Charlotte Divorce Lawyer Resources

Charlotte Divorce Lawyer Resources

Looking for a Charlotte Divorce Lawyer? Here’s how find excellent counsel in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Finding a Temporary Job during Your Charlotte Divorce

by legalreporter on February 4, 2012

Let your Charlotte divorce lawyer know if your temporary job will affect your availability.Divorce can cause financial strain or outright hardship; there are fees, court costs and payments to your Charlotte divorce lawyer. You may need to pay for childcare if your former spouse is not taking care of the children, or you may have to find a new home. While your Charlotte divorce lawyer can point you in the right directions to handle these issues, you may need to take on a temporary job during your divorce to maintain your current lifestyle.

Discuss your financial situation with your Charlotte divorce lawyer at your next meeting. Your Charlotte divorce lawyer may be able to advise you whether you should find temporary work for the duration of your divorce.

Where to Look for Temporary Jobs during Your Divorce

Staffing agencies often work with local employers to fill temporary positions. In many cases, a staffing agency can help you find temporary work that ranges in duration from one day to several months.

Your Charlotte divorce lawyer may be able to recommend a local staffing agency with a good reputation, or you can find a staffing agency near you on your own.

Things to Consider before Taking a Temporary Job

If your Charlotte divorce lawyer has advised you to find temporary work, there are several personal factors you’ll need to consider, including:

• childcare arrangements

• transportation issues

• how much “down time” will be left over for chores, errands and relaxation

• how much time you will be able to spend with your family

Preparing for an Interview

When you work through a staffing agency, your initial meeting there will include an interview. You may also be asked to take competency tests in your chosen field. Dress as if you are going to court with your Charlotte divorce lawyer – professionally and neatly. Bring copies of your resume and be aware that you are not required to disclose the fact you are going through a divorce. All you need to tell a staffing agency is when you are available to work.

Accepting a Job

Let your Charlotte divorce lawyer know immediately if you accept a temporary job during your divorce. Your Charlotte divorce lawyer can work with you and the courts to ensure you do not miss any important dates.

Permanent Jobs

You may wish to find a permanent job to supplement your income during and after your divorce. Regardless of the type of job you are looking for, make sure your Charlotte divorce lawyer is aware that you are working. If possible, provide your Charlotte divorce lawyer with a daytime contact number so that he or she can contact you if an emergency arises.

Keep Your Charlotte Divorce Lawyer in the Loop

When a temporary job ends (and your income stops), let your Charlotte divorce lawyer know. The money you bring in can affect future child support payments or other aspects of your case, and the more your Charlotte divorce lawyer knows about your financial situation, the better he or she can help you.

Temporary Childcare during Your Charlotte Divorce

by legalreporter on January 22, 2012

Take advantage of hourly or "drop-in" daycare centers during your Charlotte divorce. During or after your divorce, you may be required to find a new place to live. If you have small children who are not enrolled in school or daycare, it may be difficult to find someone to watch them while you move. Family members may be otherwise occupied, friends are at work – you can run out of options quickly.

What about mandatory court dates, meetings with your Charlotte divorce lawyer, job interviews and other times you’ll have to leave your little ones behind?

Your Charlotte divorce lawyer may suggest that you find a temporary childcare solution that you can use periodically throughout your divorce.

Ask Your Charlotte Divorce Lawyer for a Recommendation

Your Charlotte divorce lawyer may know a reputable childcare provider in your area. Since your Charlotte divorce lawyer has represented several clients in similar situations, he or she may have referred people to a certain provider in the past.

If your Charlotte divorce lawyer isn’t familiar with local childcare providers, you can begin to search for temporary daycare in Charlotte on your own so that you aren’t left scrambling to find help at the last minute.

Types of Childcare Centers

There are typically two types of daycare centers: permanent daycare and temporary daycare. Permanent daycare requires registration and can bill you by the day, week or month. Temporary daycare is commonly referred to as drop-in daycare.

Drop-in Daycare

Your Charlotte divorce lawyer may be able to recommend a local drop-in daycare center (either from personal or second-hand experience). Drop-in daycare centers often charge a one-time or annual registration fee, and charge hourly for the time your children are there. No appointments are necessary – you can simply show up with your children, drop them off and pick them up.

