DIVORCE IS EMOTIONALLY TRYING ENOUGH — LET OUR DIVORCE ATTORNEYS HELP YOU WITH THE LEGAL MATTERS IN YOUR SEPARATION AND DIVORCE.
Divorce is a trying time for everyone involved. The decision to end your relationship, especially when assets or children are involved is not one that anyone rushes into or takes lightly. While some parties are able to agree to the division of property and assets, this is a rare instance. For most cases of divorce, legal interference will be required to ensure the best and fairest outcomes. Here at GPS Law Group, we want to help you find your way again during this tumultuous time with our knowledgeable and caring attorneys.
While many attorneys have a reputation for preying on the weak or vulnerable, at GPS Law Group, we have decided upon a different approach — compassion. We have seen our fair share of divorce cases and we will do our best to make sure that your voice is heard and a fair compromise can be made between yourself and your former spouse. We know the ins and outs of the legal system and divorce here in Charlotte, North Carolina and will help you through the red tape and paperwork.
From family law to real estate settlement- we handle it all!
Because North Carolina requires separate living of spouses for one year before divorce, you might find yourself in need of an attorney before the divorce is even final. Things like custody matters, who will live where, asset division and so forth all can be managed legally with our help before the actual divorce.
During this difficult time, don’t try to do everything on your own. Take care of yourself emotionally by having a caring and experienced attorney on your side. For questions or concerns about your current situation, please don’t hesitate to call us today!
Divorce Attorney: Guiding Spouses Through Dissolving a Marriage in North Carolina
People usually think of marriage to stay with their spouse forever and through thick and thin, but sometimes (sadly) issues become insurmountable, and one or both parties decide to part ways and end the marriage.
Even divorces that start amicably can finish in contentious (and sometimes violent) arguments, and parties who are not represented by an attorney may unwittingly waive their rights.
If you wish to end your marriage, you should engage a North Carolina divorce lawyer who will work diligently to help you seek a successful outcome. For the past years, GPS Law Group has guided clients through these difficult situations with sensitivity and the discretion required for these cases.
Determining Jurisdiction
One of the first considerations in a divorce action involves determining which state or country has jurisdiction over the matter. As of today, there are no international laws that determine jurisdiction in divorce actions, and the requirements for filing a divorce proceeding are defined by the laws of each country or jurisdiction.
You do not need a separation agreement or other written document to be legally separated in North Carolina. To be considered separate from your spouse, you must be living in different households, and at least one of you must intend for the separation to be permanent.
In general, you are not legally separated if your relationship has ended but you still live in the same household, or if you live in separate households without intending to be permanently separated (for example, for work reasons).
A separation agreement is not necessary to legally separate from your spouse. However, a separation agreement can resolve many of the legal issues involved in ending a marriage. For example, you can decide how to divide your property and whether one spouse will pay alimony to the other. In some situations, spouses can request that the separation agreement become part of their final divorce decree. Spouses who can resolve issues related to their separation through a separation agreement can make these decisions on their own and avoid the need to go to court.
Each country has laws not only regarding jurisdiction but also regarding the distribution of assets, spousal support, and other divorce-related issues. If you are going through an international divorce, it is vital to retain a divorce attorney in North Carolina who has experience handling these cases. GPS Law Group has assisted foreigners and citizens going through the divorce process in North Carolina.
Grounds for Divorce in North Carolina
You can only file for divorce, also called “absolute divorce,” after you have been separated for at least a year and a day. This means that you must have been living in different households and that at least one of you intended the separation to be permanent during that time.
To file for divorce in North Carolina, you or your spouse must currently live in North Carolina and must have lived in the state for at least six months before filing the divorce case. Separation agreements must be in writing (not verbal), must be signed by both parties, and both signatures must be notarized.
Distribution of Assets
A potentially contested issue with which GPS Law Group can assist you involves how marital property should be divided. Under North Carolina law, any marital assets are subject to equitable distribution in a divorce. Equitable distribution is a legal claim for the division of property, in which a spouse can ask the court for help in dividing property and debts acquired during the marriage.
Equitable distribution does not require the court to divide marital property equally. Instead, any marital property, which is property acquired by either spouse during the duration of the marriage, will be divided in a manner that the court deems fair and just unless the parties have contractually agreed to a different arrangement.
In North Carolina, “marital property” can be divided between the parties, while “separate property” is not divided. In general, assets or debts that either spouse had before the marriage are “separate property” belonging to that spouse and will not be divided. However, a spouse may have some right to an asset based on increases in the value of assets during the marriage. Assets and debts you acquired during the marriage are classified as “marital property” (exceptions include inheritances and gifts either of you received from a third party during the marriage).
Divorce proceedings are not only emotionally challenging but also legally complex in many cases. GPS Law Group is proficient in handling complex cases, including cases involving substantial assets and international divorces. You can reach GPS Law Group to set up a confidential consultation with a divorce lawyer in North Carolina.
Emotional Component
Divorce is a difficult time for everyone involved. The decision to end your relationship, especially when assets or children are part of the process, is not one that people take lightly.
While some parties can agree to the division of assets and custody of children, this rarely happens. For most cases of divorce, legal interference will be required to ensure the best and fairest outcomes. Here at GPS Law Group, we want to help you find your way again during this tumultuous time with our knowledgeable and caring attorneys.
We have plenty of experience with complex divorce cases, and we will do our best to make sure that your voice is heard, your interests are protected, and a fair compromise can be made between yourself and your former spouse. We know the ins and outs of the legal system and divorce here in North Carolina and will guide you through it all.
From Family Law to Real Estate Settlement—We Handle it All
Because North Carolina requires separate living of spouses for one year and one day before filing a divorce, you might find yourself in need of an attorney before the divorce is even processed, just for accessing a different household. Some issues like custody matters, deciding who will live where, the fair division of assets, and so forth can all be managed legally with our help before the divorce.
During this challenging time, do not try to do everything on your own. Take care of yourself emotionally by having a caring and experienced attorney on your side. For questions or concerns about your current situation, call us at 704-549-1950 to set up a consultation.
At GPS Law Group, we offer legal services related to divorce to those in Charlotte, Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill, Pineville, Concord, Harrisburg, and Kannapolis, North Carolina.