how to hire the right divorce lawyer in nc

Make an appointment with each of the remaining lawyers on your list. Contact each of the attorneys remaining on your list and set up a consultation. Most attorneys do consultation appointments for free, but some may charge a small fee for a consultation.

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What can a North Carolina divorce lawyer do for You?

North Carolina divorce and separation attorneys A divorce lawyer helps you if you no longer want to be married. Whether you want a legal separation or the marriage ended, divorce lawyers assist you to arrange financial and family matters, typically in a negotiation with your spouse's lawyer.

Why hire a divorce attorney?

This attorney supports your basic philosophy toward divorce and has a style that works for you. This attorney recognizes the importance of your children and puts them first in the legal process by not making unreasonable child support demands or custody arrangements. This attorney is affordable.

Who is the divorce attorney in Winston-Salem NC?

Erica Jackson. North Carolina Divorce and separation Attorney. Save. 5.0 stars 6 reviews. Avvo Rating: 10. Licensed since 2014. Erica focuses her practice primarily on family/domestic law in Winston-Salem, Greensboro and surrounding counties and is admitted to the North Carolina bar.

How do I choose the right divorce attorney?

So you need to determine what type of divorce attorney you need based on your unique circumstances. Realize that any divorce attorney you talk to will try to steer you in the direction of their own specific expertise. It's up to you to know what you want first, so you can make the right choice. 4. Identify at least three potential attorneys.

How much does a divorce lawyer cost in NC?

On average, North Carolina divorce lawyers charge between $230 and $280 per hour. Average total costs for North Carolina divorce lawyers are $9,700 to $11,700 but are typically significantly lower in cases with no contested issues.

What is required for divorce in NC?

There are only two grounds (reasons) for divorce in North Carolina: separation for one year;1 or. incurable insanity of one spouse and living separate and apart (separation from cohabitation) for three consecutive years, including at the time where the petition is filed.

How much does it cost to serve divorce papers in NC?

The Cost of Traditional Divorce in North Carolina Divorce attorney fees ranging from $100-$300 per hour. Serving divorce papers (called a summons) to your ex ($30 for a sheriff to do it or $7 to send it via mail)

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer in North Carolina?

The typical lawyer in North Carolina charges between $62 and $330 per hour. Costs vary depending on the type of lawyer, so review our lawyer rates table to find out the average cost to hire an attorney in North Carolina.

What is a wife entitled to in a divorce in North Carolina?

What is a spouse entitled to in a divorce in NC? A spouse is typically entitled to some amount of alimony or spousal support, depending on the decision of the NC divorce courts. A spouse may also be entitled to a 50/50 split of marital property if so decided by the courts.

Is NC A 50/50 divorce state?

In most North Carolina divorces, property will be divided 50/50 between spouses.

Does it matter who files for divorce first in North Carolina?

When it comes to North Carolina, there is no need to sign anything in the first place. As long as someone has filed for the divorce (and met the one-year requirement), the divorce will be granted.

How long does a divorce take in NC?

about 45-90 daysAs a general rule, a simple divorce can take about 45-90 days to finalize after it has been filed with the courts. Divorces in which spouses cannot agree on issues such as child support or child custody will naturally take longer.

Do you have to be separated for a year to get a divorce in NC?

One spouse or the other must have resided in North Carolina for at least six months and the parties must have been separated for at least one year with the separation intended to be permanent. When those two requirements have been met, either party may file for an absolute divorce.

What's the difference between attorney and lawyer?

Attorney vs Lawyer: Comparing Definitions Lawyers are people who have gone to law school and often may have taken and passed the bar exam. Attorney has French origins, and stems from a word meaning to act on the behalf of others. The term attorney is an abbreviated form of the formal title 'attorney at law'.

How much is a retainer fee for a lawyer?

Overview. A retainer fee can be any denomination that the attorney requests. It may be as low as $500 or as high as $5,000 or more. Some attorneys base retainer fees on their hourly rate multiplied by the number of hours that they anticipate your case will take.

How much does a divorce lawyer cost?

On average, couples pay $5,000 - $10,000 in divorce costs for amicable divorces.

How much time should an attorney spend on divorce?

