Self-executing modifications are provisions within a contract or order that amend the terms upon a specified event that may occur in the future. The legality of these provisions varies from state to state; some states have determined that self-executing modifications are typically illegal, and others have yet to make any…
When a spouse passes away, North Carolina law entitles the surviving spouse to a portion of the deceased spouse’s estate. The specifics will vary depending on estate plans, how property is titled, and a variety of other factors, but the state’s laws give spouses the right to claim an elective…
Alimony is an option in North Carolina in divorces where one spouse is classified as the dependent spouse and the other as the supporting spouse. North Carolina Law and Spousal Support North Carolina General Statute Section 50-16.1A defines a dependent spouse as one who is either substantially dependent on the…
North Carolina residents who have lived in the state for at least six months can file for divorce. While separation and divorce are rarely easy, recent moves can make the process even more complicated. Nlend v. Nlend In the case of Nlend v. Nlend, a husband and wife had concurrent…
Y Michael Yin, JD Hunter v. Hunter, 2024-NCCOA-______ (2024). Facts: In June 2023, a family dispute turned violent between the Plaintiff and the Defendant, his father. The altercation arose over a disagreement regarding the Plaintiff’s daughter attending bible school. During the argument, the Defendant struck the Plaintiff in the neck,…
The financial impact of a divorce is often one of the longest-lasting challenges that families will face. Divorces can be expensive, even without the changes in household income and bills. This is especially true for divorced couples with children. The way divorced parents approach filing their taxes each year is…
North Carolina allows divorcing parents to agree on their own terms for child support payments, but more often parents rely on the court to make a determination. Calculating Child Support in North Carolina The state has guidelines to determine the amount of support based on the financial situation of each…
Child custody orders are court-issued documents that require parents to adhere to a set of provisions regarding custody and visitation. For many parents, understanding the legal terminology included in these orders can be challenging, especially when the provisions are vague or open to more than one interpretation. Ideally, court orders…
When a North Carolina court enters a child custody order, each parent is required to follow the terms of the order. Most parents understand that violating the basic custody and visitation requirements could get them into trouble. For example, there may be serious consequences if one parent refuses to return…
Meeker v. Meeker, 2024-NCCOA-______ (2024). Facts: Husband and Wife married in 1982 and had two children. They separated in 2009 and finalized their divorce in May 2011. During their separation, they entered into a separation agreement, stating that Husband would pay Wife $7,577.78 per month in spousal support until 2025,…