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North Carolina Divorce Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Elder Law and Criminal Law for North Carolina on
Q: What legal actions can protect an elderly man whose wife is married to someone else?

An elderly man married a woman 13 years younger who has allegedly used him and spent his money. He is unaware that she is still married to another man in a different state. His family has hired a private investigator due to her alienating behavior and other red flags. What legal actions can be... View More

Ethan A. Trice
Ethan A. Trice
answered on Mar 20, 2025

There is a lot to unpack there. Firstly, he didn't marry anyone. If she was married to someone else when she "married" that elderly man, the marriage to the elderly man is void (bigamy is illegal in NC).

Secondly, if she abused his funds, she could be guilty of a felony...
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1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy, Divorce and Family Law for North Carolina on
Q: How do I keep the house if my ex files for bankruptcy?

I am divorced but I can't get my ex to finish the ED. It's been 4 years already and there's always a "reason" for it to be continued when we go to court for it.

He hasn't lived here in 5 years. I pay all the bills, live here with the kids and he is not... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 2, 2024

This is a complex situation involving divorce, equitable distribution (ED), and bankruptcy law. Here's a general overview of steps you might consider, but please note that you should consult with a local attorney who specializes in both family law and bankruptcy for specific advice:

1....
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Internet Law and Family Law for North Carolina on
Q: After signing a legal separation, how long does it take for an absolute divorce in NC? and can this be done online?

Both parties heave signed and notarized the separation agreement and have been separated for 2 years.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 8, 2024

In North Carolina, once a couple has been legally separated for at least one year and one day, either party can file for an absolute divorce. The one-year separation period begins from the date the separation agreement is signed and notarized, or from the date the couple physically separates,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Real Estate Law and Family Law for North Carolina on
Q: If I solely own my house and land that my house sits on and have owned it before I got married

Can my husband have me arrested or even trespassed from the house and property that I own SOLELY and have owned since before the marriage? I would assume I can come and go as I please to my OWN house and property?… he just keeps threatening to have me arrested if I step foot on MY property? Is... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on May 14, 2024

Is there an order from a Court preventing you from going there? If so then husband can have you held in contempt. If no, then he plans on setting you up for an arrest which gives him leverage. You may wish to sell the home, or file an action for possession against him. You must hire a NC... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Divorce, Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation and Family Law for North Carolina on
Q: Dispute over property sale agreement

My ex-husband and I share ownership of a property in Wake County, North Carolina, which serves as a secondary residence for both of us. Following our divorce, we had a signed agreement stipulating that he would buy out my share within two years for much less than it was worth. However, it's... View More

Sathappan Muthu Krishnan
Sathappan Muthu Krishnan
answered on Mar 30, 2024

Yes if one spouse is in comparative or if there is at treat that the house will be lost through foreclose, you can request a judge to issue an order to stand the sales process another reason to compel a sales is if you need funds to survive on during and after divorce , this could encode paying... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Divorce, Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation and Family Law for North Carolina on
Q: Dispute over property sale agreement

My ex-husband and I share ownership of a property in Wake County, North Carolina, which serves as a secondary residence for both of us. Following our divorce, we had a signed agreement stipulating that he would buy out my share within two years for much less than it was worth. However, it's... View More

Ben Corcoran
Ben Corcoran
answered on Apr 1, 2024

Contact an attorney and ask about a "Petition to Partition"; be sure to show them a copy of the agreement. Hopefully, the agreement will no longer be enforceable, and you can get half of your interest out of the property, especially since real estate values have significantly increased... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Divorce and Child Custody for North Carolina on
Q: Can I move out of our family home with my children?

I have been married to their father (who is a narcissist) for almost 20 years. The kids are high school age. The marriage is abusive- emotionally and sexually and has been for a very long time. I am ready to leave. However, a relative of his owns our home. It is his one day inheritance. We do not... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Feb 7, 2024

In North Carolina, you can move out of the family home with your children, especially in situations involving abuse. However, it's important to proceed carefully to avoid potential legal complications, particularly concerning custody. Without an existing court order, both parents typically... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims, Divorce and Family Law for North Carolina on
Q: Can I get money back from my husbands student loans I paid off pre-divorce?

I paid off all my husbands student loans, most were from before we were married. He cheated on me so we are getting a divorce. Can I sue him for the cost of the student loans?

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 11, 2024

In North Carolina, the division of assets, including the repayment of debts, is typically addressed during divorce proceedings. However, the treatment of student loans can be complex, especially if they were acquired before the marriage. Generally, debts incurred before marriage are considered... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Health Care Law for North Carolina on
Q: How can I expedite my divorce court date and transfer medical decision authority to my wife's parents?

On March 25, 2025, I plan to visit the clerk of court in Henderson, NC, to obtain a court date for my divorce hearing. My wife and I have been separated for almost five years. She is currently hospitalized in New Jersey, and her Medicaid has run out. As we are still legally married, I am considered... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

To expedite your divorce hearing, you can request an expedited court date by filing a motion with the court. Explain your situation, including the separation, the length of time, and the medical decision-making concerns. The court may grant an expedited hearing if it finds that your circumstances... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for North Carolina on
Q: Can I file a divorce request in NC if my ex-wife hasn't completed paperwork in VA?

