Divorce & Family Law

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.

Call (704) 931-5535 to learn more about how a Charlotte divorce and family law attorneys near you can help.

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.

What constitutes a “separation” in North Carolina can be a very case-specific analysis. In most uncontested dissolution of marriage, the process can be completed in just a few weeks with minor expense.*

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.

Social media evidence that could damage your case:

  • Inappropriate pictures or statements concerning your children
  • Photos of yourself and another person with whom you are having a relationship
  • Photos of yourself drinking at social events
  • Disparaging comments about your soon-to-be ex
  • Email messages that you would not want your spouse to see
  • Information about your property or assets

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.

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.

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.

To get started on your divorce or family law case in Charlotte, NC, call Jetton & Meredith, PLLC at (704) 931-5535 or contact us online.

Client Testimonials*

The Opinions that Matter Most
    "Fabulous lawyer, highly recommend for any family law cases!!"
    Prompt, thorough, understanding and knowledgeable, are only a few of the adjectives that describe Jetton & Meredith. Fabulous lawyers, highly recommend for any family law cases!!
    - Former Client
    "A True Professional"
    Eric Meredith represented me during what turned out to be a lengthy divorce settlement. During the first meeting, he fully explained the process ahead and answered all my questions and concerns. I still remember the feeling of relief after that meeting knowing I had a true professional in my corner. Eric, along with his Paralegal Julie, kept me updated along the way and were quick to respond with any additional issues. Not only did he call with any updates to the case, he also would ask how I was doing. I cannot recommend Eric at Jetton & Meredith enough.
    - Tim
    "I highly recommend Mark should you ever need an attorney."
    I highly recommend Mark. I hired him to handle a simple assault charge that was filed against me. Mark handled it professionally and expeditiously. He explained each step in the process, and everything happened just as he described. He is exactly the type of lawyer you want representing you.
    - J&M Client
    "Great service and very personal."
    Great service and very personal. Jetton & Meredith are very hardworking attorneys. I will recommend Jetton & Meredith to anyone in need.
    - Former Client
    "I cannot stress enough how great the customer service was with Jetton & Meredith"
    I cannot stress enough how great the customer service was with Jetton & Meredith, with my case being a little more complicated I had the opportunity to work with both Mr. Jetton and Mr. Meredith. I can say they know their stuff, Mr. Jetton was able to get my case dismissed the first time we went to court, no questions asked. Working with Mr. Meredith was a longer process but he walked me through the steps and gave me realistic expectations of an outcome that he was able to provide just as he stated he would do. I couldn’t be more pleased with my decision to hire Jetton & Meredith as my attorneys, and I would highly recommend them to anyone in need of an attorney!
    - Former Client
    "Far exceeded my expectations"
    This law office far exceeded my expectations. All options and possible outcomes were set before me from the start and everything was handled in a professional and timely manner. Not only will I use this law firm again, but I would also and have already recommended them to the people I care most for. Thank you for all you’ve done.
    - Former Client

Why Jetton & Meredith?

A Passionate Defense of Your Rights
  • Highly Respected within the Legal Community
  • Unwavering Dedication to Client Satisfaction
  • Decades of Combined Legal Experience
  • Well-Established Family Roots in Charlotte, NC
  • Consultations Available on Evenings & Weekends
  • Unique & Personalized Approach to Each Case
  • Proven Track Record of Successful* Case Results
  • Numerous Professional Awards & Recognitions

Awards & Accolades

*Awards and accolades disclaimers located in the footer.