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North Carolina Divorce Questions & Answers
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 Family Law for North Carolina on
Q: My husband died while our division of assets was still being worked out, due to a prolonged illness.

We are divorced 2 years. Can the divorce be overturned?

Jammie Lynn Wacenske
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Jammie Lynn Wacenske
answered on Nov 13, 2023

No, but if you mean that he died while the division of your assets were still being worked out means that you filed for equitable distribution and that was still a live claim that was incomplete when he passed, then the personal representative of the estate should be able to continue see that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Divorce and Family Law for North Carolina on
Q: Husband in North Carolina sold property in 2020 without my consent. He owned the property prior to marriage.

Prior to marriage I did not sign free trader agreement or prenuptial agreement. The sell of the house took place in 2020 was undisclosed to me during that time. We are now divorced as of April 2023.

Ben Corcoran
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Ben Corcoran
answered on Oct 19, 2023

All that you would have been signing away was your right to claim a life estate on the property in the event of his passing. That right was extinguished upon divorce.

I cannot speak to the laws of other states regarding marital property but the money he made from the sale might have become...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for North Carolina on
Q: Is it legal to back date a separation in NC to divorce prior to one year apart?
N'kia (NLN)
N'kia (NLN)
answered on Oct 19, 2023

Intentionally making false statement of facts to a court is unlawful. In North Carolina, to be eligible for a divorce, spouses must have been separated for at least one year (with the intent to remain separate and apart). To be valid, a divorce complaint cannot be filed before the spouses are... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Real Estate Law and Family Law for North Carolina on
Q: My husband sold our house without me knowing in nc. sold in August, I live here. I'm on the deed. What can I do legally

He left. I've filed for divorce and he's aware. He Kept asking me to move or sell, I said no. Someone told me my house just sold per Redfin. I checked and owner changed.

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Sep 6, 2023

If you are actually an owner, then confirm it by searching the title. You may have to sue any new grantees. Husband's alienation of marital property should be brought up in the Divorce, possibly as grounds for contempt. Someone has to pay taxes and any note debt.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Divorce for North Carolina on
Q: My ex husband and I own a house in NC together. I divorced him and he stayed in the house. Now he's going to stop paying

He refused to sell or refinance the house at the time of the divorce. Now his plan is to stop paying the mortgage but continue to live in the house for a few months then move to another state. Is there anything I can do in this situation?

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 21, 2023

In North Carolina, if your ex-husband plans to stop paying the mortgage on your jointly owned house and subsequently move, there are several actions to consider. Begin by reviewing your divorce agreement for any relevant clauses. Consulting a North Carolina attorney skilled in property and family... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, International Law, Divorce and Child Custody for North Carolina on
Q: My wife and I are getting divorced we've been separated since March. She's moving to Canada on Wednesday

Before asking for a divorce and even being physically separated she had a emotional affair with a man in Canada who she knew from when she was younger who she is now in love with and moving to live with. She gave me notice of this last Wednesday and she wants to be able to take my son there during... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 6, 2023

To protect yourself as a parent and ensure your rights are safeguarded, it is essential to consult with a family law attorney who can assist you in negotiating a custody agreement that serves the best interests of your child and takes into account the international relocation aspect. Proper legal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce and Family Law for North Carolina on
Q: How does my dad get full custody of me ?

My mother yells at me alot and makes me cry and she makes me feel like I am nothing and I dont want to be around her toxic environment

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jul 5, 2023

I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing a difficult situation. To pursue full custody, your father would typically need to file a custody petition with the appropriate court in North Carolina. The court will consider various factors, including the best interests of the child, when... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for North Carolina on
Q: I have a TRO hearing to freeze assets for supporting spouse. What do I need to do to prepare. What will be Court costs.

I have filed a complaint for temporary SS and alimony. I am the dependent spouse. Working hourly part time. And still staying in the marital home. Supporting spouse just got laid of and I suspect he is still in US, address unknown, though claims he is out of the country to live with family who is... View More

Stephen Edward Robertson
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Stephen Edward Robertson
answered on Jun 5, 2023

In NC if there is an existing action a filing fee for a Motion in the Cause is $20. If you need a Temporary Restraining Order to protect marital assets make sure that at the time it is filed a hearing is scheduled to occur within 10 days of the filing of the Order. Also your Motion needs to make it... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for North Carolina on
Q: Can my ex-wife file child support against me for a child she had with a man while we were separated? Raleigh, NC

We have been separated since 2020 and both entered different relationships. My ex wife got pregnant in 2021 by a man and gave birth early 2022. We were finally able to be divorced on 2/2023 but now she is trying to file child support against me. How is this even possible? Could she have legally... View More

N'kia (NLN)
N'kia (NLN)
answered on Mar 31, 2023

In North Carolina, when a woman gives birth to a child while married to a man, the man is legally the father of the child. It doesn't matter that the man and the woman are separated, only whether they were legally married. A man who doesn't believe he is the biological father of the child... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Divorce for North Carolina on
Q: How do I contest a divorce?

