercepted to Pay Child Support? The question of economic stimulus checks and how they may be intercepted to pay child support may not be a concern anymore but understanding what other…

North Carolina Custody Laws for Unmarried Parents

Child Custody Parenting Separation & Divorce

If you have become a parent and are unmarried, you may feel as if asserting your parental rights is difficult. In North Carolina, unmarried parents have important rights to custody and visitation. It is vital to understand your rights, because…

Making Changes to a Separation Agreement

You may have signed a separation agreement intending it to be the final expression of your and your spouse’s wishes on separation. As with many things in life, your needs or circumstances can change as time goes on. In North…

Grandparents’ Rights in North Carolina

Grandparents have important rights regarding child custody in North Carolina. While the law recognizes parents’ fundamental and long-standing right to have custody of their children, grandparents can have custody or visitation rights in certain situations. Typically, child custody decisions favor…

Can My Spouse and I Use the Same Divorce Lawyer?

When getting a divorce, some couples want to use the same divorce lawyer. In North Carolina, lawyers cannot ethically represent both spouses. Why Can’t a Divorce Lawyer Represent Both Spouses? Using the same lawyer during your divorce may seem like…

Divorce Attorney Explains Why the Separation Date Matters

Domestic Violence Lifestyle Relationships Separation & Divorce

A divorce attorney is often asked why the separation date from your spouse is important in North Carolina. The legal requirement of a year’s separation means that the court will need to know your separation date. If you reconcile, the…

What Is a Divorce From Bed and Board in North Carolina?

A divorce from bed and board is a separation option available in North Carolina in situations involving abuse, adultery, or mistreatment. It’s not a divorce in the true sense of the word – it’s a legal, court-ordered separation during which…

Child Support Attorney Assists with Garnishment of Wages

Child Custody Child Support

Confer with a child support attorney to determine whether the state can garnish wages for child support if you will be paying or receiving support payments. In North Carolina, wage garnishment is a common way for the state to collect…

Who Pays for Child Care After the Divorce?

Child Support Lifestyle Parenting Relationships

If you are thinking about divorce, you may wonder who pays for child care once you separate. Your children may need extra child care because you and your ex are living separately. Someone must pay for the care and costs…

Will I Get to Keep My House and Car After My Divorce?

Lifestyle Separation & Divorce

One major worry that couples face when they divorce is property division. Who gets the house, who gets the car, and how will you divide up everything else? Even couples who expect straightforward, quick divorces may find property division surprisingly…

Visitation Rights and Electronic Communications

If you are dealing with a child custody case, you should know about how visitation rights work using electronic communications. Keeping connected with your child is even more important when someone else has custody of them for part or all…

North Carolina Visitation Rights Explained

Child Custody Parenting Separation & Divorce

When you are involved in a child custody case, you need to understand your or your co-parent’s potential visitation rights. If you or your co-parent is granted visitation, it will be important to follow the visitation rules and respect your…

Who Can Win Custody of a Child?

In North Carolina, either parent could win custody of a child. Making a decision about who has custody is complicated and involves many factors. If you have questions about who can have custody, there is a lot to learn. Factors…

What Happens If Your Spouse Doesn’t Pay Child Support?

Child Support Separation & Divorce

If your spouse doesn’t pay you child support, you may find yourself in a difficult situation. Dealing with an ex-spouse or ex-partner who is not helping pay for your children’s needs can be emotionally and financially draining. Fortunately, there is…

What Happens If Your Spouse Doesn’t Pay Alimony?

After you have been awarded alimony, you unfortunately could find that your ex-spouse does not pay it. This could cause you stress or financial problems post-divorce. If your ex-spouse has not made an alimony payment, you should speak with a…

Can You Oppose a Divorce?

If your spouse wants a divorce, but you do not, you may wonder if it is possible to oppose the divorce proceeding. Sometimes, one spouse is ready to move on from the marriage sooner than the other spouse. To understand…

Can You Date Other People During a Divorce?

