The decision of ending a marriage is never an easy one. This also means ending the relationship legally, so the couple must file for divorce. If you want to file for divorce in North Carolina, it is imperative to adhere to statute on divorce. Even if you seem to agree with your spouse on many relevant aspects of the separation agreement, you need to talk to an experienced Monroe NC divorce attorney, who can guide further and handle the relevant paperwork. In this post, we are sharing more on filing for divorce in North Carolina.
The basics
To file for divorce in NC, you and your spouse must have lived separately for at least a year. This simply means that both spouses must have lived in separate houses, no matter their equation otherwise. Also, to initiate the divorce proceedings, one of the spouses must have lived in the state for at six months.
Discussing the important matters
Before the proceedings can be initiated, it is in best interest of the couple that they discuss the key aspects. You and your spouse need to consider three important pointers and come to an agreement, namely –
- Asset and debt division
- Spousal support or alimony
- Child custody & support, if there is a minor child involved
If you want to file for divorce in North Carolina, it is wise to decide on a separation agreement, which may need negotiation with your spouse. This can help in avoiding a trial, which can be complex and long-drawn. In North Carolina, there is always equitable distribution of marital property, which doesn’t always mean equal.
Get an attorney
Handling the paperwork and complex aspects of a divorce may not be easy, considering that you are already suffering otherwise. It is best to talk to an experienced divorce attorney, who can help on all things, including negotiation with your spouse. Keep in mind that hiring an attorney is not about paperwork alone, but also about getting impartial advice. Your attorney will work in your interests and ensure that you end up in a situation where you lose your share of assets or rights, simply because you didn’t know enough.
If you are looking for top attorneys in NC, just check for reviews or ask for references. Make sure that the attorney is available to discuss all things in person and is affordable. They should have some experience of handling circumstances and divorces similar to yours.
