Am I Divorced?

One of the more common questions asked when parties separate is “when can I get divorced”? Many people are surprised when they hear the answer. In North Carolina, parties must be separated for a year and a day before they can file for divorce from their spouse. This process, often referred to as an “Absolute Divorce”, is the dissolution of the marriage and is separate and apart from other aspects of a party’s case. The Absolute Divorce may require an in-person hearing for the Judgment of Divorce to be entered, or it may simply be a series of paperwork. The entry of a Judgment of Absolute Divorce can have serious legal ramifications, so it is important to know your legal rights before a Judgment of Absolute Divorce is entered by the court. If you have questions or doubts, consult with an attorney. The attorneys at Carter & Noland, PLLC, have years of experience handling a wide range of family law issues from simple divorce cases to complex litigation, and can answer any questions you may have about your divorce and the intended (and unintended) consequences. Knowledge is power.