Lifestyle Relationships Separation & Divorce Wealth

When you’re in the middle of a divorce, you may have the urge to start dating other people. Due to the divorce, moving on with your life could be a priority for you. Although dating again may sound good, there…

Divorce When Most of Your Property Is in Your Spouse’s Name

If you’re getting divorced but most of your property is in your spouse’s name, you may be concerned that you’ll walk away with nothing. In addition to the emotions you may feel about the divorce, you have to worry about…

What Does a Family Lawyer Do?

Child Custody Child Support Relationships Separation & Divorce

You may have heard the term “family lawyer” and wondered what it means. It can be confusing to figure out which kinds of cases a lawyer can handle for you. If you are getting a divorce, seeking custody of children,…

Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer?

Child Custody Lifestyle Parenting

When you are going through a tough time in your marriage, you might wonder if you need a divorce lawyer. But you may not be sure how a divorce lawyer could help you, or even what divorce lawyers do. What…

Can a Child Choose Which Parent to Live With?

Dealing with a child custody dispute can be an extremely emotional and difficult experience for you and your children. Unfortunately, your child has limited input on which parent should have custody. This can add additional stress to the situation if…

Marital Misconduct in North Carolina

Domestic Violence Relationships Separation & Divorce

Sometimes spouses step outside the agreed-upon boundaries of their marriage, causing conflict and even the need to divorce. During a North Carolina divorce case, one or both spouses may provide evidence of marital misconduct by the other spouse. Marital misconduct…

Are Child Support Payments Required If You Have Joint Custody?

Child Custody Child Support

Updated: January 18, 2022 People getting divorced commonly have the misunderstanding that parents with joint custody do not have to pay child support. In truth, child support payments depend on the parents’ unique circumstances. If child support may become an…

Will Your Spouse Have to Pay You Alimony?

Lifestyle Relationships Separation & Divorce Wealth

Updated: January 25, 2023 When going through a separation and divorce, many people worry about financial support. Money may become a lot tighter without the additional income that your spouse provided. Fortunately, North Carolina law allows some divorcing spouses to…

What If You Do Not Agree to Get Divorced?

If you just received divorce papers but did not agree to get divorced, you may have questions about what to do. You might be wondering if your spouse can divorce you without your agreement. You may want to know your…

Divisible Property in North Carolina

Lifestyle Relationships Separation & Divorce Wealth

Dividing property during the divorce process can become very complicated and sometimes, contentious. There are different kinds of property that the court must divide between the spouses, including marital property, separate property, and divisible property. If you’re not familiar with…

What Is the Difference Between Alimony and Post-Separation Support?

If you are involved in a separation or divorce, you may have questions about receiving post-separation support or alimony. While these two forms of spousal support share some similarities, you’ll want to understand the differences between them too. What Is…

Annulment of Marriage in North Carolina

If you need to end your marriage, you may wonder if annulment is an option in North Carolina. Annulment is a legal process that voids the marriage. It is available only under specific circumstances. What Is Annulment? Annulment is a…

When Will Your Divorce Become Final?

When you are involved in a divorce, you likely want and need closure. You want to move forward and close this chapter in your life, but it could be a little confusing to figure out when your divorce will become…

Paying the Bills During Your Separation Period

If you are considering divorce in North Carolina, you may wonder how paying the bills works during the separation period. The easiest way to ensure that the bills get paid in a fair way is to sign a separation agreement…

Child Custody During Separation: How Does It Work?

Child Custody Child Support Domestic Violence Parenting Relationships

If you have children and have recently separated from your spouse, you probably have a lot of questions about child custody. Who will provide for your children during the separation? Does your spouse have visitation rights or do you or…

What to Do If Your Spouse Won’t Follow a Child Custody Agreement

If your spouse won’t follow your child custody agreement, you may need legal help to enforce it. Dealing with joint custody can be time-consuming and difficult on its own – let alone if your spouse ignores your agreement. How Do…

How Divorce Could Affect Your Business

If you own a business, getting a divorce could have a big impact on it. It’s important to understand the basics of how divorce could affect the business and how to protect yourself. The most important issue is whether you…

