Articles Tagged with Equitable Distribution

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North Carolina family law cases often decide on some of the most important elements of a person’s life. From property and assets in a divorce to child custody arrangements, the outcome of these cases can significantly impact everyone involved. If you feel that the court’s decision is incorrect or unjust, you may be able to file an appeal.

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The US Constitution’s Full Faith and Credit Clause[1] requires states to honor certain orders from other states, including divorces, child custody, and spousal support. However, not every family law matter is straightforward, and moving to North Carolina from out-of-state may present some challenges and unexpected changes. Continue reading →

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Salvadore v. Salvadore, 2021-NCCOA-680 (2021 unpublished)

  • Facts: Wife and Husband married in 1989. During their marriage, Husband would frequently change his job. Husband had a peculiar habit every time he changed jobs that required relocation to another state. He would stay in hotels and campgrounds in the new state while Wife would stay at the marital residence at the old state. Husband would also regularly return to the marital residence on weekends. This would continue until the couple bought a new home in the new state. When Husband accepted a new job in New York, he continued this habit. However, before he left, he asked for a separation on April 17, 2017. But true to habit, he stayed in hotels in campgrounds in New York, while returning to the marital residence in North Carolina on weekends. This happened until July 16, 2017—the last night he spent in the marital residence with Wife. As part of his appeal of an equitable distribution order, he argued that the date of separation should have been April 2017, not the July 2017 date.

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Either party in a divorce can request equitable distribution, but that request must be made before the divorce is final.[1]

Equitable distribution is the process in which the court determines how best to divide the spouses’ assets and debts, specifically their marital property and divisible property.[2] This is often a preferred method when there are significant assets, numerous financial accounts, or multiple pieces of real property. Continue reading →

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Equitable distribution cases involving high-net-worth parties and spouses with significant assets require careful consideration to classify, valuate, and distribute property. Each piece of property must be classified as marital, separate, or divisible as a first step in equitable distribution. Determining which category each asset belongs to can be a lengthy process when there is a significant number, and valuating all the property presents further complexities. Continue reading →

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Property division can be one of the most contentious parts of a divorce. Further complicating this process is the fact that courts must determine not just how marital property should be divided but even what qualifies as marital property. Equitable distribution is an option in North Carolina divorces, but the process for requesting it is not standardized throughout the state[1]. Some courts and localities have specific rules regarding filing for equitable distribution, so consulting with a Greensboro divorce lawyer will ensure the district requirements are met. Continue reading →

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Divorce is often an emotionally and financially draining experience. For spouses who spent all or part of their marriage economically dependent on their wife or husband, the monetary toll is unlikely to end after the divorce is finalized. Alimony is intended to lessen this financial impact and allow each spouse to maintain a standard of living similar to what they experienced during their marriage.

But how do courts decide when alimony should be awarded, and what are the factors that influence the amount and duration of support? Continue reading →

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READ V. READ, 2023-NCCOA-______ (2023) 

Imagine that you and your wife separate from each other. It is now 15 years later. While you have both moved forward in life, neither of you filed for divorce. You are still married. One day you get a notice in the mail. There was an outstanding loan that originated during the marriage, while you two were still together, that has not been paid and now the lenders are threatening some legal action. Is it too late to file for equitable distribution and have a court order that you both pay on the debt?  Continue reading →

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FOSTER V. FOSTER, 2023-NCCOA-______ (2023) 

  1. Facts: Plaintiff and Defendant married in 2014 and separated at the end of 2019. Plaintiff filed for custody and equitable distribution (ED). Defendant counterclaimed. A trial on ED was held in February and March of 2022. There, the trial court entered a judgment with a slight unequal division in Defendant’s favor. One item that classified as Plaintiff’s separate property was an account with funds sourced from a settlement Plaintiff received pursuant to the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), and some items of personal property purchased with those funds. Defendant appealed.  

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When it comes to the division of marital property, one question we are commonly asked is what happens if the value of an asset, such as a home, increases during the pendency of the case? In North Carolina, there is a specific provision of the law addressing this exact scenario: divisible property. 

Divisible property is a term within North Carolina’s equitable distribution laws that relate to the distribution of assets and liabilities in a separation and divorce.   Continue reading →