Understanding the Divorce Process
Pre-Divorce Planning ● Divorce ● Alimony
Divorce is never an easy decision to make, but if your marriage is ending and feel that pursuing a divorce is the best option, contact me; there are steps that you can take to make sure your divorce goes as smoothly as possible. The earlier that you get basic information and understand the process, the better off you are in a divorce. Sometimes, people are afraid to come to a lawyer with questions about the divorce process because they believe it is the first step toward a bitter court battle. I will try to help you settle your differences outside of court.
When you are planning for a divorce, it is important to come in and understand the topics of alimony, division of assets and child custody. Proper planning can help avoid many problems later on in the process. Divorce preplanning does not require you to take immediate firm steps such as negotiating an agreement or filing a lawsuit.
It is important to plan for a divorce by getting your finances in order, paying off debts, fixing up properties to sell, and gathering information about bank accounts, retirement accounts and tax returns. This information will help to determine other divorce related issues such as child custody, support, alimony, division of assets. It also can help determine whether or not you can resolve your issues through a separation agreement or if litigation is in your best interest.
Pre-Nuptial Agreements
For parties who wish to enter into pre-nuptial agreements, there are important decisions to make about what is marital property and what is separate property. Pre-nuptial agreements can help to protect the rights of children from a previous marriage with regard to wills and trusts and decisions about their future. In North Carolina, anything purchased after marriage is considered marital property unless it is specified in a pre-nuptial agreement. Pre-nuptial agreements also can set out or determine if there is going to be alimony available if the marriage ends.
Contact my firm in Charlotte, North Carolina at 704-333-8855 to set up an initial consultation, where we can discuss your family law concerns.
The law office of Mary V. Carrigan, Attorney at Law, provides family law for clients in Charlotte, North Carolina, Mecklenburg County and the surrounding cities of Pineville, Matthews, Davidson, Cornelius, Huntersville and Lake Norman.
