Mediation and arbitration can be a great way to solve traditional legal disputes and can be a less expensive, quicker and more pleasant process than litigation. Mediation and arbitration are considered an informal proceeding in the sense that the parties are not situated in a courtroom with evidence and testimony being presented on the record. These alternatives are not exactly the same and it is important to understand the difference. Mediation has a trained independent third party with no … [Read more...]
The Difference Between Separation, Divorce and Annulment
Most people use the word “divorce” as a catch all phrase when a marriage ends. However, contrary to what many people may believe, divorce is simply the dissolution of the marriage. Divorce is but one part of a family law case, which may also include matters such as child custody, child support, spousal support, and property distribution.There are two types of divorce in North Carolina - Absolute Divorce, which is the dissolution of the marriage, and Divorce from Bed and Board, which is one … [Read more...]
The Relationship Between Drunk Driving and Divorce
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a problem not just in Charlotte, North Carolina, but also across the United States. The problem has become such a societal burden that Utah has decided to lower its blood alcohol concentration limit to .05%, departing from the .08% limit enacted across much of the country. Additionally, many advocates for safer driving conditions are championing efforts to enforce stricter drunk driving laws and strengthen penalties to include the mandatory installation … [Read more...]
Determining alimony in North Carolina divorce cases
Divorcing couples in North Carolina and around the country are often unclear about how alimony is calculated. This is a contentious issue that can derail divorce negotiations and lead to protracted legal battles, but understanding why alimony is ordered and how judges approach the matter could help spouses to avoid this pitfall. Discussing the topic unemotionally is especially important when the spouse initiating divorce proceedings will be receiving alimony payments or one spouse earns … [Read more...]
Study looks at link between workplace and divorce
Farmers and librarians in the Charlotte area may be among the least likely people to get a divorce while people who work in restaurants and hotels may be among the most. A study by researchers at Stockholm University that appeared in Biology Letters on Sept. 25 looked at the connection between a person's workplace and divorce and found that these were the professions with the highest and lowest divorce rates.Primarily, the study was looking at whether people in heterosexual marriages who … [Read more...]
Divorce after age 50 can be hard on someone’s health
Divorcing at or over the age of 50 can be bad for a Charlotte resident's health. This is significant because the divorce rate for people in this age group has doubled since 1990.Researchers at Bowling Green State University have been studying what is called gray divorce for many years and found several explanations for why it is on the rise. These explanations include an increase in the overall U.S. life expectancy, increasing financial autonomy for women and changing societal expectations … [Read more...]
Why some couples might want a prenuptial agreement
Before getting married, soon-to-be spouses in Charlotte might want to consider the benefits of getting a prenuptial agreement. Despite its negative reputation, a prenup can actually open the lines of communication for a couple. For a prenup to be valid, both people must get legal counsel, and neither may conceal any financial assets.A prenup can be particularly important for someone who owns a business, has a blended family or is getting married for the second time. The documents can protect … [Read more...]
More older Americans choose divorce
The face of divorce for people in North Carolina and around the country may be a young couple. However, it is becoming increasingly common for couples in the baby boomer generation and older to choose divorce. Since 1990, the divorce rate among Americans aged 50 and up has doubled. In the same period, the same rate for people aged 65 and older has tripled. There is a wide range of factors that can contribute to this seemingly surprising fact about older Americans' marital relationships.Divorce … [Read more...]
Divorce rates connected to wedding date choices
People in Charlotte planning for their weddings and setting a date for the marriage rarely think about divorce during the occasion. There are a number of reasons why people may choose a particular wedding date; in some cases, it is convenient for the couple's family and friends, and in other cases, it marks an anniversary or other significant occasion. Couples may even choose a wedding date in order to save on their venue costs. However, couples who choose a romantic holiday or other particular … [Read more...]
Crafting a divorce settlement later in life
Those who divorce at an older age generally don't argue over child custody or child support matters. Instead, the primary issue is how to divide assets in an equitable manner. Specifically, most older couples tend to spend most of their time determining how to divide a retirement account such as an IRA or 401(k). In some divorce cases, a couple may choose to divide the money in the account 50/50.However, this isn't necessarily the best way to do it. Even if assets are split evenly, it must be … [Read more...]
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