Charlotte Divorce & Family Law Lawyers

North Carolina Family Court Legal Counsel

Our Charlotte divorce and family law attorneys at Jetton & Meredith strive to help you find a solution to your legal matter without the need of a judge. We help both sides by focusing on solutions that are ethical, reasonable, and agreeable.

Helping You Through the Charlotte Divorce Process

Navigating a divorce is one of life’s most tumultuous and emotional experiences. Whether you and your spouse are in agreement on most issues regarding the divorce or you have a more contentious relationship, Jetton & Meredith, PLLC is here to provide the guidance and legal support you need during this time.

Divorce proceedings can be a lengthy and complex process, which is why you will want an experienced divorce attorney by your side. Let our firm help you through this challenging time. We can work with you to explore your options, answer your questions, and help you navigate the complexities of your case.

While there are plenty of options available on the Internet for paper divorce filing, it's important to consider that those options could hurt you in the long run. Because there are other matters that may require attention before the final judgment is entered, it is important to speak with a family law attorney as early as possible in the process. The last thing you want to be doing is dealing with a "DIY divorce" years from now.

Confidential Legal Consultations Available

Our firm offers confidential consultations for those seeking discretion when considering a divorce. With detailed knowledge and experience in the Mecklenburg County court system, we work quickly to reduce your anxiety by thoroughly explaining your options and the legal consequences of those options.*

Why You Should Avoid Social Media During a Divorce

If you are going through a divorce, anything that you post on social media can have a negative impact on the outcome of your case. It is important for you to consider the consequences of posting anything on the Internet and what the outcome would be if your statements were introduced as evidence in court.

Everything you do online, including sending emails and messages, leaves a paper trail that can be recovered. Through discovery, your spouse’s attorney can collect and preserve your posts and statements made online. At Jetton & Meredith, we have the knowledge and experience to protect your interests in a divorce.

Just as your posts can be damaging to your case, any information your spouse posts on the Internet may be damaging to his or her case. For this reason, our divorce attorneys in Charlotte recognize the importance of gaining knowledge and evidence by carefully following your spouse’s social media posts and records.

Pitfalls To Avoid For Divorcing Spouses in NC

Spouses who fail to ask questions or seek professional advice run the risk of making decisions that leave them with less than they may have received from divorce settlements as well as tax problems that could have been avoided.

When negotiating a property settlement, divorcing spouses should not forget to consider the income that has been earned by their estranged partners but not yet received and often overlooked assets such as retirement plans and long-term investments. Another common mistake made by spouses is failing to consider the capital gains tax that could result if they were to sell assets received in a divorce settlement.

Once the divorce process has been initiated, spouses should cease using joint bank accounts. Matters like spousal support and property division can quickly become contentious, and all reasonable efforts to reduce financial vulnerability and exposure should be taken. Disputes may arise during property division negotiations when the spouses involved have an inflated opinion of how much assets such as real estate, investments, or artwork are worth. To avoid such disagreements, experts recommend that spouses call inexperienced appraisers and agree to respect their opinions.

Our Charlotte divorce and family lawyers may enlist the assistance of investigators or experts such as forensic accountants when they suspect that income is being concealed or assets are hidden. Attorneys may also suggest precautionary measures that their clients may wish to take after studying their financial records and assessing their legal options.

How Divorce Attorneys Help

Divorce attorneys help individuals navigate the complexities that come with dissolving a marriage, serving as important allies throughout the process. Beyond just legal representation, divorce attorneys support and guide their clients through emotionally turbulent times. With expertise in family law, they ensure that the rights and interests of their clients are fiercely protected, whether in negotiation or in the courtroom. Your divorce attorney can significantly impact the emotional well-being of your family, aiming for resolutions that minimize conflict and promote the interests of all parties involved.

Methods Used by Divorce Lawyers to Assist Clients

• Legal Consultation and Advice: Providing knowledgeable counsel on divorce laws, rights, and obligations to help clients make informed decisions.
• Mediation Services: Facilitating negotiations between parties to reach amicable settlement agreements on contentious issues like child custody and property division.
• Preparation and Filing of Legal Documents: Ensuring that all required paperwork is accurately prepared and filed with the court to avoid unnecessary delays.
• Representation in Court: Advocating on behalf of clients in court hearings and trials, especially in contested divorce cases where agreements cannot be reached outside of court.
• Child Custody and Support Arrangements: Negotiating terms that serve the best interests of the children involved, focusing on custody, visitation rights, and financial support.
• Spousal Support Agreements: Working to secure fair spousal support arrangements, considering the financial standing and needs of both parties.
• Division of Marital Assets and Debts: Assisting in the equitable distribution of marital property and liabilities, taking into account the complexities of commingled assets.
• Post-Divorce Modifications: Helping clients with post-judgment modifications to custody, support, and other orders as life circumstances change.
• Protective Orders: In situations of domestic violence, obtaining protective orders to ensure the safety and well-being of clients and their children.

Divorce lawyers aim to streamline the legal process, reduce stress and uncertainty, and strive for outcomes that align with their clients' goals and future well-being.

Reasons Why You Should Hire an Experienced Divorce Lawyer

Going through a divorce is emotional and taxing. Hiring a lawyer who will help you file your paperwork properly, represent your best interests, and advocate to protect you throughout the process, is one of the best steps you can take during this time.

Our experienced attorneys can help you work through any issues that might arise during this transition and promise to support you if any matter gets contentious. We take a personalized approach to each divorce case. Whether you are seeking an amicable divorce or require zealous advocacy for a litigated divorce in court, we have the experience and knowledge to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you have to be separated before filing for divorce?

In order to initiate a divorce, the parties must live in separate accommodations for at least one year. One of the spouses also has to be a North Carolina resident for six months before filing. There are no grounds for divorce in our state. The fact that one or both spouses wish to divorce is sufficient to proceed.

How long does a divorce take?

It depends on the outstanding issues that must be resolved and the attitude of your spouse. Some divorces can be finalized in a few months’ time, while others may take two years or so. At Jetton & Meredith, we try to complete everything necessary for a divorce during the one-year separation period whenever possible.* After reviewing your situation, our firm can give you a clearer picture of how long your divorce may take.

Is North Carolina an Equitable Distribution State?

North Carolina is an equitable distribution state, which means all martial property will be divided in a fair manner between both parties. There are some statutory factors that could affect how equitable distribution is divided, such as if one spouse engages in wasteful dissipation of martial assets.

What are the major issues that must be resolved in a divorce?

Before a divorce decree is issued, matters involving child custody, visitation rights, child support, alimony (spousal support), and division of marital property and debts must be addressed and resolved. These can be complex issues, so having an experienced divorce lawyer on your side during the process is essential.

Will I have to pay alimony or am I entitled to receive it?

This again depends on your specific situation. The court may order temporary alimony after divorce papers are filed, reserving the decision regarding permanent or longer-duration alimony for a later time. Many divorcing couples choose to forgo alimony in favor of a particular property settlement. Alimony is treated as taxable income for the receiver and tax deductible for the payer, so that is another consideration.