Find out how much of the attorney’s practice is devoted to divorce. Ideally, you want an attorney who spends at least 50 percent of her time on divorce cases. A general practitioner may be able to handle an uncomplicated divorce, but if your divorce was uncomplicated, you probably wouldn’t need a lawyer.

What is required to become a family law attorney?

Find a family law attorney. Certification requires years of experience, additional legal education and exams, and recommendations from colleagues and judges.

What to do if your spouse is abusive?

If your spouse is abusive, or if there are threats or issues with possible abuse, either of you or of your children, you should hire an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you are protected.

What to ask an attorney about a case?

Ask about the attorney’s overall strategy for your case. Although the details may change over time, depending on how the case progresses, the attorney should have a general idea of the process, how long it will take, and what the potential outcomes will be.

How to find a good attorney?

Review the attorney’s biography, background and work history. Take note of details that make the attorney seem relatable to you. You will be discussing a number of personal issues with this person, so it’s important that you feel comfortable and have a sense of connection with her.

How to interview a lawyer?

Ask questions. You are hiring the lawyer, therefore each consultation is a job interview. Treat it as such, and remember that you are the boss. Don’t let an attorney or the trappings of a law office intimidate you.

Is it necessary to hire a divorce lawyer?

Divorce can be complicated and emotionally fraught enough -- hiring a divorce lawyer doesn’t need to add to that complication. If you do your research and interview prospective lawyers thoroughly, you can choose a lawyer who best suits your needs and can shepherd you through the process as smoothly as possible.

How many requirements are there to divorce in North Carolina?

There are only two requirements you must meet in order to divorce your spouse in North Carolina.

What is the separation agreement in North Carolina?

North Carolina Separation Agreement. Married couples sometimes come to a point in their marriage where they no longer wish to continue their lives together. In most cases, once a couple reaches this point, they start the divorce process to end their marriage. Another option Some couples choose is Legal Separation.

What is the King Law Firm?

The King Law Firm is one of the most reputable law firms in North Carolina. We provide quality legal services for a variety of family law issues such as divorce, alimony, custody and visitation, child support, and more. For the past 30 years, The King Law Firm has been one of the top choices for North Carolinians and their legal related issues. Our experienced staff of Attorneys and Paralegals understand the sensitive issues of family law and our primary goal is to help you and your family through any difficulties you may have.

What happens if you get divorced from King Law Firm?

In some instances, the outcome of your divorce can have changes that may affect your life for many years. The King Law Firm will aggressively represent you and do everything necessary to assure you receive a fair settlement, and favorable terms for child custody, child support, and spousal support.

What is a family law attorney?

A family law attorney understands the law and has experience with the outcomes of past cases and verdicts. Our Family Law Attorneys use that knowledge to your advantage which helps you receive the best possible outcome for your case. Our attorneys understand the law and know what judges consider, and we know how to present your case to the judge so he completely understands your side.

When there is a dispute over which parent should receive sole custody of a child, the court will make the determination?

When there is a dispute over which parent should receive sole custody, the court will make the determination as to who will have the best interest and welfare of the child. Both parents are subject to have their present, as well as past conduct presented as evidence to support why one parent’s abilities will better serve the child’s overall welfare.

Can you get sole custody of a child if you have no custody?

If you currently have shared custody or no custody with only visitation rights, having an experienced family lawyer can you regain shared or possibly sole custody of your child. Family court can be a complicated area to navigate with out an experienced child custody attorney.

What is a divorce lawyer in North Carolina?

North Carolina divorce and separation attorneys. A divorce lawyer helps you if you no longer want to be married. Whether you want a legal separation or the marriage ended, divorce lawyers assist you to arrange financial and family matters, typically in a negotiation with your spouse's lawyer.

What percentage of divorces are family?

40% Divorce and separation, 20% Family, 15% Alimony, and more.

Is divorce easy?

Divorce is never easy. ...but we can help! Call, email or visit our online Virtual Law Office!

Is divorce an easy process?

Divorce isn't an easy process to navigate. Let us help!

What to do before you rush out to hire a divorce attorney?

Before you rush out to hire a divorce attorney, consider other alternatives to traditional litigation. If you aren't completely entangled with children and finances, you could hire a mediator to help you negotiate the terms of your divorce.

