Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and with it you simply can’t escape the messages of love that are everywhere. While many find this holiday to be fun and exciting, for those who are newly single, it can be hurtful and upsetting. While we can’t take away the pain of a…
Articles Posted in divorce
Income Changes Alone Don’t Justify Alimony Modification
In this post, we will discuss Icenhour v. Icenhour and how the North Carolina Court of Appeals confirmed a critical principle for all North Carolina alimony modification cases. We will explain why a change in income alone might not be sufficient to justify modifying the existing alimony amount, and that…
Court Review of Family Law Arbitration Awards in North Carolina
In Gallagher-Masonis v. Masonis, 911 S.E.2d 125 (N.C. Ct. App. 2024), the North Carolina Court of Appeals addressed an important question in family law: When can a court review and modify a binding arbitration award involving property division, alimony, and child support? This decision highlights how the North Carolina Family…
Celebrating Our Furry Family Members on Dec 11th
The holidays are a season of giving. We shop for our children, cook up incredible feasts to share with loved ones, decorate our homes to spread joy, and often make end-of-year contributions to our favorite charities. But in the hustle and bustle that comes with December, it’s easy to overlook…
Can Wives Be Forced to Pay Alimony in North Carolina?
Historically, the husband was considered to be the breadwinner of the household. Even when women began working outside the home, husbands typically earned more money. Since alimony is largely based on the income and earning capacity of spouses, the most common arrangement was for men to pay support to their…
How Changes in Income and the Ability to Work Affect Alimony in North Carolina
The income of each spouse is the most significant factor when calculating alimony obligations, but there are many factors that can complicate spousal support figures. If the spouse receiving support is able to work but chooses not to, the court may impute income, which means they will use the amount…
Which Parent Can Claim the Earned Income Credit for the Child?
For unmarried parents, deciding which parent claims the child on their taxes is a common discussion point around the beginning of each year. Some divorce decrees or custody orders include stipulations for which parent can claim the child, but this is not always the case. If you do not have…
What are the Requirements for Serving Divorce Papers in North Carolina?
After you file a divorce complaint in North Carolina, you must serve your spouse with the complaint and the summons. There are somewhat complex requirements for how a spouse must be served with these legal documents. You cannot hand the divorce complaint and summons to your spouse personally; with limited…
Emotionally Navigating the First Valentine’s Day After a Divorce
The end of a marriage can be devastating, no matter the circumstances, and it takes time to process the loss. Holidays like Valentine’s Day can be difficult, especially if it’s the first one after a divorce. It may be painful, but you can learn to navigate the different emotions you’re…
Deadlines and Notification Requirements for Appealing an Alimony Order in North Carolina
There are multiple requirements you should be aware of if you plan to appeal an alimony order in North Carolina, and the deadline for noting your appeal is among the most important. You have only 30 days to file your notice of appeal. Missing this deadline could result in the…