Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in North Carolina. What’s the Difference?
An uncontested divorce in North Carolina means both spouses agree on every major issue, including property division, child custody, child support, and spousal support. A contested divorce means the spouses disagree on one or more of those issues, which typically requires additional negotiation, mediation, or a judge’s decision at trial. The history of your marriage […]
Can Divorce Actually Be… Healthy? (Yes, Really.)
By: Sodoma Law Belmont Caroline W. Strauss Senior Attorney | Certified Parenting Coordinator Divorce gets a bad rap — and honestly, sometimes it deserves it. But what if divorce could be done the right way? I recently joined a local therapy group’s podcast to talk about exactly that. Here’s what we came up with. Good Reasons to […]
How Long Does It Take to Get Divorced in South Carolina?
Most people assume divorce timelines work roughly the same way from state to state, but South Carolina and North Carolina handle the divorce process differently in ways that can catch people off guard. In South Carolina, a no-fault divorce generally requires spouses to live separate and apart for a full year before a court will […]
Automation Is Not Advocacy: The Risks of AI-Drafted Separation Agreements
By: Senior Attorney Kelsey J. Queen Artificial intelligence has become remarkably good at producing polished, confident-sounding writing. It can draft emails, summarize documents, and generate “legal-looking” agreements in seconds. It can write polished sentences, make “legal” arguments, organize information logically, and generate documents that look professional at first glance. For many tasks, that’s incredibly useful. […]
Divorcing a High-Conflict Spouse in North Carolina: What to Expect When a Partner Will Not Compromise
By: Sodoma Law Raleigh Attorney Annelisse Velazquez When people describe their spouse as a “narcissist,” they are usually referring to a pattern of behavior—not a clinical diagnosis. The term often reflects experiences of control, manipulation, refusal to compromise, or an intense need to “win” disputes. While North Carolina courts don’t decide cases based on personality […]
Hidden Assets in Divorce in North Carolina: How to Protect Your Financial Future
By: Sodoma Law Raleigh Attorney Annelisse Velazquez Financial transparency is the foundation of a fair divorce—but what happens when you suspect your spouse is not being transparent? Under North Carolina’s laws of equitable distribution, marital property must be identified, valued, and divided fairly. That process depends on accurate financial disclosure. As such, hidden assets can […]
You’ve Separated. Now What? A Practical Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Future
By: Sodoma Law Raleigh Attorney Annelisse Velazquez A Legal Separation is one of the most emotionally and legally complex experiences a person can go through. Whether it came as a shock or had been building for years, the moment you and your spouse decide to live separately marks the beginning of a process that will […]
Common Financial Mistakes to Avoid During Divorce
Divorce does not just divide property—it often reshapes a person’s financial instincts for years afterward. Many of the most damaging financial mistakes during divorce are not dramatic decisions, but small overlooked choices made under stress, uncertainty, or emotional exhaustion. In North Carolina, where equitable distribution laws can significantly impact long-term financial stability, understanding how divorce […]
Hidden Assets in Divorce: Red Flags to Watch For
Divorce is not just an emotional process—it’s a financial one, and hidden assets can dramatically affect outcomes. Many spouses conceal accounts, investments, or property in ways that are subtle and hard to detect. Understanding the warning signs and methods used to hide wealth is critical for protecting your interests. In North Carolina, uncovering these assets […]
There’s No Room for Petty in that Playbook
Kristen Sherwood If you are anything like me – born and raised in a state with no professional sports and destined to be an Auburn or Alabama fan from birth – you’ve been looking forward to the start of college football all year. It’s finally here — stadiums are packed, fans are fired up, and […]