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Dividing the Household Furniture

Almost all couples have household furniture and other furnishings that they divide when they separate. Household furnishings that are marital property are subject to valuation and distribution like any other...
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Does It Matter in a Divorce If One Spouse Was the “Breadwinner” During Marriage?

A common refrain that attorneys hear during the divorce process is: “I earned all the money during the marriage, so why should I have to give my ex half of...

Divorce and Emotional Support

Divorce is not only stressful, but it can be traumatic as well. Many people who are going through divorce feel like their life has been shattered or turned upside down....
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Divorce in the Digital Age: How the Internet Can Be Useful In Your Divorce Case

Unquestionably, the Internet has changed the way we access information and the volume of information that is available. It has also made it more difficult to keep our personal lives...
Image of a bright child wearing oversized glasses and holding a clipboard denoting support of children.

Can a Stepparent Be Required to Pay Child Support for a Current or Former Stepchild?

Under North Carolina law, the legal parents (either biological or adoptive) of a child are deemed to be primarily responsible for the child’s financial support. As such, a stepparent has...
Stock photography image of a Marriage Contract on a table with the hands of a man and a woman signing it.

Should I get a prenuptial agreement?

A prenuptial agreement, also referred to as a premarital agreement or ante-nuptial agreement, is a contract entered into between two parties contemplating marriage. The agreement becomes effective upon their marriage....
Image of a typewritten agreement for divorce on white paper with a pair of eyeglasses folded on top of it.

Does My Separation Agreement Have To Be Approved by the Court?

“Separation agreement” is the term commonly used to describe a legally binding contract that spouses enter into when they reach an agreement regarding issues related to their marital separation. The...
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Why You May Need an Expert Witness or Other Professional to Assist in Your Divorce or Child Custody Case

Depending on the nature and complexity of the issues in dispute in your divorce or child custody matter, your attorney may recommend that you engage the services of non-lawyer professionals...
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...

Can I Withhold Visitation If the Other Parent Doesn’t Pay Child Support?

The unequivocal answer is “no.” Under North Carolina law, child support and visitation are separate matters and a parent's failure to pay child support is not a legal justification to...
Image of dominos in a single row, split by a man's hand. The left side of the row is protected from the right, which is teetering over, representing how mediation can help protect what remains from being lost.

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a process in which two or more people involved in a dispute come together voluntarily to try to develop a solution to their problem with the help of...
Image of a woman with her hands held together in front of her holding a small white package with a red bow.

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...