Raleigh Divorce Lawyer

Raleigh Divorce Lawyer

Need a Raleigh Divorce Lawyer? Here’s how find an excellent Raleigh Divorce Lawyer. We’ll help you find counsel in Raleigh, North Carolina.

First Day in Divorce Court, Part 1

by legalreporter on January 28, 2012

In North Carolina, couples are required to be separated and live apart for one year before applying for divorce.  By the time the separation period is over, you have already retained your Raleigh divorce lawyer and it’s time to prepare for court.  Here’s some advice for what do before your hearing.

Get Ready 

It is important to meet with you Raleigh divorce lawyer several weeks before the court date to ensure that all documents are prepared and that your testimony is complete.  During these meetings, the attorney works to make sure that your case is strong and your testimony is strong against the opposing lawyer’s questions on cross-examination.

Relax 

Court can be pretty stressful, so be sure to attempt to get a full night’s sleep before the day of the hearing.  That morning, you should be sure to have a good breakfast to give yourself the energy you’ll need for the proceedings.

Be on Time

Nothing can set a judge against you like being late for court, and your Raleigh divorce lawyer will face an uphill battle.  Think about what time your hearing starts and leave the house early enough to beat traffic.  The location for divorce cases is the Civil Division of the Wake County Courthouse, which is located at 316 Fayetteville Street in Raleigh.  Public parking is available and can be found at 216 West Cabarrus Street.

Figure out about long it will take you to get to the courthouse and then add half of that time to account for traffic and other obstacles.  You should also arrive at least half an hour before it starts to consult with your Raleigh divorce lawyer and conduct any last-minute preparations.

Look Your Best 

Another thing that can turn the judge against you is to show up looking sloppy.  This means that before you leave your house or apartment; make sure to pick out your best outfit.

For men, a suit is preferred, or at the least, a collared shirt and khaki pants with a belt.  You should avoid sandals or tennis shoes.  You should also be certain to shave that morning.

For women, the business casual look also applies, so a pantsuit or a modest blouse and skirt of conservative length with panty hose.  Flat shoes or small heels are a good choice for footwear and you should also avoid sandals or open-toed shoes.

In either case, dress for success and ask yourself if you look serious and trustworthy when you look in the mirror.  Any accessories should be kept to a minimum, so no hats and little jewelry.  If you have any visible tattoos, cover them up first.  You want to make sure that you look as close to a candidate for sainthood as possible.

The Start of the Hearing

The judge has a schedule of cases he or she will hear that day, and when it comes time, the clerk of court calls the case name.  Then you and your Raleigh divorce lawyer will walk to the front of the court and position yourselves behind the table assigned to your side, either plaintiff or defendant.

You and your Raleigh divorce lawyer, as well as the other party will remain standing until the judge gives permission to sit.  At that time, your attorney will announce his name to the judge and his representation of you as his client.

In Part 2, we will continue to look at once you should do after the hearing has started and what you can expect from your courtroom experience.

Temporary Childcare during Your Raleigh Divorce

by legalreporter on January 23, 2012

Your Raleigh divorce lawyer may suggest you enroll your kids in a "drop-in" daycare center during your divorce.Between babysitters, your kids’ other parent, grandparents and friends, you may have all your childcare bases covered. However, sometimes last-minute issues arise: grandma has an appointment, the babysitter has to study, or your friends get called into work.

Unfortunately, sometimes the other parent isn’t as hands-on as you’d like – so what do you do about emergency childcare?

If your children aren’t enrolled in school or daycare, your Raleigh divorce lawyer may want you to consider enrolling them in an hourly drop-in daycare center for emergencies such as these.

Why Your Raleigh Divorce Lawyer May Recommend Drop-in Daycare

Life is full of surprises, and during divorce, you can’t always depend on the other parent to handle the things you can’t. Your former in-laws may not be willing to help, and things don’t always go as planned. Your Raleigh divorce lawyer may suggest that you enroll your kids in drop-in daycare so that you always have a backup plan when things go awry.

What is Drop-in Daycare?

Drop-in daycare, like ordinary daycare, is a place your kids can go while you run errands, work or go to court. The difference between drop-in daycare and traditional daycare, though, is that you’re billed on an hourly basis and you don’t need to let the daycare providers know you’re coming. Drop-in daycare is generally more expensive than traditional daycare, however.

