Blog
What is Divorce from Bed and Board?
North Carolina is a no-fault state for divorce. In North Carolina, parties typically have to be separated and living apart for at least one year in order to obtain a divorce. One facet of obtaining a divorce is a divorce from bed and board. Despite the confusing name,...
What To Expect If Department of Social Services Is Called On You
How you parent can be judged and sometimes misunderstood by others. This can lead to allegations of abuse or neglect, which in some situations can lead to an investigation by the Department of Social Services (“DSS”). DSS is an organization designed to provide...
Can I Seek Visitation of My Non-Biological Child?
In North Carolina, third parties, such as grandparents and stepparents, have very limited rights to visitation of the non-biological child if the biological parent opposes. It is a biological parent’s constitutional right to oppose visitation for a non-biological...
Who Can Bring Up A Paternity Test?
If you are married when your child is born, paternity is automatic in North Carolina. The parents of that child are deemed the legal mother and father, with all rights and responsibilities that the roles entail. If you are not married at the time of the child's birth,...
Will My Inheritance Be Split After I Separate From My Spouse?
In North Carolina, if a party files a claim for equitable distribution, the court will classify, value, and distribute the marital estate. In general, all assets and debts acquired by the parties, from the date of marriage until the date of...
My Spouse and I Live In Different States – Where Will We Get Divorced?
Divorce is the termination of a marriage. As part of the separation process, one spouse may decide to move out of state. If you and your spouse live separately, particularly in different states, you can file for divorce in either state where both spouses are living,...
We Disagree on Giving Our Child the COVID-19 Vaccine – Now What?
You and the opposing party have figured out custody regarding your child and then realize you disagree on whether or not to vaccinate your child against COVID-19. There are several ways, in the State of North Carolina, to resolve vaccination disagreements....
Which Parent Foots the Bill for College Tuition?
Parents who are no longer living together are often faced with the task of deciding on future issues related to child support and expenses for the child. In the state of North Carolina, the Child Support Statutes do not require a parent to pay child support...
Can You Nullify A Premarital Agreement?
A premarital agreement, also referred to as a prenuptial agreement or “prenup”, is a written contract created by two people before they are married. The contract addresses various rights and obligations of both parties if the marriage were to end, and often settles...
What Is Wasteful Dissipation?
When a marriage ends, each party needs to begin dividing his or her life and assets. However, while waiting for a resolution of equitable distribution, an issue may arise[no s] if one spouse has concerns that the other spouse is wasting assets. This is known as a...