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A Guide to Understanding Alimony

A Guide to Understanding Alimony

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?

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

Child Custody Child Support Podcast Separation & Divorce

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

Pros and Cons of Getting a Prenup

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…

Portrait of Beautiful Female Witness Giving Evidence to Prosecutor

Do You Really Want Your Day in Court?

Child Custody Podcast Separation & Divorce

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

What Happens When a Child of Divorced Parents Turns 18?

Child Support Child Custody 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…

woman sitting on sofa looking at wedding ring

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…

sad woman sitting on sofa looking a cell phone

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…

quite neighborhood street

Divorcing in Today’s Real Estate Market

Podcast Separation & Divorce Wealth

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…

african american child holding ripped paper with family on white, divorce concept

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…

divorce and wedding rings

Preserving Your Credit After Divorce

Separation & Divorce Wealth

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…

wedding rings on prenuptial agreement

Enforcing a Prenup or Postnup in Court

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…

mother and daughter

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

Child Custody Parenting Separation & Divorce

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?

Lifestyle Separation & Divorce Wealth

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,…

wedding bands on dictionary

Can You Keep Your Inheritance in the Divorce?

Separation & Divorce Wealth

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 the Divorce?

Health Lifestyle Separation & 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…

After the Divorce

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?

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

Lifestyle Separation & Divorce Wealth

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

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

Lifestyle Separation & Divorce Wealth

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?

What Is a Divorce Settlement?

Separation & Divorce

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

Divorcing Later in Life: What You Need to Know

Relationships Separation & Divorce Wealth

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…

Divorce

What to Bring to Your Initial Consultation with a Divorce Lawyer

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?

Can a Parent Coordinator Help With Your Divorce?

Child Custody Parenting Relationships Separation & 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…

Ask a Lawyer About Mental Health Issues and Divorce

Ask a Lawyer About Mental Health Issues and Divorce

Domestic Violence Health Lifestyle Relationships Separation & Divorce

When you have questions about mental health issues and divorce, ask a lawyer. Handling a stressful divorce alongside mental health issues can seem daunting. With a divorce lawyer’s assistance, you can understand your rights and pursue your best outcome during…

Divorce Lawyers for Families: Learn More Here

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…

Splitting Up

Considering Divorce? Your Options for Splitting Up

Relationships Separation & Divorce

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…

Collaborative Divorce

How Your Divorce Attorney Can Help During a Collaborative Divorce

Separation & 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…

collaborative divorce attorney

Working with a Collaborative Divorce Attorney

Separation & Divorce

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…

Domestic Violence

3 Reasons to Get a Domestic Violence Attorney for Your Divorce

Domestic Violence Separation & 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

Uncontested Divorce: What You Can Expect

Relationships Separation & Divorce

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…

military families

Military Families and Divorce in North Carolina

Separation & Divorce

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…

name changes

Parent and Child Name Changes During a Divorce

Separation & 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.…

separation agreement

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

Separation & Divorce

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

Divorce & Common Financial Mistakes

Separation & Divorce

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…

Inherited Assets

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

Lifestyle Separation & Divorce Wealth

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…

Divorce Final

Why Should You Make Your Divorce Final After Separation?

Relationships Separation & Divorce

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

3 Good Reasons to Sign a Prenuptial Agreement

Relationships Separation & Divorce

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…

North Carolina Custody Laws for Unmarried Parents

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…

Separation Agreement

Making Changes to a Separation Agreement

Separation & Divorce

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…

divorce lawyer

Can My Spouse and I Use the Same Divorce Lawyer?

Relationships Separation & Divorce

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

Divorce Attorney Explains Why the Separation Date Matters

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…

Bed and Board

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

Domestic Violence Lifestyle Relationships Separation & Divorce

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…

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

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…

Who Can Win Custody of a Child?

Who Can Win Custody of a Child?

Child Custody Parenting Separation & Divorce

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?

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?

What Happens If Your Spouse Doesn’t Pay Alimony?

Relationships Separation & Divorce

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?

Can You Oppose a Divorce?

Relationships Separation & 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?

Can You Date Other People During a Divorce?

Relationships Separation & Divorce

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

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

Lifestyle Relationships Separation & Divorce Wealth

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?

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?

Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer?

Separation & Divorce

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…

Marital Misconduct in North Carolina

Marital Misconduct in North Carolina

Separation & Divorce Domestic Violence Relationships

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…

Could a Prior Divorce Affect Your Second Marriage?

Could a Prior Divorce Affect Your Second Marriage?

Separation & Divorce Relationships

If you are getting married for a second time, you may wonder if your prior divorce will affect your second marriage. There are a few ways that a prior divorce could matter, such as in managing your child support and…

Will Your Spouse Have to Pay You Alimony?

Will Your Spouse Have to Pay You Alimony?

Separation & Divorce Lifestyle Relationships 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?

What If You Do Not Agree to Get Divorced?

Separation & Divorce

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

Divisible Property in North Carolina

Separation & Divorce Lifestyle 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?

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

Separation & Divorce Lifestyle Relationships Wealth

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

Annulment of Marriage in North Carolina

Separation & Divorce Relationships

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 Will Your Divorce Become Final?