Collaborative Divorce in North Carolina

Unlike divorce handled in the courtroom, the collaborative divorce process focuses on amicable resolution outside a courtroom. It is a client-centered approach far from the usual depictions of divorce that you see in the media. If you are interested in…

Mediation as an Alternative to Family Court

Alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation can help resolve issues that a family court judge would otherwise handle. Mediation focuses on promoting communication between spouses, rather than adversarial battles. Parties to a mediation may find that they can overcome their…

Arbitration as an Alternative to Family Court

Lifestyle Relationships Separation & Divorce

Alternative dispute resolution methods like arbitration can help resolve issues that a family court judge would otherwise handle. Spouses or ex-spouses can agree to use the arbitration process instead of having to appear in court. For many, more informal dispute…

Postnuptial Agreements: What You Need to Know

If you are married and want to ensure that you and your children are financially protected in the future, then you may want to sign a postnuptial agreement. Postnuptial agreements provide peace of mind should you ever separate or divorce.…

Prenuptial Agreements: What You Need to Know

Lifestyle Relationships Separation & Divorce

You might have heard of prenuptial agreements in the context of celebrity marriages or divorces, so you may be surprised to learn that it is becoming common for couples of all income levels to sign “prenups”. These premarital contracts can…

Reconciliation After Separation in North Carolina

After you and your spouse officially separate, at some point you may reconcile instead of seeking a divorce. Reconciliation doesn’t just mean making up and apologizing. It has a legal definition in North Carolina that affects your timeline if you…

What Is a North Carolina QDRO?

If your spouse has money in a retirement fund or pension plan, you may need a QDRO during your divorce. QDRO stands for “qualified domestic relations order”. It is a special kind of court order that grants a former spouse…

Navigating Divorce Across State Lines

If you or your spouse do not live in North Carolina, you might worry about getting a divorce here. Fortunately, North Carolina divorce law does not require that both spouses live in the state in order to file for divorce.…

Handling a Contentious Divorce in North Carolina

Unfortunately, some couples have extremely contentious divorces after they decide to end their marriage. If your marriage was mostly happy, it can be surprising and challenging to handle a messy divorce. If your marriage was not happy, then a difficult…

What Is No-Fault Divorce in North Carolina?

If you are considering a divorce in North Carolina, learn more about how divorce works to protect your rights. North Carolina is a “no-fault” divorce state, which means the divorce process can be straightforward for many couples. But no-fault divorce…

What to Do If COVID-19 Restrictions Have Made You Consider Divorce

If the COVID-19 pandemic has made you consider divorce, you are not alone. With the many restrictions that governments and employers have mandated during the pandemic, you may have been spending more time than usual with your spouse. Stories of…

Child Support Modification When a Parent’s Income Changes

When a parent who is paying child support has a significant change in income, the court may approve a child support modification that results in a change in the amount of support payments. Changes in income can happen for many…

Resolving Property Disputes When a Marriage Ends

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As family lawyers with decades of combined experience, we have seen our share of heated divorces. The end of such a significant relationship is an unfortunate time to also have to resolve child custody, money, and property rights. Speaking with…

Child Custody and Relocating Out of State

When parents separate, there is an endless realm of child custody issues that can cause heartache and conflict. Relocating a child out of state ranks high on the list of conflicting issues. The reason is simple: moving a child out…

Holiday Visitation and Co-Parenting

Thanksgiving and Christmas are approaching fast. This is a stressful time for many people, as it means navigating COVID-19 while trying to have some semblance of normalcy with family. When parents of minor children are separated, the holidays take on…

Divorces on the Rise During COVID-19

We are now over half a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, which has tested many relationships. With family members in an unsolicited, prolonged situation of physical proximity with each other, family lawyers are getting more questions about getting divorced. COVID-19…

Equitable Distribution: Protecting Your Property

Equitable distribution is the way that North Carolina courts divide property when a couple divorces. If you find yourself at the end of your marriage, understanding how equitable distribution works is equivalent to understanding your critical property rights. When a…

Separation Agreements: What if I Change My Mind?

