Most divorces are standard, with one or both spouses working outside the home, earning a paycheck, and regularly contributing to retirement accounts. The process becomes more complicated when the couple has acquired substantial assets during their marriage, owns a business, or has children. So, s...
Typically, when a divorcing couple in North Carolina has children, the court orders the non-custodial parent to pay ongoing child support. Initially, the court determines the amount based on the number of children, the custody arrangement, and the gross income of each parent. However, circumstanc...
The news is flooded with stories of domestic violence, and in the most tragic cases, someone loses their life at their partner's hands. In the United States, three people lose their lives every day to domestic violence, and North Carolina residents are not immune to this. North Carolina law provi...
Divorce and child custody cases in North Carolina often affect more than just parents and children. Grandparents are a vital piece of a child's extended family, and changes in custody can affect how and when -- or even if -- grandparents can see their grandchildren. North Carolina law gives gran...
When a married couple has a child, North Carolina law assumes the mother's husband is the father and gives the child all the rights of legitimacy, including the right to develop a relationship with both parents. However, when an unmarried mother gives birth to a child, the same assumption is not ...
In a contested child custody case, your ex-spouse may bring up any and every negative thing youve ever done in your life. An ex could even exaggerate or lie about how your past behavior could endanger your child, including any current or prior drug use. A positive drug test could put your child ...
Tens of thousands of American families open up their homes to adopted children every year. This includes adoptions of children from foreign countries, including children with special needs and medical issues. However, the total number of foreign adoptions in the U.S. has declined in the past deca...
After a divorce in North Carolina, either spouse could be granted alimony, or spousal support. The court may also decide not to award either spouse alimony. Whether the court will award alimony depends on a number of factors but it does not depend on the sex of the spouse. Historically, women re...
After a contested child custody case, divorced parents may still have problems and conflicts. This could involve making visitation more difficult, including moving further away. In some cases, one parent may plan to move out of state and take the children with them. This can make it much more dif...
A divorce in North Carolina is known as an “absolute divorce.” This means that once a judge signs the judgment for an absolute divorce, the divorce is final. After the order is issued you cannot change your mind or have the court reinstate your marriage. The only option going forward if you want ...
Losing your job can be a very stressful time. It can cause stress in your family as you worry about whether you will be able to find a new job before your savings run out. However, for parents dealing with a custody dispute, the loss of a job can be even more stressful as a parent worries about h...
Child custody can get complicated when parents argue over where their child will live and how they will be raised. Even if one parent thinks they provide a better home for their child, the courts position is generally that both parents should share custody. However, custody can be even more comp...
Child custody plans depend a lot on whether the parents decide on custody between themselves or a judge has to decide custody. There are a lot of factors that go into making child custody decisions, including the childs preference for who he or she wants to live with. As the child gets older, th...
When you have to move because of a new job or to be closer to family, you have to be prepared for a lot of changes. This may mean a new school district, new job, and new neighborhood. However, moving can be more complicated when you have shared child custody. With a long-distance move, shared cus...
Fighting for child custody can be one of the most difficult parts of a separation or divorce. Especially in the case of a contested divorce, the other parent may bring up incidents from your past, exaggerate negative events, or even lie about how you treat your own child. While dealing with the s...
Child custody cases can be very frustrating for parents going through a difficult separation. Anger and emotions over concerns of your childs well-being can cause you do to and say things you normally wouldnt do. Many people take to social media to vent their frustrations. It is important to be...
There are a number of reasons why a couple may decide its time to separate. This could include a lack of communication, financial problems, infidelity, or the couple may have simply grown too far apart over time. When the relationship ends, each spouse may be looking for a new person to help giv...
Divorce is never an easy thing to go through. Separating spouses have to deal with child custody, child support, property division, and major life changes. For military families, divorce can be even more complicated. A military couple may be living far away from other family or the military spous...
People in an abusive relationship can face constant fear of physical, sexual, or verbal abuse. It can be difficult for victims of domestic abuse to seek help from law enforcement, often out of fear of retaliation from their abuser. Filing for a protective order can help protect victims and their ...
The first Monday in January is unofficially known as “Divorce Day,” as the number of divorces in North Carolina and across the country see an increase in the beginning of the new year. Why do so many couples wait until January to begin the divorce process and what should you consider if you are t...
Holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and celebration. However, in reality, they can be stressful times for everyone, including the children. Sharing custody of children can add additional stress for parents and kids alike, between planning visits, travel, family gatherings, and coordinating ...
It can be difficult to develop a child custody agreement after a divorce, even if the couple generally agrees on how to divide responsibilities. When the couple disagrees, child custody disputes can be one of the most difficult aspects of separation. However, even after the court approves a child...
Most people never consider a prenuptial agreement before tying the knot. Some consider a prenuptial agreement as something limited to celebrities and millionaires looking to protect their wealth. Others believe a prenuptial agreement is a sign that the couple is not committed to making the marria...
Getting a divorce does not have to be a contentious process where both sides are fighting over every detail. At some point during the marriage, the couple likely loved, trusted, and respected one another. The decision to separate does not have to be the end of working together. Collaborative divo...
Divorce settlements can become highly contentious when arguing over how to distribute property. A spouse may feel they are owed a greater share of the money because they were betrayed. Another spouse may believe they should keep most of the property because they brought more money into the marria...
Here at Jerkins Family Law, we are focused and deliberate in fighting for a better solution for you. Do you need a skilled and passionate attorney to protect what matters to you the most? Then Jerkins Family law is ready to navigate you to a perfect solution to serve your legal needs.