My husband filed for the divorce and originally I did not contest it. A court date was scheduled for January 31,2022 and the divorce was not granted because I was not properly served. I now feel like I should contest the divorce, but I don’t know if I still have the opportunity to.

Stephen Edward Robertson
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Stephen Edward Robertson
answered on Jan 19, 2023

In North Carolina the requirement for divorce is that parties must have lived separate and apart except in rare circumstances. It requires that only one party needs to have had the intent to live separate and apart. To contest the divorce you would need to show you have not lived separate and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for North Carolina on
Q: Am I obligated to pay spousal support to my dependent spouse if they are the one that is initiating the separation?

Wife discovered she is gay. She has a girlfriend and wants to divorce. We have three kids. I understand and am fine paying the child support. However, am I obligated to pay spousal support?

Angela L. Haas
Angela L. Haas
answered on Jan 6, 2023

It all depends on a lot of factors. Based on the facts you've given, the answer is not a definite YES or NO. Consult with an experienced family law attorney, so they can ask you a series of questions, and based on your answers, more questions, and based on your answers, you can get a more... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Real Estate Law for North Carolina on
Q: I have land in North Carolina that was gift deeded to only me when married.Does my husband have any legal claim to it ?
Ben Corcoran
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Ben Corcoran
answered on May 18, 2023

Without seeing the deed it is hard to know for sure, but he does not likely have any real claim to it.

Generally speaking, should you die before him, he can assert some claims under NC law and he would have to sign any deed should you sell the property. And in a divorce, his claims would...
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1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Divorce for North Carolina on
Q: I have been separated for 10 years, I am trying to get divorce but I am unsure what type of divorce I should file for.

I moved back to my country 3 months after getting married due to immigration reasosns. My ex filed a peition for me to come back as his spouse but by that time he was already in another relationship. I currently work but also support our child and have been for the past 10 years. He only helped the... View More

N'kia (NLN)
N'kia (NLN)
answered on Apr 3, 2023

In North Carolina, there is really only one type of divorce -- "Absolute Divorce." However, when someone files for divorce, child custody and child support aren't automatically included. Also, the appropriate place to file for child custody or child support typically depends on where... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Business Law and Divorce for North Carolina on
Q: My husband started a business 5 months before we separated.

He used marital funds to purchase equipment for the business, and I have copies of the checks verifying that. On the financial affidavit, he claims that the business started after separation and he used his own money. Can I use the checks to verify that his business started before separation? Is... View More

Mr. Albert Loch Saslow
Mr. Albert Loch Saslow
answered on Oct 11, 2022

Seems like the answer could depend on when the business entity (if there is one) was actually formed. If it wasn't formed (created) with the Secretary of State until after you separated, then there is an argument that the business wasn't marital. However, if that is the case, then you... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Immigration Law and Real Estate Law for North Carolina on
Q: my wife is registered in India, we are getting divorce in india, can i sell my home on my name without her signature ?

I

Ben Corcoran
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Ben Corcoran
answered on Oct 3, 2022

Until the divorce is finalized your wife has an interest in the property and would have to sign any deed.

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Real Estate Law for North Carolina on
Q: Can my husband take my name off property we own together and put his sister on it without my agreement? we are married.

we’ve been separated 12 years. not divorced. she went to the registrar of deeds with a new deed with his and her name on it. my name is there without a signature. they recorded it. is it legal? did i lose my land?

Ben Corcoran
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Ben Corcoran
answered on Sep 23, 2022

I would have to review the deed. He may have just conveyed his portion, but if he also tried to convey your portion then fraud was committed, and you should contact the local law enforcement.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Divorce for North Carolina on
Q: How is a house bought with inheritance money settled in divorce in NC?

We bought a home for cash in NC 7 years ago with proceeds from sale of home in VA, paid off by my husband’s parents estate. Separated since January when I left for a job across the country. He listed the house in late July and we have a buyer and contract, which he just decided not to honor.... View More

Ben Corcoran
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Ben Corcoran
answered on Sep 14, 2022

I would need to review the deed to the house to give a definite answer.

However, it is likely that the house is in both your names and you and he own it as tenants in common. He is allowed to live there rent-free, but he is responsible for 50% of all expenses, taxes, utilities, hoa fees,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Child Support for North Carolina on
Q: Can I apply for child support from spouse after getting separated for 2 years, without getting a divorce?

My spouse and I have been separated for 2 years, can I get a court order for child support for our 4 year old child without applying for a divorce?

Mr. Albert Loch Saslow
Mr. Albert Loch Saslow
answered on Sep 12, 2022

Sure. There is no requirement that both actions are handled together. However, I do question why you haven't been divorced yet. Many family law attorneys offer a "flat-fee" divorce package that isn't too expensive. Alternatively, you can attempt to file it yourself.

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