Why Hiring a Divorce Attorney Near You in Concord, NC Matters?

Are you questioning why hiring a divorce attorney near you in Concord, NC, matters? Find out why an experienced divorce law attorney can streamline the legal process and make matters easier for you. Your divorce lawyer can answer any family law questions you may have.

Working With an Attorney in Court or Through Mediation

When a couple goes through a divorce, the process is either contested or uncontested. Uncontested divorces are usually considered more straightforward, meaning less costly and time-consuming, than a contested divorce. This is because the spouses are in relative agreement about the marriage dissolution itself, as well as the various issues that must be settled for the divorce to be finalized.

Divorce mediation may be an appealing option for spouses having a difficult time coming to an agreement. Mediation is a type of alternative dispute resolution method wherein both parties work together to reach a divorce settlement outside of court, instead of leaving matters up to a judge to decide on. Even within mediation or uncontested divorces, an experienced divorce attorney is a valuable resource to have. This may even be more true for those going through a contested divorce.

Divorce Statistics in Concord, North Carolina

In 2023, the rate of divorce in North Carolina was 2.7 divorces per 1,000 residents. This rate was the same as the previous year and slightly down from 2021, when it was 3.2 per 1,000 people. Divorce cases and related family law issues in the Concord area are most likely to be processed at the Cabarrus County Courthouse, located at 77 Union Street South in Concord, NC 28025.

What Does a Divorce Attorney Do in Concord, NC?

Whether or not you and your spouse are in agreement about how to proceed with the divorce, your divorce attorney is there to help you every step of the way throughout the entire legal process. By working with a divorce lawyer, you can benefit from their extensive knowledge and experience with family law procedures and statutes.

Divorce attorneys help make the legal process a quicker and less stressful experience by filing paperwork on your behalf, managing various deadlines, and collecting important information or evidence to support your goals and needs. As your legal counsel and representation, an attorney is there to provide insightful advice and advocate on your behalf in all negotiations, meetings, and law proceedings.

These are the different aspects of divorce that an experienced family law attorney can assist you with:

• Filing for divorce: Your attorney can help you begin the divorce process by filing the necessary paperwork to petition for a dissolution of marriage. A lawyer can also explain the general timeline and costs you can expect a divorce to require, given your unique circumstances, before starting the process.
• Property division: In North Carolina, property shared between spouses must be distributed equitably before a divorce can be finalized. Property division can sometimes be complicated if there is a large marital estate, complex assets, or other challenging circumstances.
• Spousal support: If either spouse requests financial support, or alimony, this family law matter must be settled. If the requesting party is granted spousal support, the size of support payments and the duration of the payments must also be determined.
• Child custody and support: If spouses share children, the issue of custody must be settled. In addition to finding a custody arrangement, child support must also be calculated. Child support is typically paid by one parent to the other to help provide for the child’s upbringing by going toward resources such as clothing, food, schooling, and more.

FAQs

What Is a Wife Entitled to in a Divorce in NC?

In North Carolina, each spouse in a divorce is entitled to an equitable portion of the marital estate. Property shared between spouses must be equitably distributed during divorce proceedings before the marriage dissolution can be finalized.

This process generally begins by identifying which assets are marital property and which are separate, meaning an asset that partially or primarily belongs to one spouse. Examples of marital properties include the family home, vehicles, businesses, investments, and more.

Why Does Having a Divorce Attorney Matter?

Having a seasoned divorce attorney matters because they can help you in many ways throughout legal proceedings. Your lawyer can ensure your rights are protected, especially at such a vulnerable time.

Divorce can be very stressful since sensitive issues such as child custody and property division are often difficult to navigate on your own. Your divorce attorney is there to explain your legal options and their implications, helping you build an approach that supports your needs and goals.

Do I Need a Lawyer for Divorce Mediation?

While you are not legally required to hire a divorce lawyer in order to go through mediation, it’s strongly recommended that you do so for several reasons. Mediation is a popular alternative dispute resolution method that allows spouses to reach a divorce agreement together and outside of court.

Even though mediation can often appear less demanding than traditional divorce court, having an experienced attorney to represent you throughout the proceedings can help you avoid mistakes and streamline your case.

Is Spousal Support Required in North Carolina?

No, spousal support isn’t required in North Carolina, as the matter is decided on a case-by-case basis. Whether either party in a divorce is granted spousal support depends on several factors, such as the length of the marriage, the current and potential earning capacity of each party, and each spouse’s needs, standard of living, and contributions to the marriage. If one spouse requests that the court grant spousal support, the judge must also consider the paying ability of the other spouse.

Contact Lancaster and St. Louis, PLLC: Divorce Counsel and Representation in Concord, NC

At the office of Lancaster and St. Louis, PLLC, a family law practice, our team is prepared to give your case the time and attention it deserves. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable divorce and family law attorney.