What to Look for in a Childcare Center

Like Charlotte divorce lawyers, childcare providers must be licensed by the state of North Carolina. When you visit the childcare center, look for obvious safety hazards. Ask the director:

• if all employees are subject to background checks

• if staff is trained in CPR and other lifesaving techniques

• what security measures are in place

• how you can authorize your spouse to pick up your children

• how you can prevent your spouse from picking up your children (consult your Charlotte divorce lawyer for guidance if you believe your spouse should not be permitted near your children)

Review North Carolina’s requirements for daycare centers if you suspect yours isn’t following state mandates for health and safety.

Things to Discuss with Your Charlotte Divorce Lawyer

When circumstances arise that require you to put your kids in temporary day care, let your Charlotte divorce lawyer know. Not because your Charlotte divorce lawyer needs to know about the day care, but because he or she needs to know if you’ve moved, gotten a job or have started to attend school.

If any issues arise, like the other parent failing to drop off or pick up children from a drop-in daycare center, call your Charlotte divorce lawyer immediately after you’ve taken care of the kids’ needs. Your Charlotte divorce lawyer needs to know the details in situations like these.

Finally, let your Charlotte divorce lawyer know if you find a fantastic drop-in daycare center; he or she may able to recommend the center to other clients who need the help.

What About the Family Photos?

by legalreporter on January 21, 2012

Dividing Photos in Divorce

You’ve left the home. You didn’t have a chance to gather the family photos. Can you get them back? Can you get copies?

Family photos, in North Carolina, are treated as property subject to Equitable Distribution. While they may have lots of sentimental value, they don’t have much actual value when looked at from a fair market value perspective.

Family photos aren’t worth much so they’re not generally divided by the court. In fact, it’s very unusual for a court to deal with them at all.

The reality is that most family photos, when the parties have a disagreement, end up with whichever party possesses them at the time of the separation.

The key then is to either (1) get the photos before you leave and put them somewhere safe or (2) have them copied before you go.

We’ve been in many situation where it was necessary to have photos scanned and preserved so that each party can have access to the pictures after separation. We’ve tried a host of photo scanning services in Raleigh and Charlotte and found one that we love.

Our favorite family photo scanning service isn’t in North Carolina. They’re in California and they have their scanning done in India. They’re called ScanCafe.

Using ScanCafe is easy. You ship them your prints, slides or negatives. Of course, if you have only digital photos none of this will be necessary. You can simply copy your digital computer files.

Once ScanCafe receives the images they get busy scanning. It usually takes about a month for them to do their work. They notify you online that the images are ready and you can review their work. They then ship back whatever you sent to them for scanning.

ScanCafe allows you to download the images or they’ll mail you a CD filled with the image files. Once you’ve got the files you can copy them for each party. Ideally, you’ll spit the costs of the scanning. That’s something you can negotiate as part of your Separation Agreement.

Thankfully technology can help amicable couples deal with their precious photos. Hopefully, you’ll be able to work together with your spouse to preserve your memories and won’t end up fighting over the images in court.

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Finding an Accountant to Help with a Charlotte Divorce

by legalreporter on January 17, 2012

Your Charlotte divorce lawyer can work hand-in-hand with your accountant to make sure your finances remain safe during divorce.Do you know where every penny of your money ends up? What about your soon-to-be ex-spouse’s money? How much of that money do you share, and how much belongs exclusively to you?

Unfortunately, many people do not even know their net worth, let alone where every cent of income lands. Your Charlotte divorce lawyer can attest to the fact that you need that information – but how do you get it? During a divorce, there are so many things to think about; you may not have time to comb through your finances and figure everything out.

You may want to consider finding an accountant to help with your Charlotte divorce.

Why Would Your Charlotte Divorce Lawyer Recommend an Accountant?

Your Charlotte divorce lawyer may recommend you hire an accountant for several reasons:

• An accountant can provide you with detailed reports on your income and assets that may help your Charlotte divorce lawyer in court.

• Your Charlotte divorce lawyer is looking out for your best interests – not only during your divorce, but after it as well.

• An accountant can help the court and your Charlotte divorce lawyer determine child support payment amounts.

If you are not sure whether you can benefit from hiring an accountant, ask your Charlotte divorce lawyer for guidance.

Referrals from Your Charlotte Divorce Lawyer

Since your Charlotte divorce lawyer likely has an accountant of his own, and probably knows several accounting professionals in the area, it’s a good idea to ask for a referral. Asking your Charlotte divorce lawyer for a referral to an accountant can save you hours of searching on your own, too. Your Charlotte divorce lawyer may have successfully referred past clients to local accountants who can help you keep your finances straight, both during and after divorce.