Separation & Divorce

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

Paying the Bills During Your Separation Period

Separation & Divorce

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…

How Divorce Could Affect Your Business

How Divorce Could Affect Your Business

Separation & Divorce Lifestyle Wealth

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

Collaborative Divorce in North Carolina

Separation & Divorce Relationships

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

Mediation as an Alternative to Family Court

Separation & Divorce Relationships

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

Arbitration as an Alternative to Family Court

Separation & Divorce Relationships

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

Postnuptial Agreements: What You Need to Know

Relationships Lifestyle Separation & Divorce

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

Prenuptial Agreements: What You Need to Know

Relationships Lifestyle 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

Reconciliation After Separation in North Carolina

Separation & Divorce Relationships

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

What Is a North Carolina QDRO?

Separation & Divorce

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

Navigating Divorce Across State Lines

Separation & Divorce

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

Handling a Contentious Divorce in North Carolina

Separation & Divorce Relationships

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

What Is No-Fault Divorce in North Carolina?

Separation & Divorce

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

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

Separation & Divorce Relationships

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…

Divorces on the Rise During COVID 19

Divorces on the Rise During COVID-19

Separation & Divorce

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: Protecting Your Property

Separation & Divorce Wealth

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: What if I Change My Mind?

Separation & Divorce

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,…

Equitable Distribution Does My Spouse Have Hidden Property

Equitable Distribution: Does My Spouse Have Hidden Property?

Wealth Separation & Divorce

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…

North Carolina Divorce Temporary Order

North Carolina Divorce: Temporary Orders

Separation & Divorce Domestic Violence

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

How Separations Work in North Carolina

Separation & Divorce

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 1

How Separate Property Works

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

Safely Accessing North Carolina’s Courts

Separation & Divorce Child Custody Domestic Violence

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

Reaching a Separation Agreement

Separation & Divorce

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…

NDFL 1

COVID-19 Update

Separation & Divorce Child Custody Domestic Violence

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

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

North Carolina Divorce: Preparing for Separation

Separation & Divorce

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,…

Equitable Distribution Dont Let Wealth Be Held Against You

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

Wealth Separation & Divorce

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

Does a Divorce Mean I Have to Testify?

Separation & Divorce

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 Alimony Laws

North Carolina’s Alimony Laws

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…

Covid 19 ndfl

Important Update Regarding COVID-19

Child Custody Child Support Separation & Divorce

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…

Equitable Distribution High Net Worth Divorces

Equitable Distribution: High Net Worth Divorces

Wealth Separation & Divorce

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…

High Income Child Support in North Carolina

High-Income Child Support in North Carolina

Child Support Separation & Divorce

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

How Equitable Distribution Agreements Work

Separation & Divorce Wealth

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

When to Speak with a Divorce Lawyer

Separation & Divorce

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

Separation for a Year: Prerequisite for a Divorce

Separation & 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

Self-Care and Divorce: Your Mental and Physical Health

Separation & Divorce

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

Spying, Harassment, and Divorce

Separation & 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…

Divorce and Dividing Retirement Plans

Divorce and Dividing Retirement Plans

Separation & Divorce Wealth

For many, a person’s retirement accounts—as well as their house—constitute the lion’s share of their wealth. It is the sum of their hard work and thoughtfulness, their plan for the future, their “nest egg”. It is also their financial security.…

A Healthy New Year Following a Separation

A Healthy New Year Following a Separation

Health Separation & Divorce

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…

When a Spouse Does Not Want to Divorce

When a Spouse Does Not Want to Divorce

Separation & 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

Modifying or Terminating an Alimony Order

Separation & Divorce Wealth

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

Establishing Healthy Boundaries During a Separation

Separation & Divorce

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

How Marital Misconduct Factors into a Divorce

Separation & 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…

Steps to Prepare for Your Divorce

Steps to Prepare for Your Divorce

Separation & 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

Your Equitable Distribution Inventory

Separation & Divorce

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…

Addiction, Divorce, and Child Custody

Addiction, Divorce, and Child Custody

Child Custody Separation & Divorce

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 and a New Partner

Separation & Divorce Wealth

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…

Modifying Court Orders When Your Circumstances Change

Modifying Court Orders When Your Circumstances Change

Child Custody Child Support Separation & Divorce

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

Seeking a Prompt Resolution to Your Divorce

Separation & 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

Five Things to Know About Equitable Distribution in North Carolina

Separation & Divorce

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…

The Advantages of Filing for Divorce in North Carolina

The Advantages of Filing for Divorce in North Carolina

Separation & Divorce

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.…

How Domestic Violence Can Impact Your Divorce

How Domestic Violence Can Impact Your Divorce

Separation & Divorce Domestic Violence

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…

Is There a Right Way to Grieve a Divorce?

Is There a Right Way to Grieve a Divorce?

Health Separation & 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…

Five Facts About Alimony

Five Facts About Alimony

Separation & Divorce Wealth

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

Dividing Luxury Goods When You Divorce

Separation & Divorce Wealth

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…

Avoiding Money Mistakes after Separation

Avoiding Money Mistakes after Separation

Separation & Divorce Wealth

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…

Understanding Debt and Equitable Distribution

Understanding Debt and Equitable Distribution

Separation & Divorce Wealth

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 is Police Intervention Appropriate for a Family Law Dispute?

Domestic Violence Separation & Divorce

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…

Do Alimony Payments Ever End?

Do Alimony Payments Ever End?

Wealth Separation & Divorce

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…

Finding a Mental Health Provider

Finding a Mental Health Provider

Health Separation & Divorce

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…

Home For Sale Sign in Front of New House

Selling a Home During a Separation

Separation & Divorce

The period of separation with the intention of divorce can be a really uncertain time. Even the most amicable of separations present logistical and financial challenges. One of these challenges is figuring out what to do with the family home.…

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