North Carolina Divorce Lawyers Blog

Articles Posted in Divorce

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After you file a divorce complaint in North Carolina, you must serve your spouse with the complaint and the summons. There are somewhat complex requirements for how a spouse must be served with these legal documents. You cannot hand the divorce complaint and summons to your spouse personally; with limited exceptions, you must use one of the following methods:

  • Service by the sheriff’s department
  • Service by a private process server
  • Certified or registered mail with return receipt requested

If mailing the complaint and summons, you may use the United States Postal Service, UPS, or FedEx. You must file proof of service with the court to show your spouse received the documents. Continue reading →

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Gray divorce—when couples over the age of 50 end their marriage—is becoming more and more common as individuals seek fulfillment in their later years.

In our previous blogs, we examined the gray divorces of Bill and Melinda Gates, as well as Rupert Murdoch and Wendi Deng, focusing on financial complexities and emotional adjustments.

In this installment, we look at the high-profile split of Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos, which sheds light on the importance of financial planning, amicable resolution, and moving forward with purpose. Continue reading →

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The courthouse where a divorce complaint is filed is called the venue. Determining which venue to file in is important because only the proper venue can rule on a case. North Carolina law states that the venue for legal action is the county in which either party to the case lives, but identifying which court is the correct venue to initiate your divorce action can be more complicated. Continue reading →

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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. Continue reading →

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The division of property is one of the most significant factors in many North Carolina divorces. Spouses accumulate substantial assets and debts throughout their marriage, including real estate, retirement accounts, investment portfolios, vehicles, and bank accounts. North Carolina statutes support equitable distribution, meaning that if either spouse requests it a court will determine a fair and equitable division of marital property.

Spouses with prenuptial or premarital agreements may believe that this contract prevents an equitable distribution of property in a divorce, but that may not be true. Precise wording is critical because not all agreements meet the requirements to waive equitable distribution.

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Y Michael Yin, JD

In Nevada, the Supreme Court recently issued a ruling affirming the public’s constitutional right to access Family Court proceedings, overturning a rule change that had closed some hearings. The Court found that the rule violated the First Amendment right to access court proceedings.

In the ruling, the Court acknowledged the importance of protecting litigants’ privacy in family law matters but emphasized that privacy interests do not automatically override the public’s right to access court proceedings. However, some Justices dissented, arguing that Family Court cases should be treated differently from other civil proceedings and pointing to laws regarding confidentiality in adoption and parental rights termination cases.

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Pay is an important factor under the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines. It is critical for parents to be employed at their best potential for income to support children.

This emphasis on fair compensation and financial stability aligns with the principles of National Equal Pay Day, which highlights the importance of gender pay equity and fair wages for all individuals. Because without equal pay opportunities, how can we expect men and women to contribute equally to the financial well-being of their children?

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The American Psychological Association (APA) estimates around 50% of marriages end in divorce. With divorce likely to affect an individual’s mental well-being, many people experience depression and other forms of psychological distress during and post-divorce. When the divorce is public, as it can be with celebrity couples, the depression may be worse.

Celebrity trainer Chris Powell, famous for his role as the host and personal trainer on the hit TV show “Extreme Weight Loss,” inspired many with his dedication to physical health and wellness. But, away from the screen, Powell battled depression while navigating a high-profile divorce.

The Hidden Struggle and a Public Divorce

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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.

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Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and sometimes these changes can significantly impact our personal relationships. This is a truth that many, including high-profile individuals, face. Recently, NBA Star Damian Lillard, known for his impressive career with the Portland Trail Blazers and now with the Milwaukee Bucks, filed for divorce from his wife, Kay’La Lillard. This news serves as a poignant reminder that big life changes can have a profound effect on relationships. For men in Greensboro navigating similar waters, consulting a Greensboro divorce lawyer can offer much-needed guidance. Continue reading →