Posts by Web Admin
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) The surname of a prior deceased husband; or (3) The surname of a prior living husband if she has children who have that husband’s surname.”…
Read MorePart 2: Self-Help Legal Services: Helpful or Harmful?
Numerous online businesses have emerged in recent years that offer legal forms and information to enable consumers to create their own legal documents and perform many legal related services without the need for an attorney. The impact on a local level is that the number of pro se litigants (those representing themselves) has increased exponentially…
Read MorePart 1: Self-Help Legal Services: The Dangers of the Do-It-Yourself Separation Agreement
In a family law context, do-it-yourself separation agreements present an area that is laden with potential problems. A separation agreement, which may also be referred to by other names such as a Marital Settlement Agreement or Contract of Separation and Property Settlement Agreement, is a written contract between a husband and wife wherein they reach…
Read MoreWhat Is Considered “Separate Property?”
In North Carolina, “separate property” refers to assets or debts owned by one spouse individually. Separate property is considered all property (real estate or personal property) acquired by a spouse prior to marriage, or acquired by gift or inheritance during the marriage. Separate property includes debts acquired prior to marriage such as student loans or…
Read MoreAttorney’s Fees Awards in Actions for Postseparation Support and Alimony
A spouse who is dependent upon another spouse for financial support may find herself/himself with little or no income and limited financial resources when the parties separate. Financial constraints can make it difficult for a dependent spouse to retain an attorney to pursue claims for postseparation support and/or alimony. In order to level the playing…
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