Discussing Your Finances with Your Charlotte Divorce Lawyer

If you have hired an accountant, you will have an accurate picture of your financial situation. You can then discuss your situation in-depth with your Charlotte divorce lawyer, who can use that information to help you during your divorce. Your Charlotte divorce lawyer will not press you for private financial details. However, many people find that providing their Charlotte divorce lawyer with a financial snapshot helps their cases.

Your Finances in Court

Your Charlotte divorce lawyer will only bring up facts about your financial situation that will help your case. Remember, your Charlotte divorce lawyer is always in your corner – so he or she will not disclose your personal business unless it will benefit you.

Hiring an accountant is not always necessary, but you should check with your Charlotte divorce lawyer to determine whether it is in your case. Even if you choose to hire your accountant temporarily, you may benefit from his services in the long run.

3 Tips for a Better Divorce

by legalreporter on January 15, 2012

Better Divorce in North Carolina

You’re getting a divorce. You’re not happy – that’s to be expected. What can you do about it?

Obviously, moving toward resolution of your case will help, but that takes time. It’s only going to move as fast at it moves.

In the meantime, you’ve got to deal with the emotional swings inherent in the process. You’ve got to keep yourself healthy and functioning so you can deal with the day-to-day responsibilities of life.

We’ve got three tips for you that make a huge difference. We’ve helped thousands of people through divorce and the people who cope best follow these three bits of advice.

Here are the tips -

First, you need to sleep. Stress and anxiety wake us up in the middle of the night. It’s terrible. Lack of sleep can lead to serious psychological issues. You may need to see a doctor if the issue gets out of control. In the meantime, try Pzizz. It’s a software product that runs on your computer or phone and it’s effective. We’ve used it and it works.

Second, you need to relax. Try meditation. It’s all about sitting quietly and calming down. There are local courses offered by a variety of groups and professionals. You’ll also find dozens of apps in the iTunes store and Android Marketplace that you can run on your phone. These guided meditations are effective. Meditation is proven to help in many, many ways. Try it. What have you got to lose?

Finally, you need to let it out. We keep lots of emotions pent up as we move through this process. Start keeping a diary and let it out. Try Penzu and see if it works for you. Penzu is a secure, private diary that encourages you to write about what you’re feeling. You can keep it to yourself or where it with your lawyer. It’s a great way to help yourself get your emotions back on track.

Obviously, divorce is difficult. It’s never easy for anyone. These tips will help you get some of your threshold issues under control making it easier to deal with the complexities you’re facing. Get some sleep, try some quiet meditation and let the emotions out. Then you’ll be ready to make the decisions you’re going to have to make.

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Finding a Financial Adviser to Help with a Charlotte Divorce

by legalreporter on January 10, 2012

Discuss hiring a financial adviser with your Charlotte divorce lawyer.Your Charlotte divorce lawyer may suggest that you hire a financial adviser as soon as possible, whether you feel your assets are modest or substantial. But what does your Charlotte divorce lawyer know that you don’t?

Your Charlotte divorce lawyer has been to court with many clients – some with financial advisers and some without. In many cases, divorce requires couples to split all their assets, including retirement plans, homes and vehicles. You or your spouse may be ordered to pay child support, pay off credit cards or otherwise contribute financially.

Your Charlotte divorce lawyer knows the ins and outs of divorce, and recommending that you hire a financial adviser might be in your best interest.

How Can a Financial Adviser Help You with a Charlotte Divorce?

Your Charlotte divorce lawyer can attest to the fact that an accurate picture of your finances is a must-have during a divorce. A financial adviser can provide detailed information that you may not have, and can help you plan your financial future at the same time.

Where to Find a Financial Adviser

If you’ve chosen to hire a financial adviser, ask your Charlotte divorce lawyer for a referral. Since your Charlotte divorce lawyer has significant experience in divorces with divided assets, he or she may know a local professional who can help you lay out a plan for future financial stability.

Professional Financial Advisers: What Your Charlotte Divorce Lawyer May Recommend

It is always important to work with a credentialed professional. When your Charlotte divorce lawyer recommends that you work with a financial adviser, it’s a good idea to find one with either the designation CFA (Certified Financial Adviser) or CFP (Certified Financial Planner). Just like you’ll only work with a Charlotte divorce lawyer you’re comfortable with, you must also feel comfortable discussing your finances with your financial adviser.