Ask Your Raleigh Divorce Lawyer for a Recommendation

Your Raleigh divorce lawyer may know an excellent drop-in daycare center in Raleigh that he or she can recommend. Remember, your Raleigh divorce lawyer has worked with several clients in situations like yours – so he or she may have heard good things about a particular center. Your Raleigh divorce lawyer may even use a drop-in daycare center on occasion.

If your Raleigh divorce lawyer isn’t familiar with local drop-in daycare centers, you can find one on your own or ask friends and family for recommendations.

What to Ask Drop-in Daycare Providers

Although drop-in daycare centers are subject to the same rules and regulations as traditional daycare centers, you should visit the facility and talk to daycare providers before enrolling your kids. You’ll need to make sure that all employees are subject to background checks, that they’re trained in lifesaving techniques and that they’ll be flexible enough to work around any potential emergencies you may have.

What to Ask Your Raleigh Divorce Lawyer

Before you enroll your kids in a drop-in daycare center, ask your Raleigh divorce lawyer any questions you have that pertain to your case.

• Ask your Raleigh divorce lawyer if it’s a good idea to work out pickup times with your spouse.

• Ask your Raleigh divorce lawyer if your spouse will be responsible for paying some or all of the fees.

• Ask your Raleigh divorce lawyer what happens if your spouse picks up the kids without your permission.

If you feel your spouse is unfit to be around your children at any time during your divorce, tell your Raleigh divorce lawyer immediately. Your Raleigh divorce lawyer has years of experience in cases similar to yours, and can help you take action if you feel your kids are in danger.

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 a Therapist to Help with a Raleigh Divorce

by legalreporter on January 19, 2012

Divorce can be confusing, messy, and downright painful – not just for you, but for your children as well. When you and your spouse have chosen to part ways, even before you seek counsel from a Raleigh divorce lawyer, you may want to consider finding a therapist to help your family through this difficult time.

When to Look for a Therapist

Knowing when to find help isn’t always easy; sometimes admitting that you could use a little help is even more difficult. Talking to a therapist is a positive step toward keeping your emotional health intact during rocky times. A good Raleigh divorce lawyer may recommend that you find a therapist, regardless of the complexity of your divorce, as soon as you are able.

What Your Raleigh Divorce Lawyer May Advise

Your Raleigh divorce lawyer will likely encourage you to seek a local therapist for your emotional wellbeing. Additionally:

• Your Raleigh divorce lawyer may be able to point you toward qualified therapists.

• A therapist is trained in the emotional aspects of divorce, while your Raleigh divorce lawyer is mainly trained in the legal aspects of it.

• Your Raleigh divorce lawyer can assure you that therapy can help ease your family through difficult transitions.

It is important to remember that the things you say, both to your Raleigh divorce lawyer and to your therapist, remain confidential unless you personally share them with one or the other.

Therapy during Divorce without Children

Even in divorce cases that do not involve children, or those that do not involve custody battles, your Raleigh divorce lawyer may suggest that you talk to a therapist. A therapist can serve as an unbiased party to help you keep things in perspective. Whether or not you choose to work with a therapist, your Raleigh divorce lawyer will provide all the support he or she can.

Divorce with Children: A Raleigh Divorce Lawyer’s Perspective

Children often face unique challenges during divorce. Almost any Raleigh divorce lawyer can tell you from experience that children don’t understand the legalities of divorce or the reasons behind their parents’ split.

According to Psychology Today, a divorce can add emotional pressure to already-stressed children and teens. Even if you’ve already broken the news to your family and retained a Raleigh divorce lawyer, it’s not too late to seek help.

What You (and Your Family) Will Face

Throughout the process of your divorce, you and your children may be asked to provide answers to tough questions. Children may feel they are being disloyal to one parent or the other, and you may not know how to help them reconcile their feelings. A qualified therapist can help you and your family adjust to the changes divorce inevitably brings.

Seeking Therapy after Consulting with a Raleigh Divorce Lawyer

If you have already consulted with a Raleigh divorce lawyer, it’s time to be proactive and locate a qualified therapist that can help you and your family adapt to your changing situation. Ask your Raleigh divorce lawyer if he or she knows a local therapist who can provide much-needed support – you may be glad you did.