Separation agreements are written agreements that many married couples make when they separate intending to end their marriage. While reaching an agreement is purely optional and voluntary, they are common because of their usefulness. They address critical issues of money,…

Childcare, Child Custody, and COVID-19

The COVID-19 global health crisis has stretched parents to their limits. Along with the human tragedy of this pandemic, parents have experienced the practical implications daily for half a year. At the risk of understating the problem, parents have had…

Can a Parent’s Right be Terminated?

Courts in North Carolina operate under a presumption that parents’ rights to their children are a significant one, and that it serves the best interest of children to have an ongoing relationship with their parents. Despite that parental rights are…

Equitable Distribution: Does My Spouse Have Hidden Property?

Marriages sometimes break down because trust between the couple has been irreparably broken. Both during marriage and divorce proceedings, spouses can amplify this problem with financial impropriety. This includes financial misconduct by a spouse aimed at depriving the other spouse…

Legal Custody for North Carolina Parents

Legal Custody versus Physical Custody In North Carolina, a parent’s rights are divided into two categories of custody: physical custody and legal custody. When most people think of “custody”, they generally think of the right to possession of the children:…

North Carolina Divorce: Temporary Orders

The decision to end a marriage is a hard and emotional one. Predictably, people who are experiencing a separation and divorce may not be at their best—to that degree, courts sometimes have to get involved. When family law issues arise…

How Separations Work in North Carolina

North Carolina is an absolute divorce state. This is a “no-fault” divorce that does not look at why the marriage is ending. Rather, a court may grant a divorce decree if it finds that a couple has been separated for…

How Separate Property Works

Child Custody Domestic Violence Separation & Divorce

When a marriage ends, property division is an enormous issue that a couple must address to protect their rights and secure their financial future. Classifying and appraising property is no small task and the law can be complex. No matter…

Safely Accessing North Carolina’s Courts

Despite our country experiencing a historic health crisis, many of us have legal issues that need to be addressed and resolved. However,some people are delaying moving forward with these important decisions. The COVID-19 pandemic has created a great deal of…

Reaching a Separation Agreement

North Carolina is a no-fault divorce state, in which a court does not consider misconduct or the reasons for the end of a marriage when granting a divorce. Instead, courts can only look at whether a couple has been separated…

Adjusting to New Normals as a Parent

Living in a time of historic social unrest and a global pandemic is hard for all of us to balance and grasp. These new normals have come swiftly and stunningly, leaving us with unprecedented worries about health, about financial struggle,…

Equitable Distribution: What You Need to Know

Uncategorized

For divorcing couples, understanding how property division works can help spouses exercise their legal rights and guide critical decisions for their financial futures. When a marriage ends in North Carolina, the property is divided by equitable distribution. This is a…

Prepare While Waiting for Your Child Custody Hearing

COVID-19 has forced courthouses across North Carolina to limit public access and significantly scale back their operations. Under orders from the North Carolina Supreme Court, courts have delayed hearing almost all non-emergency cases until at least the beginning of June.…

How Temporary Orders Work

Uncategorized

Temporary Orders are orders addressing immediate needs before a final order is entered in a case. They can provide stability and guidance while a legal matter is pending. In the context of family law cases, courts have broad discretion to…

Self-Care During COVID-19

With economies reopening sporadically across the country amid COVID-19, many people are facing difficult choices moving forward. There is a challenging balance that we must each weigh between safety, employment, and living freely. This stressful choice comes during months of…

Parenting in Uncertain Times

Child Custody Domestic Violence Separation & Divorce

COVID 19 has put us in an unprecedented situation that our generation has never known. In a matter of weeks, we went from hearing about a terrible virus that was shutting down other parts of the world, to living it…

COVID-19 Update

As businesses across North Carolina prepare to open under new guidelines and structure, the North Carolina Court System is doing the same. Below is a summary of what to expect for domestic court, but the full directive can be found…

How Does Unemployment Affect Child Support and Alimony?

