Experienced Family Law Attorneys
The facts say it all: Nearly 50 percent of all new marriages will end in divorce. While a divorce can be a painful experience, having an experienced Charlotte divorce attorney by your side can make the whole process faster, easier and less harmful to all parties involved.
A Board-Certified Family Law Specialist on Your Side
Only a very small percentage of North Carolina lawyers are board-certified in family law. Attorneys Michael Romano and Richard B. Johnson are board-certified family law specialists in North Carolina who understand the unique challenges you face. Certification is important to you because it assures you that a specific lawyer’s skills, integrity and experience have been carefully scrutinized by a board of experts and found to be exceptional. Their experience and ability to handle complex family law matters is just one of the many reasons our law firm is right for you.
You need to be aware of your options and obligations under the law. The sooner you begin to prepare, the better off you will be when it comes time to make decisions
Which Divorce Issues Do You Need To Resolve?
Many people don’t realize that when they file for divorce, they must also file for alimony and property division at the same time. In addition, divorcing couples may not properly consider all factors of the divorce process such as tax implications and complex child custody arrangements. We will help you with every aspect of your divorce, including:
- Determining marital property, including such items as inheritance money and gifts
- Dividing property according to equitable distribution principles
- Understanding child support and the factors that go into determining an accurate amount
- Understanding the tax and financial implications of spousal support (alimony)
- Arranging a child custody and visitation schedule
- Granting orders of protection in domestic violence cases
- Modifying existing court orders concerning child custody, visitation, child support or alimony (post-decree modifications)
- Providing assistance with legal separation and the drafting of separation agreements
Guiding You Through Every Step Of The Divorce Process
Although a divorce means your marriage will end, your life will go on, even though it may be hard to see through the emotional pain of the moment. We’ll guide you through this difficult time every step of the way. Our goal is to get you through your divorce quickly and efficiently, with a minimum amount of stress on you and your children. Together, we will analyze your situation, discuss your options and begin planning for you and your children’s future.
Divorce: The Do’s and Don’ts of Divorce
A divorce is a confusing, emotional time. You will face many questions about what your new life will look like. This is important to think about. Unfortunately, many people make rash, emotional decisions that can have long-lasting negative effects.
When getting divorced, keep these simple facts in mind:
- DO: Be Honest and Thorough with Your Attorney
- DON’T: Disobey A Court Order
- DO: Learn Your Finances
- DON’T: Pit Your Children Against Your Spouse
- DO: Focus on Your Children
- DON’T: Agree to Everything Without Talking to An Attorney
DO: Be Honest and Thorough with Your Attorney
Your attorney is your advocate. If you try to conceal any assets or embarrassing information that could come up in court, you will be making it harder for your attorney to do his job. Provide your attorney with as much information as possible about your marriage.
DON’T: Disobey A Court Order
Family court judges in North Carolina do not look kindly on people who try to take the law into their own hands. If your spouse is late on child support payments, do not deny parenting time. Instead, tell your lawyer, and let them help you decide how to proceed within the law.
DO: Learn Your Finances
If you are contemplating divorce, it is important that your attorney to get a full understanding of your financial picture. It will make it easier to determine if your spouse is concealing assets. Additionally, it will help you plan for the future after the divorce is final.
DON’T: Pit Your Children Against Your Spouse
No matter how upset you are with your spouse, do not use your children as a sounding board. It is important to try to limit their exposure to the divorce so that they can maintain as normal of a life as possible. The law recognizes that children benefit from strong relationships with both parents, and if you try to undermine it there could be negative consequences for you and your children.
DO: Focus on Your Children
This is a difficult time for them, and they will have to make many adjustments. Keeping their best interests as your top priority will likely help them adjust better to their new life.
DON’T: Agree to Everything Without Talking to An Attorney
Many people just want to get through a divorce as soon as possible or want to agree to just get it over with. Unfortunately, that could mean agreeing to something without considering all of the consequences. Even if you and your spouse are working amicably on a settlement, let your own attorney review any proposed settlement and walk you through all of the potential outcomes. Your long-term financial health could depend on it.
To learn more, call our office or complete the online form.
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