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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How Many Lawyers Should You Interview?

by legalreporter on January 13, 2012

Shopping for a Lawyer

We meet with prospective clients all the time who are shopping for a lawyer. They aren’t sure which lawyer to choose and they’re meeting with a handful of attorneys in an effort to pick the right person.

These consultations usually aren’t free – they’re expensive. Shopping for a lawyer isn’t like shopping for tires. You’re going to spend some money just deciding where to spend your money.

Unfortunately, picking the right lawyer can be an expensive proposition.

While you’re going to pay for each of these meetings, it’s usually a smart move.

You want to be sure you pick the right attorney for you. There’s quite a bit at stake and a mistake can cost you plenty. Think about it – when you deal with your divorce, you’re dealing will all of your assets, all of your debts plus the future of your children. This is not a quick and easy decision.

So, how many lawyers should you talk to before you pick one?

I’d suggest that you talk to three. Sit down with all of them and tell your story. Then listen and see what they have to say. Listen to their plan for your case. Listen to their approach to achieving resolution. Think about how you feel about what it is that they have to say.

You’ll be shocked at how much of a difference you find between the three lawyers. There are as many different approaches to family law as there are lawyers. You’re going to hear some very different things from each attorney.

Once you’ve interviewed all three attorneys take a break. Don’t make a quick decision. When you decide quickly you tend to hire the last lawyer you interviewed. When you give it some time you’ll be more likely to pick someone that better meets your overall needs. There’s no reason to hurry in most cases. It took you a long time to get to this point and a few more days won’t hurt your situation. Be sure you give the decision careful thought.

Shopping for lawyers isn’t nearly as much fun as shopping for clothes or electronics. It is, however, more important that you make a good decision. Good luck and good shopping.

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The Importance of Your Gut in Selecting a Lawyer

by legalreporter on January 13, 2012

Selecting a lawyer with gut reaction

Picking a lawyer is challenging. There are all kinds of objective criteria like years of experience, law school, specialized focus, etc. It’s hard for anyone to determine the significance each factor in deciding who to hire. It’s tough.

Lots of folks will tell you to go with the recommendations of friends and family who have hired counsel in the past. That’s good advice.

Some people will tell you to ask other lawyers since they’re had a chance to observe your lawyer at work. That’s good advice as well.

The reality is that everything everyone suggests about hiring a lawyer makes sense. It’s all good advice. The problem is that there’s way to much good advice. It’s overwhelming.

What’s a person to do?

I think it makes sense for you to interview several lawyers. Ask questions about experience, philosophy and background. Talk to your friends and family and see what they know about your prospective attorneys. Talk to any attorney friends you have and find out the behind the scenes scoop on each of the attorneys.

Then, once you’ve gathered all of the pertinent information, sit back and relax. Think about your time with each lawyer, reflect on all of the information you’ve gathered, and listen to your gut.

What does your stomach tell you about doing the right thing? Are you more comfortable with one lawyer over another? Is there a nagging feeling that you should pick one rather than the other. Is something telling you that hiring one of them would be a mistake?

Let your gut tell you what to do after you’ve done your due diligence. You already know the answer. Just listen for it.

I can’t tell you how many people come to us, late in the case, and tell us they wish they had found us first. They tell us that they knew they were making a bad choice but they did it for some reason that made sense at the time. They ignored that nagging feeling. They ignored their gut.

Don’t let that happen to you. Do what you know is right. Listen to your gut when you pick your lawyer.

 

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What to Do about Phone Service in Raleigh if You Divorce

by legalreporter on January 11, 2012

Should you change your phone service during your Raleigh divorce?During a divorce, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Your Raleigh divorce lawyer will help you through this difficult time as best he can; in the meantime, try to focus on one small thing at a time. Many of the tasks that seem insurmountable together are actually small and easy to take care of – like making changes to your telephone service during divorce.

Ask your Raleigh divorce lawyer about the best time to make changes in your phone service. Your attorney may want you call the phone company immediately, wait a few weeks or wait until your divorce is final. Since every situation is unique, your Raleigh divorce lawyer will be able to point you in the right direction.

