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1) How long do we have to be separated before we can file for divorce?
           
You can file for divorce “if and when the husband and wife have lived separate and apart for one year, and the plaintiff or defendant in the suit for divorce has resided in the State for a period of six (6) months.”

2) How long will the whole process take once the complaint is filed?
           
It depends. When the plaintiff files a complaint for absolute divorce, a defendant is entitled to 30 days to respond. If a defendant fails to respond to the complaint within 30 or 60 days if applicable, the plaintiff is entitled to proceed with their claim for absolute divorce.

3) What if I am in the military and live out of state? Can the divorce still be filed in NC?
           
Yes! As long as there is one party that resides in North Carolina for a minimum of six months. The divorce will have to be filed in the county the resident resides in. 

5) Is spousal support available while divorce is pending in court?
           
It is up to the court to order that one spouse provide support to the other during the pending stages of the divorce. 

6) When is it considered abandonment by a spouse?
           
Abandonment occurs when a spouse intentionally moves out of the martial home with the intent to remain permanently apart without the consent of the other spouse.

7) Is your spouse entitled to alimony if they cheated?
           
No! A spouse that is found dependent by the court is not entitled to alimony if they have had sexual relations with another person that is not their spouse at any time prior to the date of separation.

8) What if my spouse does not agree to the divorce, can I still move forward with the divorce complaint?
           
You can obtain a divorce decree whether your spouse agrees with it or not. There are just two requirements: you and your spouse have to have been separated for one-year and one of you has to have been a resident of North Carolina for 6-months prior to the filing of the divorce.


Adkins Law specializes in Family Law and is prepared to help you with your divorce. We understand you may have more questions before you proceed with a divorce that is why we offer consultations. Give our office a call to schedule your consultation. 
 

Misconception #1:
Trusts are only for people with a high net worth!

Trusts can be set up to serve a variety of purposes and aren't only for "rich people". The most common type of trust is a living or revocable trust. A revocable trust is set up so that it can be modified during ones lifetime. 

Misconception #2: 
Trusts are Expensive to Setup!

Each state and attorney has its own prices when it comes to trusts. Contact attorneys in your area to get an idea of the cost. Generally attorneys have packages that include more than just a trust. Adkins Law specializes in Estate Planning and would be happy to help you!

Misconception #3:
You no longer in control of assets held in a trust!

With a revocable or living trust, you maintain complete control over all assets in the trust during your lifetime. Keep in mind, like most estate planning issues, credit protections vary and you should always work with an estate planning attorney to understand all your options.

Misconception #4:
Trusts are only for cash or financial securities!

Trusts can be set up to hold a variety of assets:
-Real estate
-Art
-Privately held interests in a business
Just to name a few!

The primary benefit of putting an asset in a revocable trust is to ensure the assets are distributed according to your wishes. 

Misconception #5:
After I set up a trust, my assets will automatically flow as planned!

This may be true in some instances, however, this is not automatic and you must be careful not to contradict the terms of the trust. Once the trust is set up, retitle assets in the name of the trust. 

Misconception #6:
I don't need a trust if I have a will!

Having a will in place is a great first step into estate planning. But, having a will does not mean your assets are completely secure. Wills can be contested, there is no guarantee that what you want to happen actually will happen if it is just outlined in your will. 

Misconception #7:
It is generally a good idea to name a family member or friend as a trustee!

People often name relatives or family members as their executor of their estate and trustees on a trust. Sometimes this can create a strain on your family dynamics. Acting as trustee and/or executor or a trust and estate can be a large amount of work. You can always consider appointing an third party or corporate trustee to manage the assets and execute the wishes of your trust. My doing this it may alleviate the burden of appointing a family member and instead help in assigning a "neutral" party to act as trustee.

Misconception #8:
Trusts can be set up to benefit a charity, business organization, or even a pet.

Sometimes it is possible to assign percentages of your trust assets to a organization or charity of your choice. It is recommended you work with an attorney who may be able to assist in establishing the kind of trust that best fits to your needs for your family, maybe even your pets. 



Trusts can be powerful and can accomplish a wide range of goals. They can be very difficult and sometimes hard to understand, That is why Adkins Law is here for you! We specialize in Estate Planning and we can work with your family in creating and drafting the Trust Document or Estate Package that best fits your needs for your family. Give our office a call to set up your FREE consultation.

A common question that comes up when dealing with child custody issues for service members involves deployments. Can my ex use my past and / or potential future military deployments against me in our custody matter? In North Carolina, in a proceeding for child custody of a service member, a court may NOT consider a parent’s past deployment(s) or possible future deployments as the ONLY basis in determining the best interest of the child. The court MAY consider any significant impact on the best interest of the child regarding the parent’s past or possible future deployments.
 
Thus, in determining what is in the best interest of the minor child for custody arrangements, military deployments of a parent may be considered as a factor, but may not be the only factor to consider in determining a custody arrangement. 

Contact Adkins Law if you wish to discuss your child custody issues with a family law attorney. 

Adkins Law is prepared to plan and
​ help your family with an Estate Plan!

Having a basic estate plan is essential to ensure that your family is cared for after you are no longer here, and your finances are distributed in the way that you desire. This plays a significant role in reducing stress and frustration for your loved ones in the event of your incapacitation or death. Contact us today to schedule your FREE consultation!