Raleigh & Cary Divorce Lawyers
Ending a marriage is a big step—and not one to be taken without knowing all of your rights. You need a Cary or Raleigh divorce lawyer who possesses solid knowledge, skill, and experience in this complex area of law.
If you are about to divorce and feel overwhelmed, you are not alone. You can benefit from the guidance of an experienced divorce lawyer in Raleigh—Raleigh Divorce Law Firm understands the laws and requirements specific to local courts.
Why choose a divorce lawyer in Raleigh?
North Carolina has its own particular rules that dictate how to do the following:
- Decide child support and custody matters
- Settle distribution of marital assets
- Set options for settling or litigating divorce
It is imperative to choose a divorce attorney with extensive knowledge of our state laws and how best to apply them to your particular situation. Raleigh divorce law firms can help file your paperwork with a local court, explain your legal rights as dictated by state law, and provide advice and information about the mediator, arbitrator, or judge involved in your case and the possible outcomes.
The Process for Obtaining an Absolute Divorce
While the process of obtaining an absolute divorce is usually fairly simple, it does not automatically occur after one year. There is a step-by-step process that must occur, that can only be initiated after one-year separation.
Basic requirements:
- You or your spouse must live in the state for at least 6 months prior to filing a complaint for absolute divorce
- At time of separation at least one spouse had the intent to end the marriage
- Spouses lived separate and apart for at least one year
- The complaint must be served on your spouse by sheriff or certified mail
Once the Complaint is served, your spouse has 30 days to file an answer. If your spouse is properly served and does not answer, or answers but admits the essential allegations in the complaint, then you may file a motion for summary judgment divorce. Once the motion is filed, then a summary judgment hearing may be set, but the date must be at least ten days after the filing of the motion. In Raleigh, these hearings only occur on Fridays.
In Wake County, the clerk’s office has a packet containing detailed information and forms for individuals who wish to handle their divorce on their own. However, most divorce lawyers only charge a flat fee to handle an absolute divorce, which includes the filing fee and filing all of the necessary documents. In most cases, if you have an attorney handle the divorce, it is not necessary for you to appear at the divorce hearing, and in some cases your lawyer may even be able to submit the divorce to the clerk instead.
Cary & RaleighDivorce attorneys safeguard your legal rights
Divorce lawyers are often called upon to help settle common concerns such as the following:
- Where will my child live?
- Do I still have to go to court if my spouse and I are in agreement on everything?
- What happens to the money in our joint bank account?
You need a strong advocate to represent your side of these issues, so that you and your children receive the support required to get through this difficult time.
Helping your divorce attorney in Raleigh help you
Attorneys are better able to assist if you give them as much information as possible. For example, providing your last three years of tax returns enables your lawyer to accurately determine the monetary range used to calculate child and/or spousal support. You should also bring the following, if relevant:
- Title and registration for every vehicle
- Proof of outstanding loans
- Copies of stock and bond certificates
- Evidence of other marital assets
Divorce attorneys in Raleigh are here for you
The divorce lawyers at Raleigh Divorce Law Firm understand that divorce is a difficult experience. We leverage our knowledge of divorce law to your benefit, saving you time and money while protecting your rights. To learn more about your legal options, please contact us toll free at 877-466-2601.