Home Phone Service during a Divorce

Will you be leaving your home and moving somewhere new? After you’ve discussed your options with your Raleigh divorce lawyer, you’ll be able to stop, change or start new phone service. If you will be staying in your home, but the service is not in your name, you’ll need to call the phone company and make the change. The telephone company may need proof (ask your Raleigh divorce lawyer to provide documentation) before they will change your service.

If you are moving to a new home during your divorce, you won’t need any documentation from your Raleigh divorce lawyer. Simply call the phone company and request to start new service.

Cell Phone Service during a Divorce

Sometimes cellular telephone companies are difficult to deal with during a divorce; if you are on a “family” plan, or if your cell phone is in your spouse’s name, you’ll need to secure copies of your divorce documents to give your provider. Your Raleigh divorce lawyer will be able to furnish you with the appropriate documents. You might even want to consider starting fresh with a new service provider.

Other Phone-Related Considerations during Divorce

Ask yourself (and your Raleigh divorce lawyer, if possible):

• Who will be responsible for the telephone bill during your divorce?

• How much money will it cost to get new service if you need it?

• Should you remove your name from the home telephone service if you do not plan to leave in the immediate future? (Ask your Raleigh divorce lawyer for guidance on when you should leave and when you should remove your name from other utilities, as well.)

Ask Your Raleigh Divorce Lawyer for Recommendations

Your Raleigh divorce lawyer has represented many clients in similar situations. When it comes to making decisions like what you should do about your phone service, your Raleigh divorce lawyer will be able to advise you on the best course of action.

In some cases, your Raleigh divorce lawyer will want you to make changes immediately. If you are experiencing domestic violence, for example, your Raleigh divorce lawyer’s first priority will be to get you in a safe location – even if that means leaving your home.

Every situation is unique, so it’s best to check with your Raleigh divorce lawyer before making irreversible decisions, like switching phone service providers.

Finding a Financial Adviser to Help with a Raleigh Divorce

by legalreporter on January 9, 2012

Your Raleigh divorce lawyer may be able to refer you to a qualified, local financial adviser.

Can working with a financial adviser benefit you during your Raleigh divorce?

Finances can be tricky under the most ordinary circumstances, but during divorce they can become even more muddled and difficult to manage. When you have assets to divide, cash on hand and investments, your Raleigh divorce lawyer may suggest you find a qualified financial adviser to provide much-needed guidance during your divorce. Even if you feel your assets are modest, you may benefit from working with a financial adviser.

Ask Your Raleigh Divorce Lawyer for a Referral

Your Raleigh divorce lawyer probably knows a local financial adviser you can trust. It’s generally a good idea to ask before hunting around on your own, for these reasons:

• Your Raleigh divorce lawyer is aware of your financial situation and understands the complexities of your case.

• Your assets and financial information aren’t safe with just anybody.

• Your Raleigh divorce lawyer may have referred past clients to a trustworthy, reputable financial adviser.

Types of Financial Advisers

There are three types of financial advisers: those who work on commission, those who charge flat fees and those who charge a base fee and commission after providing you with suggestions for your financial future. You may wish to consult with your Raleigh divorce lawyer to determine which type of financial adviser will best suit you during your divorce.

Searching for a Financial Adviser without your Raleigh Divorce Lawyer

If you prefer to find a financial adviser on your own, or if you have not yet retained a Raleigh divorce lawyer, you need to know what to look for. A financial adviser can help you plan your financial future while your Raleigh divorce lawyer helps to secure it, so it’s important to find a financial adviser you can trust.

Things to look for in a financial adviser include:

• Education level: A highly trained expert will hold either the designation CFP (Certified Financial Planner) or CFA (Certified Financial Adviser).

• Similar client roster: Working with a professional who is experienced in working through divorce cases will benefit you more than one who doesn’t have as much experience. (That’s why it’s usually a good idea to ask your Raleigh divorce lawyer for a referral.)

• Affordability: The type of financial adviser (fee-only, fee-based and commission-based) you choose will directly impact your bill, so it’s important to choose what best fits your financial abilities during your divorce.

• Aligned expectations: If you expect face-to-face meetings, periodic telephone calls or weekly emails, make sure your financial adviser is on the same page. Like your Raleigh divorce lawyer, your financial adviser will only know what you expect if you tell him.

Contacting a Financial Adviser

Whether you have received a referral from your Raleigh divorce lawyer or have located one on your own, there are certain things you should discuss right away. Use this checklist to make sure you’ve covered all the bases.