How Financial Advisers Get Paid

There are three types of financial advisers, and your Charlotte divorce lawyer may be able to recommend one with a fee structure that will work for you:

• Fee-based financial advisers are paid a flat fee, regardless of the type of advice they offer.

• Commission-based financial advisers make money when you purchase stocks, insurance or securities after their recommendations.

• Fee- and commission-based financial advisers charge both a flat rate and are given a commission when you make a purchase toward your financial future.

If you are unsure which type will suit your financial needs, ask your Charlotte divorce lawyer for guidance.

Your Financial Adviser and Your Charlotte Divorce Lawyer

After discussing scenarios with your Charlotte divorce lawyer, you can provide your financial adviser with an accurate view of what your financial future may hold. While you are not required to discuss these things with your Charlotte divorce lawyer, many people find it helpful to do so. Both your financial adviser and your Charlotte divorce lawyer have your best interests in mind, and when you disclose important information to both, each can do his job more effectively.

While a financial adviser isn’t necessary in every case, you may find working with one beneficial. After reviewing your case, your Charlotte divorce lawyer can help you decide whether you should hire a financial adviser or not.

What to do about Phone Service in Charlotte if You Divorce

by legalreporter on January 8, 2012

Consult with your Charlotte divorce lawyer about when to make changes with your telephone service during a divorce.Dealing with a telephone company can be bothersome and time-consuming – but if you are getting a divorce, you may have to change your existing service or start new service. You will need to change your service plan if you and your spouse share an account; you may choose to stop service entirely and switch providers or you may need to set up an appointment to get service connected in your new home.

Your Charlotte divorce lawyer may be able to give you a timeline so you know when to make the necessary changes.

Home Telephone Service

After discussing your current and future living arrangements with your Charlotte divorce lawyer, you will be able to determine what changes you need to make, if any, to your home telephone service. Depending on your circumstances:

• your Charlotte divorce lawyer may advise you to wait until you have left the home to make changes to your telephone service

• your Charlotte divorce lawyer may encourage you to remove your name from the account immediately

Since every situation is unique, your Charlotte divorce lawyer can provide you with insights that will help you make the right decisions.

Cellular Telephone Service

If you and your spouse share a “family” plan with your cellular service provider, it’s probably safe to assume that one of you will have to be removed from the plan after your divorce. Your Charlotte divorce lawyer can help you decide whether you or your spouse should give up the service. Additionally, your Charlotte divorce lawyer can help you determine the best time during (or after) your divorce to make changes to your cellular plan.

Check with your cellular provider to see if you are locked into a contract. If you are, you may be able to provide documentation that will free you from your obligations; ask your Charlotte divorce lawyer for copies of any documentation that may help you with the phone company.

Things to Discuss with Your Charlotte Divorce Lawyer

Divorce is a time of change for everyone involved. There are a few additional things you may want to discuss with your Charlotte divorce lawyer before making any changes to your telephone service. You will need to determine who is responsible for paying telephone bills during your divorce, and if you have children on your cellular plans, who will assume responsibility for their bills as well.

Remember to keep your Charlotte divorce lawyer updated regarding new developments in your situation so he or she can provide you with advice that will benefit you and your family. If you change service providers and get a new telephone number, your Charlotte divorce lawyer should be one of the first to know.

Changing Your Driver’s License after a Charlotte Divorce

by legalreporter on January 5, 2012

After your Charlotte divorce, you may need to change your NC driver's license.During a divorce, you have several important choices to make – including where to live and whether to keep your married name or revert to your maiden name. Some people are eager to move, change their names and get on with their lives; others prefer to remain in their homes and continue to use their married names. Your Charlotte divorce lawyer can help you choose what’s best for you and your family.

If you move or change your name, the state of North Carolina requires that you change the information on your driver’s license to reflect those changes. Your Charlotte divorce lawyer can provide you with copies of the necessary documentation.

Discussing Your Options with Your Charlotte Divorce Lawyer

Your Charlotte divorce lawyer can help you determine what living arrangements will be best for you and your family. In some cases, both parties wish to live in the same house; however, one will have to leave during or after the divorce. Discuss your living arrangements with your Charlotte divorce lawyer to determine whether you or your spouse will find a new place to live.

Some women choose to change their last names after divorce. If you choose to go back to your maiden name after your divorce, your Charlotte divorce lawyer will include language in your divorce decree that allows you to do so. Conversely, some women choose to retain their married names – they may wish to have the same last name as their children, they may be used to using it after several years, or may have professional reasons for doing so. If you are unsure whether to change your last name, discuss your options with your Charlotte divorce lawyer.

