Do I need a Lawyer for Divorce?
If you’re considering filing for a divorce, or if your partner has requested a divorce, you might think that you could save money by filing on your own. While it’s possible to file for divorce without legal representation, doing so often comes with plenty of risks, especially when your case involves children, pets, and shared assets. However, our legal team at Lincolnton Family Law believes that every person going through divorce deserves fair and reliable legal protection. Here’s why hiring an experienced divorce lawyer is better than going it alone.
Understanding Divorce in North Carolina
North Carolina law requires couples to live separately for at least one continuous year before filing for an absolute divorce. Additionally, at least one spouse must have resided in the state for six months prior to filing. While these requirements may seem straightforward, the legal complexities often arise when dividing property, addressing spousal support, and determining child custody or visitation arrangements.
A skilled family law attorney ensures that your rights and interests are protected during this process, helping you understand how state laws apply to your specific circumstances. If you’re not sure where you’re at in the legal process or if you need help navigating your divorce, please schedule a consultation with us!
Protecting Your Assets and Property
Dividing marital property is one of the most controversial aspects of a divorce. North Carolina follows the principle of ‘equitable distribution’, meaning property and debts acquired during the marriage are divided fairly (which isn’t always equal) between spouses.
Without an attorney, you risk overlooking assets and you’re likely to fail to properly support your case in court. At Lincolnton Family Law, we work diligently to ensure your property rights are upheld. We help you identify, value, and fairly divide assets such as:
- Real estate
- Retirement accounts
- Investments
- Family businesses
- Vehicles and personal belongings
We strongly believe that working with our attorneys is especially critical in cases involving high-value or complex assets, where financial missteps could lead to real, long-term consequences.
Child Custody and Support: Your Family Matters
For parents, child custody and support decisions are among the most emotionally charged aspects of divorce. North Carolina courts prioritize the best interests of the child when determining custody arrangements, considering factors such as:
- Each parent’s ability to provide care
- The child’s physical and emotional needs
- Stability of each parent’s home environment
- The child’s relationship with each parent
Whether you’re pursuing sole or joint custody, an attorney can help build a compelling case to support your parenting goals. From negotiating custody agreements to advocating for fair child support calculations, our firm ensures that your child’s well-being remains the top priority.
What About Pets?
In North Carolina, pets are treated as property in divorce proceedings, which can make determining ownership challenging for a number of reasons. If you and your spouse disagree about who should keep your beloved pet, an attorney can help present evidence to support your claim, such as proof of care, financial responsibility, or pre-existing ownership before marriage.
Unfortunately, the well-being of the pet is not a standard consideration when deciding ownership. That’s why it’s important to work with a family lawyer to find the evidence that would support your claim if the pet should be given to you during the division of assets.
Navigating Spousal Support and Alimony
Spousal support, which you might recognize as ‘alimony’, can come into play depending on the financial circumstances of you and your spouse. Courts in North Carolina consider factors such as income disparity, length of the marriage, and contributions to the household when awarding alimony.
At Lincolnton Family Law, we will advocate for a fair arrangement, ensuring you either receive adequate support or avoid unfair financial obligations.
Support You Can Count On
Going through a divorce is already a challenging and emotionally taxing journey, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Lincolnton Family Law, we combine experience, compassion, and deep knowledge of North Carolina family law to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Whether you’re navigating complex custody issues, protecting your assets, or simply seeking guidance, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Why Choose Lincolnton Family Law?
Choosing the right attorney is essential. Jennifer Hames and the team at Lincolnton Family Law bring a compassionate, understanding approach combined with a wealth of experience in family law. We focus on minimizing conflict and resolving issues efficiently to protect your future.
We understand the emotional and financial stresses involved in dealing with the law and court and are committed to making this process as smooth as possible for you and your children. Our local presence in Lincolnton allows us to be accessible when you need us, providing timely and effective legal solutions.
Navigating court doesn’t have to be a journey you take alone. Contact Lincolnton Family Law today, and let us help you ensure the best for you.
