Divorce and Child Custody Attorney in Wilmington
At the law office of Alley, Register & McEachern in North Carolina, our lawyers provide clients with tailored divorce and child custody representation. We take the time to get to know our clients and their needs. This allows us to better handle the case, pursuing a resolution we know is in their best interests. We strive to help clients deal with a range of family law matters, including divorce, child custody and issues involving parental rights.
Divorce is complicated and involves two major parts: division of assets and child custody. Below is some general information on these topics. For more specific information or to discuss your individual situation, contact a member of our firm at Alley, Register & McEachern today.
Division of Assets
The first part is property division. With some exceptions, everything that you and your spouse have acquired during your marriage counts as marital assets. In North Carolina, the law aims for an equitable division of both property and debts. It is important to note that a couple's property is not always divided 50/50, but in a manner that is fair to both parties.
While dividing your assets, the court will have to settle the question of alimony, or spousal support. Alimony can be permanent, but that is rare today. More likely, alimony, if it's awarded, will last a finite amount of time, ranging from a few months to a few years — just enough time for the stay-at-home spouse to go back to school, receive additional training and reenter the work force.
Child Custody and Visitation
Child custody and visitation disputes are common when couples divorce (clearly if you have no children, then you will not have to worry about it). Even though you and your spouse are no longer together, you still have children to raise. You have to decide where the children will live (physical custody) and who will make the decisions about their upbringing (legal custody). Most couples have an arrangement where the children live with one spouse and the other spouse pays child support and has visitation rights. Commonly most couples share legal custody, so both parents have input into educational, religious and healthcare decisions. Other arrangements are available, but the court makes its decision based on what is in the best interests of the child.
Contact a divorce and child custody lawyer at Alley, Register & McEachern today to schedule your free initial consultation.
Alley, Register & McEachern
701 N 4th St.
Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: (910) 251-0103
Fax: (910) 251-0209
The law firm of Alley, Register & McEachern serves clients throughout the Wilmington, North Carolina area, including the counties of Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, New Hanover and Pender.
