At Smith Debnam, we understand the uncertainty and discomfort a client may feel when facing a separation and divorce. It is a difficult time. Our family law attorneys will carefully listen and learn all we can about your unique situation in order to formulate solutions to help you accomplish your goals. Our Raleigh family law firm has divorce attorneys who are focused on helping you move forward – legally, financially and emotionally. Our responsible and caring team is here to help our clients navigate through their separation and divorce cases.
Our law office focuses on family law matters and can provide advice and legal services throughout the entire process. Whether you are just beginning the process of legal separation, or are looking for a good Raleigh divorce law firm to represent you in matters of property settlement, spousal support, or child custody – the family law team at Smith Debnam can help.
A legal separation is when two spouses begin living apart from each other in separate living quarters, with one spouse intending the separation to be permanent. This is never an easy decision but it’s important to consult a family law attorney for legal advice. Our separation and divorce attorneys have years of experience and understand the difficult situation you are in and we care about how you move forward. We will take care of any separation agreements and help you understand the marriage and separation laws. Our attorneys will also be there to help you in setting boundaries during separation and knowing the rules of separation in marriage, like dating. Separating from your spouse in North Carolina has specific requirements and we can help you navigate the process from the beginning of separation, reconciliation, or filing for divorce.
After being separated for one year, individuals can obtain an order for divorce in North Carolina. Our experienced Raleigh divorce lawyers can help you understand the process for divorce and all of the laws and requirements necessary for your case. It’s important to seek legal advice during a divorce because the divorce attorney will have your best interests in mind, and they are committed to teaching you about your rights. Most importantly, they serve as your advocate and will make sure you receive what is your right and obligation from the divorce.
The difference between a divorce and legal separation is that in a divorce, your marriage is officially ended. During a separation, you are still married to your spouse but the other aspects of divorce, such as child custody and division of assets, are ordered by the court. Separation does not always lead to divorce but, in the state of North Carolina, you must be separated for one year before you can divorce your spouse. Trust our experienced divorce attorneys to walk you through the law requirements and help you through the process during this difficult season.
“Thank you doesn’t seem sufficient to express how appreciative I am of Rose Stout and her time. I will never forget our first meeting when she listened to me and conveyed that I was not simply billable hours. I continue to be moved by her kindness and decency. While I don’t know if I will ever be able to repay either, I hope if one day I can be of service, she will let me know. Thank you, Rose, for helping me reclaim the first day of the rest of my life and many other days to follow.” – Marie M.
Here at Smith Debnam, we are proud to advocate for you and your family. To schedule a consultation with a Raleigh divorce attorney at our firm, call 919-250-2000.
Do I need a lawyer?
It is in a person’s best interests to hire an attorney for his or her case, one who is committed to not only educating him or her about rights and obligations, but who is also there to serve as an advocate. A good family law attorney knows the law inside and out and stays current on updates that may affect the case. A good attorney also knows important deadlines and the proper procedure for filing documents at the court. Many attorneys have good relationships with judges and other attorneys, who can often help an individual’s case.
What are the consequences of marital misconduct?
Marital misconduct can be considered when determining the amount or duration of alimony or as a basis for a court-ordered separation.
What can I expect throughout the process?
When a person contacts Smith Debnam for help with a family law issue, he or she first speaks with a knowledgeable paralegal who will ask some questions about the case and can schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys. The consultation is an important step in the process. It gives the client an opportunity to ask detailed questions and evaluate if the attorney is a good fit for his or her case. When clients come in for the initial consultation, they need to bring any documents that are relevant to the matter. For example, clients should bring previous agreements or court pleadings that the attorney will need to review to advise them correctly. If they are coming in for a consultation to begin the separation process, clients should bring documents evidencing marital debts and assets. Once an individual chooses to retain the attorney for his or her case, that client is assigned a paralegal to walk them through the process. That paralegal will assist the client in preparing the documents necessary for the court process or work with him or her to gather documents necessary to negotiate settlement documents. The paralegal will also be in regular contact regarding approaching deadlines. The attorney educates clients about their rights and obligations and sets goals and milestones based on specific situations. Being honest about all the details of the case from the beginning is essential to the process. We want all of our clients to feel comfortable with our attorneys and trust that they will guide them in the right direction and help make responsible decisions for each family.
What if my spouse had an affair?