Child Support Separation & Divorce

The COVID 19 pandemic and resulting stay-at-home orders have effectively shut down businesses and created a historic level of unemployment. In North Carolina, nearly 1 million people have filed for unemployment between March 15th and the end of April. The…

North Carolina Divorce: Preparing for Separation

One of the unfortunate side effects of the COVID 19 crisis is that for some couples, the constant proximity has solidified that their marriages should end. This is also not an ideal time to separate or divorce, with stay-at-home orders,…

Domestic Violence During Social Isolation

Domestic Violence

The global COVID 19 pandemic and social isolation have caused crime statistics across North Carolina to drop. Unfortunately, it has had an opposite effect in people’s households. There has been a notable increase in domestic violence calls to law enforcement…

Equitable Distribution: Don’t Let Wealth Be Held Against You

High net worth divorces are often highly contested, because there is so much at stake. Beyond the value of the property, the division of wealth can impact the future of a family-owned business and its employees. It can also impact…

Does a Divorce Mean I Have to Testify?

A fear of courtrooms is an unfortunate hurdle that prevents people from seeking legal advice when they need help. Divorce is no exception to this, as many of us have witnessed hours of confrontation through the OJ Simpson trial, Judge…

North Carolina’s Alimony Laws

Child Custody Child Support Separation & Divorce

Alimony, or spousal support, is usually awarded as payments made following a separation or divorce from a “supporting spouse” to a “dependent spouse” for a fixed duration of time. As you can imagine, this is a great source of controversy…

Important Update Regarding COVID-19

N.C. Supreme Court April 2nd Order includes updated COVID-19 directives that may affect your court case. Please review a quick note from New Direction Family Law regarding these changes. We hope that you and your family are safe and faring…

Helping Your Child Cope in a Stressful World

No matter what your political affiliation, there is no disputing that we are living in a stressful time. There seem to be endless global conflicts in which people flippantly talk about World War 3, debates about climate change and raging…

Equitable Distribution: High Net Worth Divorces

When couples have wealth, there is a high likelihood that they own a range of different assets. This may include business interests, offshore investments, trusts, real estate, stocks, retirement accounts, educational savings accounts, luxury vehicles, and artwork. Couples with wealth…

Maintaining Contact With Your Out of State Child

Child Support Separation & Divorce

Courts are well aware that it serves children to have a continuous relationship with both parents after a separation or divorce. The dissolution of the family unit may be a harsh disruption for a child, so even when a court…

High-Income Child Support in North Carolina

How Child Support is Generally Determined North Carolina laws require that both parents financially support their children. When it comes to child support payments, a noncustodial parent is generally responsible for making payments to the custodial parent—who is assumed to…

How Equitable Distribution Agreements Work

North Carolina divides property under an equitable distribution model. This method essentially takes the net market value of all property and debt attained between a couple’s date of marriage and date of separation and allows a court to make a…

When to Speak with a Divorce Lawyer

The road to divorce is paved with intense emotions, uncertainty, and hard choices. While you know that you should end your marriage, the potential for disruption and change is a lot to wrap your head around. Because it all seems…

Separation for a Year: Prerequisite for a Divorce

North Carolina offers divorcing couples an opportunity to a “no-fault” divorce. This is called an absolute divorce, which requires courts to grant divorces without asking why the marriage is ending. Instead, family courts only look to the date the couple…

Self-Care and Divorce: Your Mental and Physical Health

One of the reasons that people take their time when deciding to divorce is because of how much work it takes to undergo such a dramatic change in your life. If you have recently separated from your spouse, you are…

Spying, Harassment, and Divorce

Separations are hardly ever clean. However, when a marital relationship has issues of control or domestic violence, a separation can dramatically escalating these issues. New Direction Family Law has helped domestic violence survivors for years, and sadly, we have had…

Essential Details in a Child Custody Order

Health Separation & Divorce

The separation announcement of actors Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan last year stunned many fans of the Hollywood couple, who had bought into the blissful image they had curated through years of Instagram posts and entertainment interviews. While the two…