How to find a divorce lawyer?

Ask them about what type of client they typically represent. Ask them about their rates. Most divorce lawyers charge an hourly fee and require a retainer -- a fee charged in advance. Some lawyers will also negotiate fees based on anticipated settlements. Don't waste your time (or theirs) on a meeting if they're out of your cost range. Most divorce attorneys provide a free consult to discuss your specific situation and what their legal approach would be. So take advantage of it to gather as much legal advice as possible! Typically, the attorney you meet with will not be handling the day-to-day issues related to your case, so ask to meet the colleague or associate that would. The divorce process can also include financial experts, parenting coordinators, coach facilitators, and forensic appraisers. Find out your attorney's access to these resources and if any would be relevant to your case, as it will affect overall cost. And even if you have no intention of heading to trial, look at the attorney's trial record and history of success in court. This track record is an indicator of your attorney's success in negotiation.

What is the cheapest way to get divorced?

Mediation is the fastest, cheapest way to get divorced, and you might not need to hire an attorney at all! If your negotiation is more complicated, you'll have to hire a divorce lawyer to negotiate a settlement with your spouse's attorney. Or you could consider a collaborative divorce.

What is collaborative divorce?

A collaborative divorce is focused on negotiation with the goal of preserving a co-parenting relationship. Your last resort is a litigated trial. Typically, these are the cases when neither side will compromise. So you need to determine what type of divorce attorney you need based on your unique circumstances.

What is the purpose of divorce?

First, you need to realize that divorce is a legal process with the sole purpose of dissolving your assets and resolving custody issues. Your divorce attorney's job is to represent you to the best of his or her ability in this process.

Do attorneys tell you what you want to hear?

Unfortunately, many attorneys will tell you what you want to hear just to close the deal. While this is your life, it's a business for them. There are no guarantees in this process, so if an attorney is making promises, don't believe it.

How many divorces are filed per hour?

If you’re facing the end of a marriage, you’re certainly not alone. Around 45% of marriages end in divorce, and an average of 100 divorces are filed per hour in the United States. But the prevalence of divorce does not make the process any less frightening and stressful for spouses who are initiating divorce proceedings. Depending on your situation, divorce can be complex, both emotionally and legally. An experienced divorce attorney can help you navigate these complexities with more confidence and less stress, especially if you’re expecting to deal with issues such as child support, custody agreements, or division of marital property. Even if you are anticipating an amicable collaborative divorce, an attorney can help draft and explain legal documents, and ensure that your rights are protected. These key steps to hiring a divorce attorney can help you assess your divorce priorities, prepare you for the initial interview and consultation process, and guide your decisions during the divorce proceedings, should you encounter conflict or challenges with your legal representation:

What documents are needed to file for divorce?

That can include documentation of assets and debts as well as income statements and tax returns.

Is every divorce lawyer the same?

Not every divorce lawyer is the same, and that’s a good thing. Every person or couple needs a different level of service when they file for divorce, so it’s important to understand what role your attorney is prepared to play.

Can an aggressive attorney win a divorce?

You might want a lawyer that will fight aggressively for you during the divorce, but an aggressive attorney doesn’t always win. And they might not be the best fit for you, depending on your goals for the divorce, and your own personality.

How to find a divorce attorney?

Looking in your local yellow pages. Check your yellow pages under “attorney” then searching for ads that list divorce or family law as an area in which the attorney (s) practices.

How to narrow your divorce list?

Look for specialization within divorce law. Another easy step to narrow your list is by specialization within the umbrella of divorce law. Many state bar associations have certified specialists in family law. If you find an attorney who appears to have a specialization, only consider the attorney if you fall within the category that the lawyer usually handles.

How to get a sense of how an attorney would proceed with your case?

Prepare to ask questions related to your specific situation. To get a sense of how an attorney would proceed with your case, make sure to ask some pointed questions during your consultation . Some questions you should ask include:

How to file for divorce after assets are divided?

Consider using an experienced mediator instead. The mediator will work with you and your spouse to come up with a division of assets agreeable to both parties. After the assets have been divided, you and your spouse can file for divorce on your own.

What is a flat fee for divorce?

A flat fee is where you pay the attorney an agreed upon price for the whole divorce, regardless of the actual number of hours the attorney spends.