Extramarital affairs can be considered a form of marital misconduct, which may affect the amount or duration of alimony that a person pays or receives. Sometimes, when extramarital affairs are an issue, lawsuits for alienation of affection and criminal conversation can arise. An attorney can help evaluate whether these actions are appropriate for a specific situation.
What if I don’t want a divorce?
If one spouse desires a divorce, the spouses are separated for the required amount of time and the spouse initiating the divorce proceeding does so in the proper way, the spouse who wants the divorce is entitled to it, and a court will grant the divorce.
What do I do when my spouse files for divorce?
A spouse who is served with divorce papers should contact an attorney immediately. There are deadlines to respond to a lawsuit and important rights that can be lost if action is not taken quickly.
What does a divorce cost?
In North Carolina, there is a filing fee payable to the clerk of court in the county in which the action is being filed to initiate the lawsuit for a divorce. Additionally, there is a fee for service or actual delivery of the lawsuit to the opposing party. Service is typically accomplished by certified mail or by sheriff, and those costs vary. The filing fee for a claim for absolute divorce is $225.00 The service fee for the sheriff’s office is $30.00 Certified mail varies in cost, but it is typically $4.00 – $6.00 If a person chooses to hire an attorney to handle his or her divorce, that attorney will charge a reasonable fee for the time spent to draft the necessary documentation to complete the divorce and to appear in court on his or her client’s behalf, if necessary. The best way to get an estimate for the total cost of a divorce is to set up an initial consultation with an attorney to review the details of the case.
How long does a divorce take?
It often takes longer than a client believes it should to get a divorce. The actual dissolution of a marriage can generally take as little as 45 – 60 days, but resolving other issues regarding child custody, child support, alimony and/or property division can take months to conclude, if not longer.
Can I get an annulment?
North Carolina recognizes limited grounds for annulment such as cases of bigamy or when one party to the marriage is not of legal age to marry. There are few other grounds, and an attorney can help advise whether a particular situation qualifies for annulment.
How do I get a divorce in North Carolina?
North Carolina divorce laws state that once a couple has been separated for one year, either spouse may file a lawsuit asking the court to dissolve the marriage. However, handling the other issues surrounding the divorce including child custody, child support, alimony and/or property division may not be as simple. Assuming all of the other issues are resolved, obtaining a divorce is a relatively simple process.
What if my spouse won’t agree to separate?
If a spouse will not agree to separate, the other spouse may have several options. In some instances, it may be advisable for the spouse desiring a separation to make the first move and actually leave the marital residence to begin the period of separation. Depending upon the specific facts, other options may be available. Every option carries with it some level of risk, whether legal and/or financial. For that reason, it is always advisable to seek the legal counsel of an attorney regarding the rights, risks, and obligations triggered by a separation before deciding to initiate a separation.
What if my spouse abandoned me?
Abandonment is defined as one spouse’s leaving the marriage without the consent of the other spouse, without justification and with the intention of ending the marriage. Because abandonment is considered a form of marital misconduct, it can affect the amount of alimony one may receive or pay, as well as the term of alimony.
Can I draft my own separation agreement?
On occasion, individuals do draft their own separation agreements; however, using another person’s agreement as a template or finding a sample online to draft a separation agreement may not result in the desired outcome. Additionally, each state has specific laws regarding separation and divorce; therefore, an agreement drafted under the laws of another state is likely useless for a North Carolina resident.
What is a separation agreement?
A separation agreement is a private, written contract between separated spouses that can resolve most, if not all, of the issues surrounding their separation and divorce. Separation agreements can include specific and detailed provisions regarding child custody, child support, alimony and property division, among other things.
How long do I have to be separated before I can file for a divorce in North Carolina?
A married couple must be separated for at least one year before either spouse can file for the divorce.
What is legal separation?
A husband and a wife become separated only when they begin living apart from each other, in different residences, with at least one of the spouses intending for the separation to be permanent, and the separation remains permanent. A couple, by their actions, can resume their marital relationship following a separation. In that event, their original date of separation no longer applies. The date of separation is important for at least two reasons: 1. It starts the clock running on the one-year waiting period that is required for filing a divorce. 2. It is the date upon which the marital property and debts are valued for the purpose of being divided.
What is marital misconduct?
Marital misconduct can include certain acts that occur during the marriage, such as infidelity, abandonment, cruel treatment, verbal or physical abuse, reckless spending or excessive use of drugs or alcohol, among other things.