A Healthy New Year Following a Separation

The end of a marriage is a challenging and uncertain phase of a person’s life. For people experiencing separation and divorce, the holiday season from Thanksgiving through the end of the year may intensify the many different emotions that divorce…

The Rights and Duties of Parents in North Carolina

Parenthood is among the great joys in the lives of those blessed with children. With the joy comes an incredible sense of duty and obligation to nurture them and raise them well. There are also legal rights and duties that…

When a Spouse Does Not Want to Divorce

The decision to end a marriage is not always mutual. This should not come as a surprise—the relational dynamics and events that lead to a break up are not always clean, peaceful, or smooth. However, the fact that one spouse…

Modifying or Terminating an Alimony Order

Alimony, or spousal support, is a subject that douses lighter fluid on the already lit flame that burns when a marriage ends. To put it mildly, obtaining an agreement or order that requires the continued payment of money can stoke…

Establishing Healthy Boundaries During a Separation

Divorce is a painful time for couples, as a final decision is made to end a relationship that was supposed to last the rest of their lifetimes. But it is hard to make a clean break, as there are healthy…

How Marital Misconduct Factors into a Divorce

North Carolina offers no-fault divorces, referred to as “absolute” divorces. To grant a divorce order, a court can solely consider whether a couple has been separated for an uninterrupted year and cannot consider why the marriage is ending. As a…

The Basics of Child Support in North Carolina

Child support consists of court-ordered payments designed to cover the “reasonable needs” of children for their “health, education, and maintenance.” The issue is can be a heated one—not so much because parents don’t want to meet their children’s needs, but…

Steps to Prepare for Your Divorce

The prospect of ending a marriage is rife with feelings of uncertainty, fear, and discomfort. It is a major life shift and undeniable trauma. However, there are ways to feel more comfortable and confident leading into the divorce process. Some…

Your Equitable Distribution Inventory

If you and your spouse intend to divorce, it is essential to take a smart, thoughtful approach to divide your property. You have significant legal rights that were created when you got married, which will have a long-term effect on…

Social Media, Divorce, and Child Custody

Child Custody Separation & Divorce

YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter–Social media has created an era where people have become incredibly public in the way they express their opinions and what happens in their daily lives. Whether they film YouTube confessional videos, live stream their evenings,…

Addiction, Divorce, and Child Custody

Addiction to drugs or alcohol are serious, lifelong struggles that can consume a person’s entire being unless they can find a path to recovery. Unfortunately, addicts do not struggle in a vacuum and it is their families and children who…

Alimony and a New Partner

Alimony payments are intended to financially support dependent spouses after a marriage has ended. These payments recognize the duration of a couple’s marriage, their marital standard of living, the disparity in wealth and opportunity between the spouses, and the numerous…

Parental Kidnapping and North Carolina

Our children are a source of great happiness and joy in our lives. They are also a unique source of worry and anxiety. When parents are separated, they often find themselves with competing ideas about what is best for their…

Supporting a Struggling Child

Child Custody Child Support Separation & Divorce

As difficult as divorce and child custody issues can be for parents, it is worse for their children. Even if they had witnessed arguments and tension between their parents, they still had the stability of living under the same roof…

Domestic Violence and Children: Protection & Safety Goes Beyond the Classroom

Domestic Violence

Trees are sprinkled with rich hues of auburn, burnt orange, and gold. Front porches begin to glow with iconic Halloween images, and children (and adults) are excited to dress up as their favorite superhero, TV character or movie star—you’ve realized…

Modifying Court Orders When Your Circumstances Change

When a marriage ends, couples typically obtain court orders that resolve issues like property division, alimony payments, child custody arrangements, and child support obligations. These orders serve as a snapshot of that moment in time. The orders should reflect the…

Seeking a Prompt Resolution to Your Divorce

When a marriage ends, there is a lot that a couple has to pack up both literally and figuratively. Couples must resolve questions about arranging child custody schedules, selling or refinancing the marital residence, dividing marital property when spousal support…