How to redirect conversation?

To redirect the conversation, politely say, “I am interested in hearing more about that, but first I want to ask a few more questions.”

Why do attorneys withdraw from cases?

It is also important to remember that in certain situations, your attorney may withdraw from your case. An attorney may withdraw due to conflicts of interest; client consent; differing case strategies; a client’s unethical, fraudulent or criminal activities (in these situations an attorney may be required to withdraw from your case); personality conflicts; failure to pay fees; or a client’s failure to cooperate.

Can a divorce lawyer hide your information?

Hiding any critical information regarding your divorce may hinder the lawyer’s ability to critically assess your situation and offer the appropriate advice. At this point, be honest and open during the consultation. Share all the key details surrounding the divorce even if you do not feel they are relevant. You may have to reveal intimate and personal details regarding your relationship with your spouse but do not worry as this is perfectly normal and appropriate.

Can a divorce lawyer promise 100% success?

If the lawyer is promising you the world and telling you everything you’d like to hear, be cautious. No lawyer can really promise you 100% success in a divorce case as there are too many variables involved including how a judge will decide, the duration of the case proceedings and subsequently the costs involved.

What is divorce attorney?

Divorce attorneys (a subsection of Family Law) specialize in the entire divorce process from start to finish, help smooth over differences between disagreeing parties, and even offer a sympathetic ear to listen when you feel overwhelmed or upset.

Why is it important to hire a divorce attorney?

Hiring a divorce attorney is often one of the first steps any person seeking a divorce will perform, and it is easily the most important, as their guiding hand can help make every subsequent step that much easier. Once you have planned to acquire an attorney’s services, your first big decision is which attorney to choose and why.

How to narrow your search for divorce lawyers?

While the number of attorneys you will encounter after a simple Google search can feel overwhelming, you can narrow your search by adding the search query to the divorce process you are seeking (arbitration, mediation, etc.). This will ensure that the lawyers who appear in your search results will specialize in the type of divorce you want.

What are the different ways to go about divorce?

Possible ways to go about the divorce process include arbitration, mediation, litigation, collaborative divorce, summary divorce, contested divorce, and others. Spend time researching these methods and select the path that you think will work best for you.

Why do you have to have an interview with an attorney?

Having an actual interview with the attorney can help solidify your mind if they are the right type of person with the right expertise for your case. To ensure that you get all the information you need to make an informed choice, create a list of questions beforehand, and ensure to go over each question in full depth.

What to bring to an interview for a lawyer?

Be sure to remember to bring a pen and paper with you when performing your interviews. Penning down notes will help you remember what the lawyers said when you are making your decision later.

What is the marriage.com course?

If you feel disconnected or frustrated about the state of your marriage but want to avoid separation and/or divorce, the marriage.com course meant for married couples is an excellent resource to help you overcome the most challenging aspects of being married.

Determine Your Goals and Budget

Finding the best divorce attorney for your situation begins with some self-reflection. Set aside some time to think about your goals for your divorce. Consider questions such as:

Ask for Referrals

With approximately half of all American marriages ending in divorce, there’s a good chance you know several people who have weathered a divorce with the help of a high-net-worth divorce attorney.

Do Your Research

With the names of several attorneys, it’s time to sit down and do some research. Look at their websites. Do they appear to have experience handling high-asset divorce cases? Do they offer consultations? You can also perform a search for their reviews. What are their clients saying about them? Did they have good results using their representation?

Schedule a Consultation

Once you narrow your list to just a couple of potential divorce attorneys, schedule a consultation. You should have the opportunity to meet with them before you hire them. A consultation gives you the chance to find out if:

Only Hire Attorneys that Have Experience with High-Asset Divorces

Even if they came with high praises, you wouldn’t see a general practitioner if you needed cancer treatment. They could be the best general doctor, but without specialized education and training as well as experience, they aren’t likely the best choice if you want to beat cancer.

The Bottom Line

You’ve worked hard and wisely managed your assets to get to where you are today. Don’t let a divorce or choosing the wrong divorce attorney tarnish your efforts and hard work. Continue to protect your assets and make wise decisions by hiring the right high-net-worth divorce attorney for your situation.