Sometimes, even putting in all the effort, marriages can fail. If you are contemplating divorce, you should definitely consider all ways of saving the marriage. However, divorce is the only way to live a happy life, you must seek support. Divorce can take a toll in many ways – besides a change in your marital status, it can impact you financially, emotionally, and mentally. If you feel vulnerable, talk to friends, family members, or get a therapist. For legal matters, talk to an attorney. North Carolina allows for no-fault divorce, and the process is fairly simple, as long as requirements are met. Talk to a Charlotte divorce lawyer, to know more on state laws and your circumstances. In this post, we are sharing what you must know about divorce in North Carolina.
Table of Contents
1. Residency requirement in NC and more
To file for a divorce in North Carolina¸ either (or both) of the spouses must have lived in the state for at least six months prior to filing. Spouses should be living separating and apart for at least a year before considering divorce or filing papers in North Carolina. This actually means living in two different residences, not merely in different rooms of the same house.
2. Absolute divorce
Divorce is also known as an ‘absolute divorce’ in NC. This refers to the final end of a marriage, following which the ex-spouses can go about their own lives and remarry when they want to. For getting absolute divorce, it is mandatory to fulfil the one-year separation period. There is usually a wait period, which allows the couple to sort issues related to child custody, spousal support, child custody, and other things like distribution of assets. The grounds for absolute divorce can be either year-long separation (at the least), or incurable insanity.
3. Divorce from bed and board
Note that divorce from bed and board is not an absolute divorce, despite the confusing name. A spouse can seek divorce from bed and board on certain fault-based grounds, such as adultery, cruelty, drug and/or alcohol abuse, and abandonment. This allows the spouse to get a court-ordered separation and to complete the separation requirement of one year, as mandatory in NC. After a year of getting the DBB order, the couple (either or both) can file for an absolute divorce.
Check online now to find more on top-rated attorneys in NC, and don’t forget to ask for a free initial consultation.
