Charlotte Divorce & Family Law Lawyers

North Carolina Family Court Legal Counsel in Charlotte

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.

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

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.

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.

Working With Our Charlotte Family & Divorce Lawyers

During an initial meeting, we typically talk through your finances, living arrangements, and any concerns you have about parenting schedules or support so we can outline next steps that fit your priorities. Our goal is to give you a clear view of what to expect at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse or other nearby venues, such as district and family courts serving the greater Charlotte area, so that you are not caught off guard by the process. By working closely with a family law & divorce attorney at Jetton & Meredith, you gain a consistent point of contact who can coordinate strategy, answer questions as they arise, and help you decide when negotiation, mediation, or litigation makes the most sense.

How Do You File for Divorce in North Carolina?

To file for a divorce in the state, you and your spouse must have lived separately and apart for at least one year. During this time, it is common for both parties to enter into a separation agreement to clearly dictate how matters such as child custody, spousal support, and other factors will be addressed during this time.

There is a residency requirement to file for a divorce as well. At least one spouse must have lived in the state for at least 6 months. Once the divorce paperwork is filed with the court, the other spouse has 30 days to respond.

How Our Divorce Attorneys Help

• 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.

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 in experienced appraisers and agree to respect their opinions.

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. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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. 

Is North Carolina an Equitable Distribution State?

North Carolina is an equitable distribution state, which means all marital 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 marital 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. 

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.