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How Can I Resume My Maiden Name or Former Surname Following Divorce?

North Carolina General Statute § 50-12(a) authorizes a woman whose marriage is dissolved by divorce to change her name to any of the following: “(1) Her maiden name; or (2)...

Emergency Child Custody Orders

Under current North Carolina law, a judge may issue an emergency custody order changing the living arrangements of a child or awarding one party temporary custody if there is sufficient...

What Is “Divisible Property?”

In North Carolina, the assets and debts that couples accumulate from date of marriage to date of separation are presumed to be marital property that is subject to equitable distribution....
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Costs

Just as it is impossible to predict exactly how long your case will take, it is difficult to realistically estimate the total cost of your litigation, even when your attorney...
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What is Arbitration?

Matrimonial arbitration can be used to resolve multiple or single family law issues which the parties agree by contract to submit to the arbitration process. Some parties are bound by...
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How Is the Date of Separation Determined (And Why Is It Important)?

The date of separation is determined by the actual date that the parties begin living separate and apart from each other in separate residences. Establishing separate bedrooms while living in...
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Gifts during Marriage – When a Gift Is Not a Gift

Separate property is considered property (either an asset or debt) that belongs to one spouse individually. Separate property is not subject to equitable distribution and its value is not included...

Modification of Child Custody

An action for modification of child custody is when one party files an appropriate action with the court seeking to have the living arrangements of the child (or children) changed...
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About the Unified Family Courts in North Carolina

FAMILY COURT: If your domestic lawsuit is filed in Buncombe County, it will be sent to Family Court. The 28th Judicial District (Buncombe County) is presently one of several judicial...
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Who Should Get the Family Dog?

Many people consider their pet as a member of their family, not just personal property. Consequently, when couples split up, there are sometimes disagreements as to which party should take...
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Social Media

Social Media is a new facet of communication today. We understand that everyone participates in social media to some degree. When you are involved in divorce proceedings, or any type...
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Grandparents’ Rights to Custody and Visitation in North Carolina

Under North Carolina law, there are four different statutes under which a grandparent has statutory standing to pursue visitation privileges with a grandchild, or legal and/or physical custody of the...