Greensboro Divorce Lawyer
Finding Solutions for Separating Spouses
When clients come to us in need of help with a divorce settlement, they are often going through a period in their lives that is somewhat chaotic. Everything they and their spouse own are being put on a negotiating table and divided up. The equity of the final settlement can go a long way towards determining the quality of a client’s life moving forward. With so much uncertainty going on around them, people need to know that a reliable family law attorney has their back. That’s where we come in.
The Greensboro divorce attorneys at Roupas Law Firm has over 25 years’ experience in legal practice and it’s now over 17 years since Attorney Tom Roupas founded our law firm. That experience gives us the nuanced understanding of North Carolina law that our clients rely on. Furthermore, we deliver our reasoned legal counsel in a manner that is efficient, and respectful of the client’s time.
Need a Skilled Divorce Attorney in Greensboro, NC?
Our Greensboro family law attorneys know how to research, and we know how to fight through the legal system. Our Greensboro office serves clients throughout Guilford County and all over Alamance, Rockingham, and Randolph county, North Carolina.
Get Started Today! Call a Divorce Lawyer in Greensboro, NC, at (336) 850-5525 or or Contact Us Online to Set Up a Consultation!
How Divorce Attorneys Help
Divorce attorneys guide separating spouses through the complex and emotional legal process of divorce. They provide not only legal representation but also emotional support, helping clients navigate the challenges that come with ending a marriage. By offering expert advice, divorce attorneys assist clients in understanding their rights and obligations, ensuring they make informed decisions regarding asset division, child custody, and spousal support. The presence of a knowledgeable attorney can alleviate much of the stress involved, allowing clients to focus on their families and future.
What Divorce Lawyers Do for Their Clients
- Legal Representation: Divorce lawyers advocate for their clients in negotiations and court proceedings, ensuring their interests are protected throughout the process.
- Asset Division: They help in identifying, valuing, and dividing marital assets and debts, ensuring a fair settlement is achieved.
- Child Custody Arrangements: Attorneys assist in negotiating child custody and visitation agreements that prioritize the children's best interests.
- Child and Spousal Support: They calculate and negotiate support payments, ensuring compliance with state regulations while addressing the financial needs of the involved parties.
- Mediation Services: Many divorce attorneys offer mediation services, promoting cooperative solutions and reducing conflict between spouses.
- Legal Documentation: Lawyers prepare and file all necessary legal documents, such as petitions, agreements, and motions, ensuring compliance with court requirements.
- Advice on Legal Rights: They provide clients with comprehensive information about their legal rights and obligations throughout the divorce process.
- Emotional Support: Beyond legal assistance, divorce attorneys can provide emotional support and guidance, helping clients cope with the stress of divorce.
- Post-Divorce Modifications: They assist with modifications to custody or support arrangements that may arise after the divorce is finalized.
- Litigation: If an agreement cannot be reached, divorce lawyers are prepared to represent their clients in litigation, advocating for the desired outcomes in court.
Benefits of Hiring a Divorce Attorney
Going through a divorce can be a complex and emotionally challenging process. Hiring a skilled divorce attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Here are some benefits of hiring a divorce attorney:
- Legal expertise: A divorce attorney has the knowledge and experience to navigate the legal system and advocate for your best interests.
- Emotional support: A divorce attorney can provide guidance and support during this difficult time, helping you make informed decisions.
- Negotiation skills: An attorney can negotiate on your behalf to reach a fair settlement, whether it be through mediation or in court.
- Legal paperwork: Your attorney will handle all the necessary paperwork and ensure that deadlines are met, reducing the stress on you.
- Objective advice: An attorney can provide an objective perspective on your case, helping you make decisions that are in your best interest.
Find Peace of Mind by Calling (336) 850-5525 and Talking to a Greensboro Divorce Attorney About Your Case and a Consultation!
