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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...

How Long Am I Entitled to Receive – Or Must I Pay – Alimony?

Decades ago when men were traditionally the breadwinners of the American family and women were typically stay-at-home moms, permanent alimony was not an unusual financial result in divorces. The days...
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Can I Make the Other Parent Pay for Private School Tuition As Part of a Child Support Obligation?

The North Carolina Child Support Guidelines provide a formula for determining the presumptive child support obligation for parties’ whose combined adjusted gross income is $300,000 per year or less. The...
Image of a folder entitled Family Mediation, with a gavel, depicting the concept of mediation in divorce.

What You Should Expect from Your Mediator

The mediator’s role is to move the parties beyond personality clashes and historic grievances. Only then can the mediator help you improve communication so any future dealings can take place...
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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)...
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Practical Matters

Litigation often spawns more litigation. To determine whether certain issues are worth litigating, you must weigh the price you will pay with your time, emotions, and money, against the anticipated...
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What Happens When a Marital Asset Is Titled in the Name of a Business or Third Party?

In North Carolina, property that is owned at the date of separation by either spouse, individually or jointly, is presumed to be marital property. But, what happens when a business...
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Is Debt Incurred in the Name of One Spouse Considered Marital Debt?

Under North Carolina law, “marital” debt is considered debt that is incurred after the date of marriage and before the date of separation by one or both spouses for the...
Image of a file folder attoped with a gavel labeled Prenuptial Agreement.

Can a Premarital Agreement Be Signed after the Marriage?

As its name implies, a premarital agreement (also known as a prenuptial agreement) is an agreement that parties enter into before marriage. To be considered a valid premarital agreement, the...

Determining Child Support in High Income Cases

The North Carolina Child Support Guidelines in effect for 2013 provide a formula for determining the recommended basic child support obligation for parents whose combined adjusted gross incomes is $25,000...
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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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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...