Changing Your Address on Your North Carolina Driver’s License

You may change your address on your North Carolina driver’s license by visiting your local Department of Motor Vehicles or requesting a duplicate license online. You do not need proof of residency from your Charlotte divorce lawyer or any other source to change your address. However, you do need things your Charlotte divorce lawyer does not have in order to change your address online, including:

• a valid license issued after January 2000

• a Social Security number on file with the DMV

• your driver’s license number

• a valid email address

The DMV will mail you a new license within 20 days. Be sure to notify your Charlotte divorce lawyer when you have moved so that he or she has your correct address on file.

Changing Your Name on Your North Carolina Driver’s License

Make several copies of the divorce decree your Charlotte divorce lawyer has given you, regardless of whether your name has changed. If you misplace your divorce decree, your Charlotte divorce lawyer will likely have one on file – but it’s best to keep several copies in different locations for your own records.

You must visit your local DMV to change your name on your North Carolina driver’s license. Bring a copy of the divorce decree your Charlotte divorce lawyer has given you; without it, the DMV may refuse to change your name on your license.

The DMV will issue you a Temporary Driving Certificate that reflects your new last name. However, you may still use the license with your former name on it until you receive your updated license in the mail.

Updating Your Charlotte Divorce Lawyer

Although your Charlotte divorce lawyer already knows your new last name, make sure you let him know when you’ve moved. Your Charlotte divorce lawyer needs your current address on file in case he needs to reach you in the future.

Finding a Therapist to Help with a Charlotte Divorce

by legalreporter on January 3, 2012

Your Charlotte divorce lawyer might be able to recommend a good family therapist to help you during divorce.
Divorce can be a painful period in anyone’s life – male or female, adult or child. Even if you feel comfortable with the fact you are divorcing (or if you think your children are comfortable with it), and you’ve already retained a Charlotte divorce lawyer, you may have some unresolved emotional issues. In many cases, it’s beneficial for the whole family to talk to an outsider with an objective point of view: a therapist, counselor or psychologist.


Could finding a therapist to help with a Charlotte divorce make things easier on you and your family?

A Charlotte Divorce Lawyer’s Point of View

Your Charlotte divorce lawyer may advise you to find a qualified therapist – if not for you, perhaps for your children. There are several reasons your Charlotte divorce lawyer might recommend therapy, including:

• Talking to an unbiased outsider is a great way to gain perspective on what’s important.

• You may need emotional support to supplement the legal support your Charlotte divorce lawyer provides. Your children may need more emotional support than you can provide alone.

• A therapist can help you and your kids work through anger, sadness and feelings of betrayal.

• Both your therapist and your Charlotte divorce lawyer will be supportive of co-parenting with your ex-spouse, even after divorce.

Children may benefit greatly from talking to a therapist. According to Psychology Today, kids are often confused and angry with both parents, which can stomp out effective communication before it has a chance to begin. Your Charlotte divorce lawyer has likely seen many cases where all parties benefited from talking to a therapist.

Ask Your Charlotte Divorce Lawyer for a Referral

Since your Charlotte divorce lawyer has dealt with many more divorces than you ever will, he or she most likely knows a qualified local therapist who can help your family. Asking for a referral from your Charlotte divorce lawyer shows initiative and that you care about your (and your family’s) emotional well-being. Additionally, your Charlotte divorce lawyer is always looking out for your best interests.

Confidentiality: Your Charlotte Divorce Lawyer and Your Therapist

It’s important to remember that anything you tell your Charlotte divorce lawyer, like anything you tell your therapist, is completely confidential. Your Charlotte divorce lawyer won’t know what you discuss with your therapist (even if he has provided a referral) unless you tell him. Likewise, your therapist won’t know what happens in your Charlotte divorce lawyer’s office unless you tell her – both are bound by professional standards of conduct.

What Happens in Court if You See a Therapist?

You aren’t required to tell your Charlotte divorce lawyer you’re seeing a therapist if you’re not comfortable doing so. However, courts may look favorably on parents who choose to enlist the help of a professional.

In the end, working with a therapist is more likely to benefit you and your family than keeping your emotions about the divorce bottled up inside – and any Charlotte divorce lawyer can tell you that your emotional health is just as important as your physical health, especially through difficult times.