The decision to end your marriage is extremely difficult -- perhaps the hardest one you'll ever make. But it's only the first of many as you change your life for the better. Graber Law Firm’s divorce attorneys understand the many complexities of divorce and expertly navigate clients in Raleigh and Wake County to promising new beginnings.
To schedule a confidential consultation on a divorce or related matter, please call (919) 758-8174 or complete our Consultation Request form.
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Divorce in North Carolina is complex. Graber Law expertly advises clients on their legal options, formulates strategy, and represents them throughout the entire process.
Similar to divorce, annulments dissolve a marriage, but they do so as if the marriage never existed. To qualify for an annulment, the marriage must meet specific standards according to North Carolina law.
Legal separation is similar to divorce, but maintains some key advantages of being married. Separation does not formally dissolve the marriage in the eyes of the court, but can divide assets, establish temporary child custody and visitation, and even spousal support.
Child custody centers on two fundamental issues: legal custody and physical custody. Legal custody defines the right to make decisions for the child(ren) regarding their overall welfare, medical care, education, and others. Physical custody involves where the child resides. Both aspects are stipulated in formal agreements and authorized via a court order.
In divorce, both parties are required to share the financial responsibilities of supporting the children of the marriage. The North Carolina Child Support Guidelines are used as the basis for determining specific payment amounts, although a range of other factors are also considered. These include gross incomes, health insurance needs, child care, custodial schedules and more.
The division of both real property and other types of financial assets are a significant issue in divorce and include assets either brought into the marriage or accumulated through its course. Graber Law has extensive experience in negotiating the fair and equitable distribution of all marital assets.
Alimony is highly complex issue for both parties in divorce. Simply, the court must determine which of the parties is the supporting spouse and if (or how much) he/she has the ability to pay. There are no guidelines, and once established, amounts may be modified through future actions.
Dividing accumulated retirement assets is a specialized area that requires specific steps and in-depth knowledge of both state and federal equitable distribution laws. Timing and execution of certain actions (ie: Qualified Domestic Relations Orders) which divide certain retirement accounts is critical.
Graber Law provides counsel in matters involving considerable assets, including businesses, equity, and real property. The firm works with professionals in accountancy, tax, and finance to strategically counsel clients in preparation of future financial changes.
Life circumstances often change post-divorce and they may warrant a modification to an existing court order(s) related to spousal support, child support, child custody, and/or visitation. There are several established grounds for these types of modification in North Carolina and Graber Law provides excellent counsel in these areas.
Since the ban on same-sex marriage was overturned in North Carolina in 2014, both married and unmarried LGBTQ couples continue to face a range of legal hurdles. Resolving issues such as divorce, child custody, visitation, spousal support, and property division and estate claims can be legally complex and challenging.
Divorce often raises concern with grandparents due to their limited rights in North Carolina. Unfortunately, divorce can effect the ability for grandparents to see and/or visit their grandchildren. Grandparents do have some legal options to pursue visitation rights while a divorce is being litigated.
Divorce Mediation
Complementing the formal court system, alternative dispute resolution or divorce mediation enables the divorcing parties to decide certain matters themselves with the assistance of a neutral third-party. Once established, these agreements are affirmed by the court and formally established. Mediation helps to cost-effectively resolve and settle key issues.