Compassionate Guidance From An Asheville Divorce Attorney

Divorce is easily one of life’s most challenging experiences. The emotional and financial strain can feel overwhelming. My name is Steven M. King, and I founded my Asheville law firm, The Law Office of Steven M. King, to provide clarity and support for clients in western North Carolina who are going through divorce.

I understand the complexities of North Carolina’s divorce laws, and I am committed to providing you with guidance and advice to help you transition through this difficult time. My goal is to provide you with the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a dedicated advocate on your side.

I will work closely with you to understand your unique circumstances and develop a legal strategy tailored to your needs. It is important that you have someone looking out for you as you go through your divorce, and I can be that someone.

Comprehensive Legal Representation For Your North Carolina Divorce

In a divorce, there can be many issues to resolve. I provide comprehensive legal representation in all aspects of divorce, including:

• The division of marital property: Property obtained by either spouse between the date of marriage and the date of separation is considered marital property, subject to division between the spouses.  In North Carolina, a 50/50 division of marital property is presumed, but there can be reasons not to divide the marital property in this way.    
• Child custody: If you have a child, you will need an agreement or Court Order for legal custody and physical custody.  This means developing a schedule for custodial time with each parent and determining whether one or both parents have the right to make important decisions for the child.
• Financial support: Depending on your circumstances, one spouse may be eligible for spousal maintenance and support, also known as post-separation support or alimony. You will also have to establish child support for any minor children.

I can help you negotiate a separation agreement that outlines your roles and responsibilities in these areas. This agreement can resolve all of the issues listed above while preventing you from having to appear in Court.  The process of negotiation can be helped along by mediation sessions or settlement conferences where both parties and their attorneys meet to attempt to reach a resolution.

If you and your spouse are not able to resolve the issues by separation agreement, then a lawsuit can be filed.  The Court process is generally much more expensive and time-consuming.

Does North Carolina Require A Reason To Get Divorced?

North Carolina is a no-fault state, which means you don’t need to prove that someone did something wrong in order to get a divorce. Instead, you and your spouse need only be physically separated for a full year, with one of you having the intention for the separation to be permanent. As your divorce attorney, I can help you understand the divorce process and take you through it step by step.

How Long Does It Take To Get Divorced In North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the divorce process involves specific steps and requirements. First, you must live separately and apart from your spouse for a separation period of one year. This means living in different residences with at least one of you having the intent to remain separate and apart.

After the separation period, you can file for a divorce. Once the divorce complaint is filed and served, the person being served has thirty days to file a response.  If no response is filed, then you can ask the Court to set a date on which to enter the divorce decree.

Understanding The Difference Between An Uncontested And Contested Divorce

In an uncontested divorce, you and your spouse agree on all the terms of your separation. This includes how you are going to divide your property, what child custody looks like and how much, if any, will be paid for child support and alimony. If you both agree on the main issues, the process can be much faster and less expensive. In a contested divorce, you and your spouse cannot agree on one or more issues. These divorces often require more negotiation, mediation or even a trial to resolve.

Can You Make Changes After Your Divorce Is Final?

In North Carolina, the law recognizes that circumstances can change. As a result, sometimes, issues decided during parties’ initial separation can be modified. For example, court orders regarding child custody and child support can be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances affecting the child’s best interests.

Alimony may also be modified, depending on the terms of the original order. However, the division of marital property is generally not modifiable once resolved. It is important to understand the specific rules and requirements for modifications in North Carolina to protect your rights.

Consult An Asheville Divorce Attorney

An experienced divorce attorney can help minimize stress and provide much-needed guidance. I am available by appointment for initial consultations. I understand the legal and emotional complexities of divorce, and I can provide guidance and advice throughout the entire family law process. Call my firm at 828-900-3674 or send me a message through my website to schedule a consultation. I am here to provide the support and legal representation you deserve.