When people first start thinking about divorce, they may gather information from friends, relatives, co-workers and the internet. In some cases, the information they receive is inaccurate, even if the person offering it has the best intentions. One area that can be a common source of confusion is a legal separation. People don’t always understand what a legal separation is, and sometimes they confuse it with the requirement for living separate and apart prior to filing for a divorce. Do you have questions about legal separation in North Carolina? Here are some of the most common questions about legal separation, along with answers from Raleigh Separation Agreement lawyers at Vitale Family Law. Do I Need a Legal Separation Before I Get Divorced? Some people believe that a legal separation is a prerequisite for getting a divorce. However, in North Carolina, there is no separate legal process for becoming separated. This is an option in some states, but it’s not available in … [Read more...]
Handling Vacations After a Divorce with Children
When you’ve gone through a divorce with children, one of the most common questions you’re likely to have is how you handle vacations and periods when your children are out of school. Most kids look forward to vacations and extended holiday breaks, such as winter break; However, after a divorce, vacations — especially long stretches — can be a challenge for the parents. Whether your relationship with your ex is amicable or relatively unfriendly, the good news is that there are things you can do to make sure vacations go smoothly. If you have questions about your holiday schedule and how it affects your case, it’s important to speak to an experienced North Carolina divorce and family law lawyer. How Do Courts Determine Custody? Under North Carolina law, the court has the final say in a custody agreement. Practically speaking, however, the majority of divorcing couples with children work out a custody arrangement that suits both parties and is acceptable to the court. While both … [Read more...]