I have been separated from my ex-wife since 2017, and we agreed to start the divorce process a year ago in Virginia, where she currently resides, while I have been a North Carolina resident since 2018 and frequently travel across the country for work. We've already submitted the paperwork and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

Since you’ve been a resident of North Carolina for several years, you may be eligible to file for divorce in that state. North Carolina allows residents to file for divorce if they have lived in the state for at least six months. Given that you’ve been separated since 2017 and have met the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Real Estate Law and Family Law for North Carolina on
Q: Can a real estate issue post-divorce be settled unilaterally in NC court?

I divorced on May 9, 2023, and we have one real estate property in Huntersville that wasn't included in the settlement. The house is currently vacant and waiting for sale. We haven't reached an agreement on this asset. Can this issue be settled unilaterally in court, and are there any... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

In North Carolina, real estate issues post-divorce typically require both parties' agreement or a court order to resolve. Since the property was not included in the divorce settlement, it remains a matter to be addressed separately. You cannot unilaterally settle the issue in court; both... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Real Estate Law for North Carolina on
Q: Do I have any legal claim to house equity post-divorce in NC?

I am preparing for a divorce after 17 years of marriage. My wife and I decided to separate last June, with the divorce upcoming in a few months. She initiated the conversation about divorce while I was involuntarily unemployed and severely depressed. She bought the house we lived in before we met... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

Based on North Carolina family law, you may have a potential claim to some portion of the increase in equity that occurred during your 17-year marriage, despite not being on the deed. North Carolina follows the "equitable distribution" approach to property division, distinguishing between... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Contracts for North Carolina on
Q: Seeking cost-effective divorce solution in NC with no children and shared car payments.

I'm seeking a cost-effective way to get a divorce. There are no children and no joint financial assets, but we do have one car that my spouse is still making payments on. What would be the best approach to handle this situation?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

North Carolina Divorce Process Analysis

North Carolina offers several cost-effective divorce approaches for situations like yours, with an absolute divorce being the most straightforward option since you have minimal shared assets. North Carolina law requires a one-year separation period...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Real Estate Law, Tax Law and Family Law for North Carolina on
Q: How can I change property tax to my name post-divorce?

I have been living in my home since obtaining a restraining order against my ex-husband, which remained in effect during our divorce proceedings three years ago. The divorce was finalized without any specific mention of transferring property taxes to my name, although the property deed is now... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

In North Carolina, property tax records are typically updated based on the deed recorded with the county Register of Deeds. Since your deed now solely lists your name, the property tax records should reflect this change. However, to ensure that the tax records are updated accordingly, you may need... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Domestic Violence, Family Law and Contracts for North Carolina on
Q: Can my wife unregister our jointly owned cars without my consent?

I'm currently separated from my wife, who is not living in our home due to infidelity and a restraining order related to her attempt to harm our children. We jointly own and have paid off two cars. She recently stole the car titles and threatened via text to unregister the cars out of spite.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2025

That sounds like a highly stressful and emotional situation, and it’s good that you’ve taken steps to protect yourself and your children. In North Carolina, if both cars are jointly titled in your name and hers, neither of you can legally unregister or transfer ownership without the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Military Law, Divorce and Family Law for North Carolina on
Q: Am I responsible for my husbands debt while we are going through separation and divorce? We live in NC.

He purchased a house but did not place my name in deed. What are my rights? I have lived in another state and my kids and I didn’t move until about 1-2 yrs after his house purchase.. What is your advice?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 31, 2024

In North Carolina, debts accumulated during your marriage are generally considered joint responsibilities, even if only your husband’s name is on them. This means you might be held accountable for these debts during and after your divorce. However, if the debt was for his personal expenses and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Real Estate Law for North Carolina on
Q: My girl friend is trying to file for an absolute divorce against her ex in NC, does she have to mention the house?

She owned the house before she got married to the man, and they were only married for 3 weeks before separating. So the question is, if filing for absolute divorce, does she have to mention the house that she owns solely and has owned since before the marriage? It’s definitely separate property I... View More

Ben Corcoran
Ben Corcoran
answered on May 14, 2024

This is a question for her divorce attorney, but from a real estate perspective, yes, she is the sole owner of the house.

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Real Estate Law for North Carolina on
Q: Can I enter my house as I wish, if I own the house and have owned the house long before my marriage.
Ben Corcoran
Ben Corcoran
answered on May 7, 2024

From a real estate perspective, if you own the house, then yes, you have every right to use it. However, other factors may prevent you from doing this, such as court orders. I would advise speaking with a local attorney since this appears to be related to a divorce.

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Real Estate Law for North Carolina on
Q: I want to sell my house and am married. I have tried serving divorce papers on my spouse several times and can't locate

The service took place several years ago and I cannot locate my spouse (somewhere in NY, I think)

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Apr 9, 2024

You may need to hire a NC attorney to file a Partition Action. The other owner's money might be held by the

Court until he claims it, and withdraws it by Order of the Court.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for North Carolina on
Q: I was married in Lake County, Florida. My ex still lives there. I live in NC now. How do I get a divorce?

We have no children or property together. Do I have to go to Florida?

Matthew Burkert
Matthew Burkert
answered on Mar 22, 2024

As long as you have lived in North Carolina for at least six months, you can file an action in the County in which you reside for an uncontested divorce.

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