Five Things to Know About Equitable Distribution in North Carolina

When a marriage ends, couples must sort through numerous complex issues before they can move forward with their lives. One big issue is determining how property will be divided between the former spouses. In North Carolina, this is accomplished through…

A Child’s Best Interest: From a Lawyer’s Perspective

When family courts decide issues relating to child custody decisions, the law requires that they do so in a manner that “will best promote the interest and welfare of the child.” This is also referred to as the “best interest…

The Advantages of Filing for Divorce in North Carolina

There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to getting divorced. There is the emotional toll, the uncertainty looking forward, the timing, the impact on children, how property will be split, and the costs of getting divorced.…

A Child’s “Age of Discretion” and Visitation

Because our lives are always changing and children grow older, child custody and visitation are fluid issues that can change dramatically over time. Amongst the issues that may arise as children age is they want to visit less with one…

Educating Your Children During the Summer

The “summer slide” is a phenomenon that refers to the educational regression that children experience when they are away from school during their summer breaks. A lot of education is about structure and repetition. Despite parents’ best efforts, many children…

Summer Family Fun on a Budget

The school year is pretty predictable when budgeting for your children’s education. If your child is in public school, the tuition is paid for by your taxes, while you know you will be responsible for supplies, food, extracurricular activities, and…

Working Toward a Healthy Relationship as Co-Parents

When a relationship ends between people who share children, they remain forever linked by those kids. It isn’t like other relationships where the contact can completely stop. Regardless of how amicably the relationship ended, the underlying reasons that separated you…

How Domestic Violence Can Impact Your Divorce

Domestic violence is a dangerous and toxic element to any relationship. When it comes to marriage, unaddressed domestic violence issues don’t have happy endings. While death, injury, protective orders, and imprisonment are the most palpable outcomes; there are several legal…

Preparing Your Children For College

Health Separation & Divorce

By now, you are likely familiar with the college cheating scandal that has engulfed many top tier universities across the country. Labeled “Operation Varsity Blues” by federal investigators, many wealthy parents were caught paying large sums of money to a…

Is There a Right Way to Grieve a Divorce?

The end of a marriage is a traumatic event for even the most toughened people. Regardless of the reasons that led a couple to this point, divorce is a sad event and it is completely natural for any spouse to…

Rediscovering the Joys of Parks

Lifestyle Parenting

As technology has evolved over the last several decades, it seems that each generation of kids spends less time outside than the previous one. If you think about it, from the time that the Nintendo Entertainment System brought arcades into…

Five Facts About Alimony

When couples divorce, one of the issues that often generates the most contention is alimony. For a spouse seeking spousal support, these payments are seen as essential, as he or she does not make sufficient income to meet his or…

Dividing Luxury Goods When You Divorce

You have probably seen some recent headlines about the massive divorce settlement of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and MacKenzie Bezos after they split due to allegations of his infidelity. Beyond the sad end of a long marriage and the sordid…

Attachment and Bonding With Noncustodial Rights

If you are divorcing and have children with your spouse, one of the biggest changes in your life is that your time with your children is going to decrease. In many cases, child custody issues are resolved to name one…

Is it Possible to Lower a Child Support Obligation?

Child support obligations represent a big portion of the supporting parent’s income. When circumstances change over time—like when a parent’s income decreases due to a change in their employment or life circumstances—it is inevitable to question whether there is a…

Avoiding Money Mistakes after Separation

Separation is an incredibly stressful time in a person’s life. Even the most Zen and disciplined of people can make regrettable decisions during this time. This is especially true when it comes to money and budgeting in the midst of…

Living a Greener Lifestyle

There should be no question that adults have a duty to strive for their children to have better lives and more opportunities than the preceding generation. This generally means that adults work hard to give their children the chance to…

Understanding Debt and Equitable Distribution

When you think of the concept of property division when couples divorce, it is easy to think that it literally refers to the division of property. As in, who takes what property with them when the dust settles? However, property…

When is Police Intervention Appropriate for a Family Law Dispute?