Understanding Divorce in North Carolina
In North Carolina, divorce is legally defined as the termination of a marriage by a court order. The state follows a no-fault divorce policy, meaning that neither spouse needs to prove wrongdoing by the other to obtain a divorce. Instead, one party must show that they have been separated from their spouse for at least 12 months. During this separation period, couples must live apart while addressing issues such as asset division, child custody, and support obligations. Once the 12-month separation period has passed, either spouse can file for divorce. At least one spouse must have been a resident of North Carolina for at least six months before filing for divorce. Understanding these basic principles is crucial for anyone considering divorce, as it sets the stage for navigating the process effectively.
What is an Uncontested Divorce in North Carolina?
An uncontested divorce in North Carolina is a no-fault divorce that involves both spouses agreeing to the terms of the separation. This case includes child custody, child support, spousal support, and how to divide marital property.
How Long Does a Divorce Take in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, an uncontested divorce can take 30–60 days to finalize. In contrast, a contested divorce can take a year or more. This law does not include the one-year separation period before filing for and completing a divorce.
Does It Matter Who Files for Divorce First in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, it doesn't matter who files for divorce first. The court doesn't give preferential treatment to the spouse who files first.
Considering North Carolina is a no-fault divorce state, the only requirement for getting a divorce is to live separately for a year. You do not have to give a reason for wanting a divorce.
Who Has to Leave the House in a Separation?
In North Carolina, both spouses must live apart for one year before filing for divorce. This rule means that one spouse must leave the marital home. Living in separate parts of the same house or sleeping in separate bedrooms is not equal to being separated.
What is a Spouse Entitled to in a North Carolina Divorce?
In North Carolina, a spouse may be entitled to alimony, also known as spousal support or maintenance, in a divorce. The amount of alimony depends on the spouse's new financial position and responsibilities, as well as the outcome of the divorce. Alimony can be temporary, paid in one lump sum, or periodically over months or years.
What Is Equitable Distribution?
North Carolina is one of 41 states that use the principle of equitable distribution in dividing up property during a divorce settlement. It’s important to point out that a small difference in word choice can have significant legal—and financial implications. That choice is the word “equitable”, which is not the same as “equal”. In an equal settlement, each spouse would get half of the property. But an equitable settlement leaves more room for interpretation. It simply means that the settlement must be seen as fair to each party. This is often in the eye of the beholder—and if a settlement can’t be reached in negotiation, that beholder will be a North Carolina family law judge. It also means that the quality of one’s legal counsel—both the diligence of their research and the effectiveness of their advocacy—might become a crucial factor.
What Is the Difference Between Marital Property vs. Separate Property?
Even before beginning equitable distribution discussions, property must first be classified as marital or separate. Marital property is that which belongs to the spouses jointly. Separate property belongs to a particular spouse individually. Spouses get all of their separate property in a settlement. It is only marital property that is subject to equitable distribution.
Having said that, the legal definition of what constitutes separate property is tighter than is commonly realized. To be separate property, the spouse must have owned the asset prior to the marriage or received it as a gift (i.e., an inheritance).
Furthermore, an asset that is generally separate property, might be at least partially marital property. The stock portfolio that was owned prior to the marriage is separate property—except for the value that accrued in it after the wedding date. The same goes for real estate. Inheritance money that was commingled into joint bank accounts may now be marital property.
All of which is to say that separating marital property and separate property can require a lot of detail and analysis. Good family law attorneys with diligent staff make sure they’re combing over every detail in pursuit of a fair settlement for their clients.
A Timely, Trusted & Effective Greensboro Divorce Lawyer
We know how much our clients are relying on a fair divorce settlement and we understand how much they count on their legal counsel to be on top of everything, and doing it in an efficient manner.
Contact Roupas Law Firm today at (336) 850-5525 or right here online to set up a consultation.
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"After the call not only was I treated with kindness and respect, I was totally confident that Attorney Roupas could handle my case!"
- Candice T.
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