Concord Divorce Lawyer

Mediation If Possible, Trial If Necessary

When children are involved, a cooperative approach can reduce tension that may affect them, whether your relationship with your spouse is amicable or acrimonious.

Whenever possible, we attempt to resolve disputes privately through alternative dispute resolution, which includes methods for addressing disagreements outside a trial. Both founding partners are certified family financial mediators. Mediation allows spouses to work toward an agreement with help from a neutral third party, while litigation places unresolved issues before the court.

The appropriate path depends on the dispute and your circumstances, including safety concerns, power dynamics, cooperation, financial disclosure, and the complexity of the contested issues. When private resolution doesn’t fit the situation or an agreement can’t be reached, we can represent you in court.

If I Don’t Have Children, Do I Really Need a Divorce Attorney?

A divorce without children may still involve complex property and support issues. Although you and your spouse won’t need to address child custody or visitation, you may need to resolve property division and alimony.

Real estate, bank accounts, retirement assets, business interests, debts, tax considerations, and separation agreements may all require attention. Our attorneys guide clients through the legal process and explain how their circumstances may affect equitable distribution, post-separation support, alimony, and other financial rights.

Before an absolute divorce is finalized, our attorneys at Lancaster and St. Louis, PLLC can explain your rights and help you evaluate decisions affecting your current finances and future plans.

Understanding North Carolina Divorce Requirements

North Carolina generally requires spouses to live separate and apart for one year before an absolute divorce, meaning the legal termination of the marriage, can be granted. The separation generally involves separate residences and at least one spouse intending the separation to be permanent.

Either the plaintiff or defendant generally must have lived in North Carolina for at least six months before the divorce action is filed. The process may involve a verified complaint, summons, additional court forms, proper service on the other spouse, and court review. A spouse doesn’t necessarily need the other spouse’s agreement to pursue an eligible absolute divorce, but the required notice and procedures still apply.

Property-division and spousal-support rights can be lost if they aren’t properly asserted before the absolute divorce is granted. Meeting with our divorce attorneys early can help clarify which claims must be addressed before finalization. Requirements and procedures should be confirmed under current North Carolina law because individual circumstances can affect the analysis.

What Our Clients Say

I needed help with a very complicated family case and after meeting with Hilary St. Louis I felt she was a good fit. She stayed patient with me through a very long and frustrating case. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone with a complicated custody case. Her office staff were also amazing. Everyone there is very helpful and professional! Give them a call, you won’t be disappointed. - Sean B., [Concord, NC]

LeAnn Lancaster deserves more than five stars. She gave clear directions and feedback throughout the entire process and showed up sharp and prepared in court. She represented me in court and left me impressed and in awe. I can not thank her enough. - Brittany B. [Concord, NC]