Like many people, I have a cat. Okay, maybe I have a couple of cats. They sleep most of the time but they are warm and fuzzy and do something that makes me laugh on a daily basis. They are both orange and I have a habit of referring to them as the twins. Today, […]
Blog
What is a Separation Agreement?
A Separation Agreement and Property Settlement is a voluntary contract between a husband and wife of ex-spouses. It may be signed no sooner than separation, and may be signed at some later date, even after the parties divorce. The parties can settle some or all of the issues, including child custody, spousal support (alimony), child […]
Free-Trader Agreements in North Carolina
When a married couple separates, if they can reach an agreement on all of the issues between them, they may choose to sign a separation agreement. A separation agreement is a contract that says how they have agreed to divide property and debt, how family support will be provided, if any, and what they will […]
Post-nuptial Agreements
Marital contracts are signed by parties who choose to clarify what they desire to happen in various situations, instead of having issues decided in court. The requirements for marital contracts are quite different. Prenuptial or premarital agreements are subject to the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act, and only becomes effective if and when the parties marry. These agreements […]
What Are Divorce Papers?
People frequently contact an attorney when they receive documents from an attorney or their ex. When someone uses the term divorce papers it can mean a variety of things. Although there are other possibilities, the overwhelming majority of people who receive what they call divorce papers have received one of two things: a proposed contract […]
Prenuptial Agreements (Also Known as Premarital Agreements)
An engagement is a happy occasion. In the excitement about their wedding, people sometimes overlook the fact that marriage automatically changes your legal rights. These rights include inheritance rights, marital asset and debt rights, and alimony. In legal terms, these rights and responsibilities are called incidents of marriage, meaning the burdens or benefits of marriage. What […]
Child Custody Evaluations in North Carolina: A Double-Edged Sword
The vast majority of child custody cases are settled out of court. Parents or custodians sometimes negotiate on their own with attorneys to reach an agreement. Another way an agreement in custody case can be resolved is by mandatory custody mediation where a neutral mediator and both parents meet in an effort to create an […]
Can I Give Up My Rights as a Parent?
Especially when child support is pending, some people mistakenly think they can avoid paying support, or avoid the other parent seeking visitation, if one parent surrenders parental rights. Because parents have legal duties to their children, and because various rights as next of kin flow from parents, there are very few occasions when “giving up” […]
Rights of Unmarried Couples
Unmarried Couples For a variety of reasons, many people in romantic relationships do not get married. Instead, they may live together, purchase a home together, share their finances, and place debts or title to assets in their joint names. Many retired, divorced, or widowed individuals remain unmarried because they do not want to lose retirement or military benefits. […]
Hired Guns: Experts in Family Law Cases
In cases of marital property, child support, alimony and even child custody cases, an attorney may advise a client to hire an expert. In these types of cases, there are two types of experts, those who act as a consultant for the attorney and client, and those who testify in depositions or court as expert […]