Do you want to control how your marriage ends?
When couples in North Carolina decide to end their marriage, there are two options: a separation agreement or litigation.
Both approaches serve the purpose of legally separating the spouses, but they differ in terms of process, enforceability, and specific legal implications. Let’s delve into the dissimilarities between a separation agreement and litigation in North Carolina, highlighting relevant case law and the North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS).
Separation Agreement: A Path of Mutual Agreement
A separation agreement is a legally binding contract entered into voluntarily by both spouses. Your attorney and your spouse will help you draft it. It allows couples to define the terms and conditions of their separation, covering vital aspects such as child custody and child support, spousal support (alimony), and division of assets and debts. This approach provides flexibility and control, empowering couples to reach mutually agreeable terms. In laymen terms… if you can agree to terms you get more of what you want, otherwise a judge will tell you what is going to happen.
Relevant Case Law: The North Carolina Supreme Court’s decision in Wright v. Wright (1971) upheld the validity and enforceability of separation agreements, emphasizing the importance of meeting the essential elements of a contract, including mutual assent, consideration, and proper form.
NCGS: While the North Carolina General Statutes do not specifically govern separation agreements, they recognize their legal validity. According to NCGS § 52-10, spouses may live separately and establish their rights and obligations by agreement or court order.
Court-Ordered Separation: Seeking Judicial Intervention
In some cases, a client may prefer to go through litigation. This gives the court the authority to call the “balls and shots” when couples are unable to agree to certain terms or divisions. intervention to establish the terms of their property, children, and finances. In litigation, a judge examines the evidence and applies relevant legal principles to make decisions regarding child custody, child support, property division, and alimony.
Relevant Case Law: The case of Farley v. Farley (1987) highlights the court’s authority to determine the terms of separation when the parties cannot come to an agreement. The decision emphasized that trial judges possess broad discretion in fashioning appropriate orders that consider the best interests of the parties and any children involved.
NCGS: Litigation in North Carolina are guided by specific statutes. NCGS § 50-6 governs child custody and support determinations, while NCGS § 50-20 outlines the factors considered by the court in granting alimony. Property division in court-ordered separations is governed by the equitable distribution laws in NCGS § 50-20.1.
Differences and Considerations: Navigating the Path Forward
a. Control and Flexibility: Choosing a separation agreement allows couples to negotiate and customize the terms of their separation, providing more control over the outcome. This approach promotes flexibility and encourages collaboration.
b. Enforceability: Both separation agreements and court orders are legally binding. However, enforcing them differs in practice. Violation of a separation agreement may require filing a breach of contract claim in civil court, while non-compliance with a court order may result in contempt of court charges and potential penalties.
c. Modification: Modifying the terms of a separation agreement generally requires mutual consent between the parties, unless the agreement itself allows for modification under specific circumstances. Court orders, on the other hand, may be subject to modification if a substantial change in circumstances occurs, such as a significant change in income or custody arrangements.
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In North Carolina, couples seeking to legally separate can choose between a separation agreement and or litigation that results in a court order.. While a separation agreement allows for customization and flexibility, court orders can be entered by a judge based on relevant laws and presented evidence when the parties can’t agree. Anytime during the process, a settlement can be reached and a consent order be sanctioned by the court.. Understanding the differences between these approaches is essential for couples navigating the separation process. It is advisable to seek guidance from experienced family law attorneys to ensure compliance with applicable statutes and protect one’s rights and interests throughout the process.
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