1. Mention that you are, or will be, working with a Raleigh divorce lawyer simultaneously.

2. Explain your current financial situation as it pertains to your divorce (you should also discuss this in detail with your Raleigh divorce lawyer). Detail what assets you have that will remain yours and those that you may have to share.

3. Ask questions until you have all the answers you need. Determine what types of fees and costs will be involved, and mention the fees you are or will be paying your Raleigh divorce lawyer.

While working with a financial adviser is generally a good idea, you do not have to do anything you aren’t comfortable with. A good Raleigh divorce lawyer will take the time to understand your situation whether you hire a financial adviser or not.

What to Do about Electricity in Raleigh if You Divorce

by legalreporter on January 6, 2012

Your Raleigh divorce lawyer may advise you to remove your name from electricity service during your divorce.During divorce, it can seem like you’re being pulled in thousands of different directions. You may have to take care of children, work and maintain a household while taking steps to dissolve your marriage. You also need to plan for your financial future, handle everyday issues, meet with your Raleigh divorce lawyer and make sure you have a plan for ordinary things, like electrical service, once your divorce is finalized.

That’s a lot to do in a relatively short time span. Let’s start with something simple – what to do about electricity if you divorce.

Discuss Your Plan with Your Raleigh Divorce Lawyer

If you haven’t already established a timeline with your Raleigh divorce lawyer, do so as soon as possible. Consult with your Raleigh divorce lawyer about whether you will leave your current home and, if you are, when. Your Raleigh divorce lawyer will be able to provide you with details on how long proceedings typically last, and may advise you of the best time to move out if you will be doing so.

Electricity while Remaining in Your Home

If you and your Raleigh divorce lawyer are certain that you will remain in your home after the divorce is finalized, you may still need to take action regarding your electrical service. When electrical service is in your spouse’s name, or when it is in both of your names, you will need to call Progress Energy and make the change. Your Raleigh divorce lawyer will be able to tell you the best time to switch responsibility – sometimes it’s best to make the change immediately, and other times it’s best to wait until your Raleigh divorce lawyer has given you a copy of your divorce decree.

Getting Electricity after Moving Out

When you and your Raleigh divorce lawyer have determined that you will likely be moving out of your home, you will definitely need to take action. You will need to call Progress Energy to:

• remove your name from the service at your former home, if applicable

• start electrical service at your new home

You may also visit Progress Energy online to start, stop or move service. You will need your current account number if you already have electrical service in your name.

Things to Consider with Your Raleigh Divorce Lawyer

Your Raleigh divorce lawyer will advise you to cover all the bases. Here are a few tips to help you get off to a good start:

• You may be required to submit to a credit check when starting new electrical service.

• In some cases, Progress Energy charges new customers a security deposit.

• If you are moving to a newly constructed home, you are required to have it inspected.

As your divorce progresses, new issues may arise. Consult with your Raleigh divorce lawyer periodically to ensure you’re not missing any of the “little” details.

Finding an Accountant to Help with a Raleigh Divorce

by legalreporter on January 4, 2012

Your Raleigh divorce lawyer may be able to refer you to a local accountant.Taxes, child support and planning your financial future can get lost in the shuffle during a divorce – so how can you keep everything straight while working, taking care of kids and meeting with your Raleigh divorce lawyer?

You may need the expert advice of an accountant. An accountant can help you manage your finances, keep you well-informed and provide you with facts that can help your Raleigh divorce lawyer during your divorce.

How Can an Accountant to Help with a Raleigh Divorce?

A qualified accountant can help you:

• calculate your (and your spouse’s) net worth so your Raleigh divorce lawyer can present your financial issues to the court.

• sort through complex tax issues.

• find money in your budget to pay your Raleigh divorce lawyer, court costs and other fees.

• provide you with accurate financial reports that you can give to your Raleigh divorce lawyer.

You may lose track of some assets – properties, vehicles, bonds and more – because you don’t think about them every day. Your accountant can keep track of your assets so you can focus on yourself and your family.

Asking Your Raleigh Divorce Lawyer for a Referral

Your Raleigh divorce lawyer may be able to refer you to a qualified local accountant. In many cases, Raleigh divorce lawyers appreciate when their clients work with accountants, because an accountant can provide an accurate financial blueprint during divorce. It doesn’t hurt to ask, especially when you consider that your Raleigh divorce lawyer has your best interests in mind throughout your divorce.

