North Carolina Divorce Attorneys

waived equitable distribution claims NC

Pleading Defects: Why Failing to Assert Equitable Distribution Claims Waives Them Forever

Divorce cases in North Carolina can rise or fall on a single paragraph in the very first court filing. If equitable distribution is not clearly and properly asserted, the court may never have the authority to divide marital property at all.  This is how waived equitable distribution claims in NC often shock spouses who assumed […]

judge recusal family court NC

What Happens When Your Assigned NC Family Court Judge Retires or Recuses?

In North Carolina family court, many people expect that the judge assigned to their divorce or custody case will remain involved from beginning to end. In practice, that is not always the case. Judges may step away due to retirement, reassignment, or ethical obligations that require recusal. When this happens, parties are often left unsure […]

10 day return hearing custody NC

The 10-Day Return Hearing: What to Expect After Winning Ex Parte Custody in NC

Winning emergency custody can feel like a huge relief, but it is not the end of the road. In North Carolina, a 10 day return hearing custody NC is the court’s first opportunity to review whether that emergency order should stay in place, change, or be dissolved.  This hearing matters because it can undo everything […]

early divorce mistakes NC

What Strategic Mistakes Are Impossible to Undo in the Early Stages of NC Divorce?

Divorce in North Carolina often begins quietly, with decisions made before emotions fully settle or legal consequences are clearly understood. Yet many of the most damaging outcomes do not come from courtroom battles months later. They stem from early divorce mistakes NC spouses make in the first weeks after separation. These early actions can lock […]

temporary custody orders become permanent NC

Why Temporary Orders Often Become Permanent Judgments in North Carolina

Temporary orders often become permanent judgments in North Carolina because courts prioritize stability, consistency, and proven parenting arrangements once a case progresses. When a temporary custody or support order is put in place, judges observe how it functions over time. If the arrangement appears to meet a child’s needs without disruption, courts are often reluctant […]

missing financial records divorce NC

What Happens When Financial Records Go Missing During an NC Divorce

Financial transparency is a core expectation in every North Carolina divorce. When income statements, bank records, business documents, or asset histories are incomplete or unavailable, the entire divorce process can become delayed, disputed, and more expensive. In many cases, missing financial records divorce NC situations arise after separation, when one spouse controls access to accounts […]

selective compliance custody NC

How Selective Compliance with Court Orders Sabotages Your NC Custody Case

Selective compliance is when a parent follows the parts of a custody order they agree with while ignoring the parts they dislike or find inconvenient. In North Carolina custody cases, that approach can quietly damage a parent’s credibility because judges expect court orders to be followed as written unless they are formally changed. Even when […]

delayed entry of order NC

What Does the Current Court Backlog Mean for Your NC Divorce Timeline?

Divorce timelines in North Carolina are rarely as predictable as people expect. Many individuals enter the process assuming that once paperwork is filed, the court will move steadily toward resolution. Instead, delays often occur that feel unexplained or excessive. One of the most common reasons is court congestion. Family courts across the state continue to […]

delayed entry of order NC

Entry of Order: What Options Do You Have When the Judge Delays Signing Your Decree?

Waiting for a judge to sign a final divorce order can be more frustrating than the hearing itself. In North Carolina, a delayed entry of order occurs when a judge announces a ruling but does not immediately sign the written decree.  Until that signature is finalized, your divorce is not legally complete, which can affect […]

show cause order custody NC

Show Cause Orders: How Prior Violations Impact Future Custody Modifications in NC

In North Carolina, a show cause order custody NC is more than just a legal notice, it is a signal that the court is scrutinizing a parent’s compliance with existing custody or visitation orders. These orders are issued when a parent fails to comply with the court’s directives and carry serious implications for future custody […]