Morehead City Divorce Lawyer

If you are considering filing for divorce or if you’ve been served with divorce papers in Morehead City, you need experienced divorce attorneys to guide you through the process and look out for your interests.

At The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A., we understand how difficult the end of a marriage can be for everyone involved. Once you or your spouse files for divorce, you will face decisions involving the division of property, child custody, alimony, responsibility for marital debts, and other matters.

The process can be emotionally charged, even if you and your soon-to-be-ex-spouse remain amicable. You need compassion and trusted guidance to protect your future. An experienced Morehead City divorce lawyer can give you the support, legal assistance, and guidance you need during this difficult time.

Our goal at The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A., is to protect your interests and your future. Call our law firm today for a free consultation.

What Are the Grounds for Divorce in North Carolina?

North Carolina is a no-fault divorce state. You don’t need to prove your spouse committed adultery or violated the marriage vows to obtain a divorce. North Carolina law simply requires that the divorcing couple live separately for a year with the intention of living apart permanently. North Carolina General Statute §50-6 requires divorcing couples to meet the conditions below to file for divorce:

• The couple must live separately in different residences for at least one year, and this separation period must be uninterrupted.
• One party must have resided in the state for six months.

Can You Divorce in NC Without Separation?

You are not required to have a formal separation agreement in North Carolina to get a divorce. But North Carolina law requires that the divorcing couple live separately for one year with the intent to live apart permanently to be eligible for a divorce. Having a separation agreement to specify the financial responsibilities of each partner for household bills and debts is a good idea. Our Morehead City divorce attorneys at The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A., can work with you to identify your goals in a divorce and negotiate a separation agreement that protects your interests.

What Areas Can a Divorce Lawyer Help With?

Our Morehead City family law attorneys at The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A., represent clients in various legal matters related to separation and divorce, such as:

• Domestic violence protective orders
• Separation agreements
• Property division
• Equitable division of assets
• Child custody
• Child support
• Alimony
• Enforcement or modification of alimony, child custody, and other post-judgment matters

Our legal team understands what is at stake when you go through a divorce. You want to leave the marriage with what is rightfully yours. We can protect your interests during the legal proceedings. You will have a dedicated Morehead City divorce lawyer in your corner to assist you with negotiations and fight for you in Carteret County court if necessary.

How Much Is a Divorce in Morehead City, North Carolina Going to Cost Me?

The cost of your divorce will depend on various factors. You must pay the filing fee to file the papers with the court. You must also pay the required court costs. If you’re the one filing for divorce, you have to pay to have the divorce papers delivered to your spouse, or you can send the documents through certified mail.

If you want to change your last name following the divorce, you’ll have to pay a fee to file the necessary form.

Although hiring a divorce lawyer costs money, you do not want to proceed with separation and divorce without legal representation. You will be at a disadvantage.

An experienced divorce attorney at our law firm can help you evaluate how the decisions you make during the process of divorce will affect your future. Some decisions involving the division of retirement accounts and marital assets may have tax implications.

Choosing not to hire a divorce attorney to save money could actually cost you more money in the future in unanticipated costs. Consult with The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A., for upfront answers to your fee questions.

What Is My Spouse Entitled to in a Divorce in North Carolina?

The specific circumstances of your marriage and other related factors will determine what your spouse is entitled to when you get divorced. In North Carolina, the courts divide marital property based on what is equitable and fair. Marital property is any personal and real property acquired during the marriage but before the date of separation. Common types of marital property include:

• Checking and savings accounts
• Motor vehicles
• Real estate
• Retirement plans

Separate property is not subject to equitable distribution in a divorce. This includes real and personal property one person acquired before getting married. Examples include:

• A home purchased before entering the marriage
• Inheritance received from a family member
• A gift from a third party given to one spouse

The court will review the circumstances to determine how to split marital property between a divorcing couple equitably. The judge could consider factors such as each person’s age and health, the length of the marriage, and whether the couple shares children.

The court may grant alimony to a spouse who was financially dependent on the other spouse during the marriage, depending on the circumstances. In other words, if you are the primary breadwinner and provided for your spouse financially while married, your ex-spouse might seek spousal support after the divorce.

When a couple shares children, the matter of child custody and support is paramount to resolve. You must determine custody and visitation and whether one parent needs to pay child support. North Carolina General Statutes §50-13.1 to 50-13.9 offer judges specific guidelines for ruling on child custody and support cases. Judges must base their decisions on the child’s best interests.

Contact a Morehead City Divorce Attorney Today

At The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A., we care about the clients we serve. You can count on our Morehead City divorce lawyers to answer your questions and support you through the divorce process. We’re here to look out for you and help you move forward with your life. If you are considering filing for divorce or if you’ve been served with divorce papers in Morehead City, call or contact our law firm online for a free consultation.