What to Look for in an Accountant

Although many people claim to be financial experts, you should only work with an accountant who has the proper credentials. Your Raleigh divorce lawyer can refer you to a credentialed professional, or you can begin the search on your own. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• A Certified Public Accountant, or CPA, will have formal education in financial matters.

• A CPA with experience working through divorce cases will know how to prepare the right documents and reports to give your Raleigh divorce lawyer, thus benefiting your case.

• Having face-to-face meetings can help you determine which CPA you want to work with. If you are uncomfortable with a particular accountant, move on to the next.

• Different accountants have different fee structures – just like Raleigh divorce lawyers. Make sure you ask about payment terms during your initial meeting.

• You trust your Raleigh divorce lawyer with your personal affairs, so asking for a referral can help distinguish the best CPAs from others in your search.

How Important are Accurate Financial Records during Divorce?

Your Raleigh divorce lawyer can attest to the fact that during divorce, financial records must be incredibly accurate. If your finances are unclear, you risk losing more than your fair share of family assets. Many Raleigh divorce lawyers have seen cases in which one party inadvertently gives up too much. On the other hand, most Raleigh divorce lawyers are all too familiar with cases in which one party does not receive what he or she is entitled to receive.

It’s important to critically evaluate your financial situation and determine whether you can benefit from working with an accountant. Consult your Raleigh divorce lawyer if you’re having trouble deciding whether to handle your own finances or hire an accountant. Your Raleigh divorce lawyer can help you look at your situation objectively so that together, you can find a fair and balanced resolution.

Moving Out of Your House in Raleigh

by legalreporter on December 29, 2011

Raleigh furniture moving

Moving is tough. In a divorce it’s not always something you should do. Talk to your lawyer before you start packing.

Once the decision to move is made it’s time to find a mover. For some reason finding a mover in Raleigh can be especially challenging.

Our clients have tried most of the movers in Raleigh and the surrounding area. We’ve compiled a list of some of the movers we’ve heard good things about.

Are these the best movers for you? Maybe, but, realistically moving is trick and your mileage may vary.

Some folks in Raleigh prefer to move themselves. That’s a dramatically less expensive option. If that’s your plan then U-Haul might be right for you. Our clients have in Raleigh have, generally, had great experiences with U-Haul. One of the local Raleigh offices can be reached at 919-821-1450.

If moving yourself isn’t something you’re interested in doing then you’ll find a bunch of movers in Raleigh ready to help you out.

We’ve heard good things about Two Men & a Truck, Unity Moving and 1stClassMove in Raleigh.

We haven’t used any of these movers personally. After all, we’re divorce lawyers in Raleigh and we haven’t had to move in a long, long time. Our clients, however, are moving all the time and they’ve said good things about these folks. Good luck.

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Is Your Divorce Driving You to a Raleigh Hotel?

by legalreporter on December 29, 2011

Raleigh hotel

Let face it – sometimes things go bad, quickly. In those instances, a hotel might be the best option for the short-term. Raleigh has a wealth of hotel rooms that work while you’re figuring out what to do and where to go.

Of course, living in Raleigh, we haven’t tried many hotels here. That’s always tricky when you’re looking for a hotel room in your hometown.

We have, however, tried a few Raleigh hotels and can tell you they are comfortable and, generally affordable.

If you’re marriage is headed toward divorce in Raleigh consider those hotels for temporary housing -

Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley: Call 919.781.7000 or click here.

Holiday Inn Raleigh Crabtree: Call 919.782.8600 or  click here

Raleigh Hilton: Call 919.872.2323 or click here.

If none of our suggested Raleigh hotels work for you then check out hotels.com or call 1-800-671-9207. They have listings for many, many alternatives in the Raleigh area.

While a hotel makes sense for the short-term it’s going to too expensive for the long term. You’re going to have to find alternate housing somewhere more permanent. We’ve had clients find good results in Raleigh looking on Craigslist. Some of our clients have found others in Raleigh going through divorce looking to share a house or apartment. On the one hand, that’s a lot of divorce talk for one apartment. On the other hand, it’s good to find someone you can talk to about the experience of divorce.

 

 

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