North Carolina Divorce Lawyers Blog

Articles Tagged with separation

Published on:

By

Best v. Staton, (unpublished).

Equitable Distribution is one of the mechanisms by which former spouses separate their personal and real property. It requires the right timing and, since not all property can be easily split, the right kind of appraisal. Real property is especially valuable, and sometimes difficult to assess. In the case below, we discuss why you should consult an expert in Equitable Distribution. Continue reading →

Published on:

Carolyn Woodruff, J.D., C.P.A, C.V.A.
By

Dear Carolyn,

I have a cousin, Bernie, who lives in another North Carolina city. She is mid-30s, professionally employed and has two school-aged sons who are involved in numerous sports, school and community activities. My cousin spends the majority of her free time working with and for her kids. Continue reading →

Published on:

By

Dear Carolyn, 

We have a small family business. I do all the work with customers; my ex-wife does the bookkeeping. We both own the company as shareholders. We now are now separated. What protections do I need to put in place? She writes checks that are not for business expenses out of the business account.

– Concerned

Continue reading →
Published on:

By

Dear Carolyn,

My wife and I have been married 20 years. Our child is graduating from high school this year, and we are miserable.  We own a home with lots of debt and we cannot afford to separate without selling our home first.  We both work, but there simply is not enough money to maintain two households without first selling the house.  Is there any way we can declare ourselves separated and maintain the same household until the house sells?   Why is the North Carolina waiting period for divorce a year?  I hear that one year is a long time as compared to other states.  Can we settle our property now?  We have retirement, cars and furniture, along with the house?

Continue reading →

Published on:

Sade Knox, Intern
By

Kelley v. Kelley, T.C. Memo. 2017-798, 2017 WL 1251018

Facts: Husband and wife were married in 1982. They later entered into a Separation and Property Settlement Agreement upon their separation in 1994 (the “1994 agreement”). The two later divorced in 1999. The 1994 agreement resolved several issues between the two such as child support, alimony, and equitable distribution, but most importantly, the agreement contained a “Modification and Waiver” clause. In 2003, approximately nine years after the parties separated and four years after their divorce, the parties allegedly signed a document titled, “Amendment to Settlement Agreement.” Continue reading →

Published on:

By

Milbourne v. Comm’r, T.C. Memo. 2015-13, 2015 WL 393040 (2015)

(a)  Facts: A husband and his wife separated. She proposed a separation agreement, which required him to pay $6,000 per month in alimony. The husband refused to sign this agreement, as he did not want to pay more than $2,500 per month in alimony.

The parties could not agree upon an amount of support and no agreement was initially signed. While the parties were negotiating, the husband paid the wife $36,000 in monthly payments of varying amounts, usually $2,000 but sometimes $4,000 or $5,000. After a total $36,000 had been paid, the parties signed an agreement calling for support of $4,500 per month, with certain possible future reductions.

Continue reading →

Published on:

By Carolyn J. Woodruff, JD, CPA, CVA
By

Today, let’s deal with the “date” wardrobe you should build over time (depending on your budget). This wardrobe selection is for Summer 2015 for dinners out, movies, theater, concerts and similar activities.

Find your own look and make it your own.  Be creative.  It will make you feel good about yourself.  Be your own person and have your own identity.  Here are some suggestions: Continue reading →

Published on:

By Carolyn J. Woodruff, North Carolina Family Law Specialist, JD, CPA, CVA
By

Molinet v. Comm’r, T.C. Memo. 2014-109, 2014 WL 2573992 (2014)

(a) Facts: A husband and wife were married.  The wife was from Cuba and was admitted to the United States on a fiancé visa.  The husband controlled the marital finances, with minimal input from the wife.  She had access to the parties’ joint checking account, but rarely used it and did not have a good understanding of the United States banking system.  She paid her expenses with a weekly allowance from the husband. Continue reading →