When you are having a really difficult time with your spouse during the midst of a separation, you may find yourself in situations where you feel scared or powerless. Some people contact relatives and friends for support, while others call…

Is a Parent Who Works Still Entitled to Child Support?

Parents who pay child support frequently have questions about how much they are paying and how the support payments are being spent. This is natural, as it represents a sizable portion of each paycheck. However, because the parent who receives…

Do Alimony Payments Ever End?

Spousal support, also known as alimony, is a mandatory payment that a dependent spouse receives from a supporting spouse when a couple separates. It can be a significant obligation for many supporting spouses, and they have a natural financial interest…

Taking Care of Your Heart Health

You are important and deserve to life a full, healthy life. Not only do you owe this to yourself, but to your loved ones, your children. Your heart is your body’s engine, making your heart health a vital aspect of…

Does a Supporting Spouse Have Control Over How Child Support is Spent?

Health Separation & Divorce

If you are paying child support, you understand the pain of knowing that your paycheck is significantly less every month than before your child support order existed. But you can tolerate this pain, knowing that you are doing right by…

Helping Your Teen Through Dating Violence

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence isn’t just a problem that affects adult relationships, it also exists in teen relationships and is considered by the Center for Disease Control to be widespread. This is a difficult situation for parents, since it comes at a time when kids want…

Creating an Emergency Plan for Your Family

Health

While it is unpleasant to think about, we are sometimes faced with dangers that are out of our control, such as natural disasters, car accidents, medical emergencies, property damage, or crime. The entire idea of an emergency is that it…

Finding a Mental Health Provider

Coping with the stress, anxiety, loss, sadness, and anger that come with the end of a marriage is a lot for anyone to handle. No matter how strong you are, or how you have faced prior adversity, there is no…

Enforcing a Custody Order from Another State

The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) is a uniform set of laws recognized and adopted by 49 states (including North Carolina). The purpose of these laws and their nationwide adoption are to provide guidance when multiple states…

Chinese New Year 2018 (Celebrating Multicultural Relationships)

Lifestyle Relationships

Chinese New Year is the most widely celebrated holiday of the year in China, in many other East Asian countries, and by people of Asian ethnic heritage around the globe. Also referred to as the “Spring” Festival, or the Lunar…

A New Year Doesn’t Require Big Changes

Have you ever noticed that whenever a new year rolls around, there are non-stop television, radio, and internet ads for gym memberships? Or that your physical and email mailboxes are filled with “exciting limited offers” on expensive trend diets and…

Thinking About Materialism

Lifestyle Wealth

In the past few years, Japanese author Marie Kondo has authored numerous worldwide bestselling books, like Spark Joy and Life-Changing Magic: A Journal. These books present Kondo’s multi-step method of tidying up and de-cluttering your space, which have amassed her a huge and…

When Does Court Ordered Child Support End in North Carolina?

Domestic Violence Relationships

While child support is a legally and morally necessary obligation that parents must contribute to their children’s expenses, it can represent a significant amount of a paying parent’s paycheck. Therefore, if you have been ordered to pay child support, there…

Identifying Signs of Domestic Violence in a Relationship

It is surprisingly easy to lose yourself in a relationship. After a relationship begins, a lot of people find themselves focused on their partner, while naturally pulling away from their daily routines and even from friends. Unfortunately, a lot of…

mother and son holding hands on sea vacation

What is a Child Support Consent Order?

When separated parents can agree to the critical issues of child custody and child support, their children benefit. Both public policy and common sense tell us that it is far better for children to see their parents act in a…

Anti Stalking Laws in North Carolina

Lifestyle

Stalking is terrifying, dangerous, and sometimes deadly for victims. Beyond the invasion of privacy, stalking creates a virtual prison and constant threat for a person—leaving lasting psychological damage. Because of the emotional trauma, extreme danger, and the “strong connections” between…

Home For Sale Sign in Front of New House

Selling a Home During a Separation