Kernersville, NC Divorce Lawyer

Divorce is like a death—the death of the life you shared, the family you built, and the love you had for your former spouse. No one goes into a marriage thinking it will end, so it’s okay to feel grief if it does.

You’re not a failure—you’re a person who’s going through a hard time, and it’s going to take some time to heal. But you deserve to get help.

At Apple Payne Law in Kernersville, our experienced divorce attorneys can give you the tools to process what’s happened and make sense of it all. As life changes around you, we’ll be your constant, working to help you understand your options and make the best decisions for your family.

There’s a light at the end of the tunnel, even if you can’t see it just yet. At Apple Payne Law, our attorneys are dedicated to helping families navigate life’s important decisions. Let us help you. Contact a Kernersville divorce lawyer today for a free consultation.

What It Takes to Get a Divorce in Kernersville, NC

No need to point the finger or waste time playing the blame game in your divorce. North Carolina is a no-fault divorce state, so you can get straight to the point without proving the other person was at fault for the marriage breakdown.

Unlike other states that require a spouse to prove specific grounds to secure a divorce, that is unnecessary in Kernersville.

Because fault is not an issue, you’ll only need to demonstrate to the court that you meet the basic requirements for divorce under North Carolina law: residency and separation.

Residency

At least one spouse must legally reside within North Carolina for a minimum of six months before filing for divorce. That means a spouse who lives out of state could file for divorce in Kernersville as long as their spouse has lived there for at least six months.

Separation

Spouses must be legally separated (living apart) or operating under a separation agreement for a minimum of one continuous year and a day. During that time, at least one of the spouses must have intended to leave and not resume the marriage. If a couple moves back together during that one year of living apart in hopes of reconciliation, it may start the clock all over again.

Our Kernersville Marriage Lawyers Handle All Types of Divorce Cases

At Apple Payne Law in Kernersville, our experienced marriage lawyers are equipped to handle all divorce cases, including contested and uncontested divorces, LGBTQ divorces, and high-asset divorces.

With compassionate and knowledgeable representation, we strive to help our clients navigate the divorce process with as little stress as possible.

Contested Divorce

Our experienced divorce lawyers in Kernersville can assist you with a contested divorce. We will help you negotiate and litigate issues such as child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. Our lawyers are skilled at representing our clients in court and achieving favorable outcomes.

Uncontested Divorce

If you and your spouse have agreed on all issues related to your divorce, our marriage lawyers can help you finalize your divorce through the uncontested divorce process. We will ensure that all necessary legal documents are properly prepared and filed and that your interests are protected throughout the process.

LGBTQ Divorce

Our Kernersville divorce lawyers are committed to helping members of the LGBTQ community with their unique family law needs. We have experience handling LGBTQ divorce cases for same-sex couples, including child custody and property division issues.

High-Asset Divorce

Our marriage attorneys have experience representing clients in high-asset divorce cases. We understand the complexities of dividing assets such as investments, real estate, and business interests. We work with financial experts to ensure that all assets are properly identified and valued and that our clients receive their fair share.

North Carolina Divorce Lawyers Helping You Resolve Disputes Pre- and Post-divorce

At Apple Payne Law, we are committed to helping our clients resolve pre- and post-divorce disputes. Whether you need help with mediation or are involved in a post-divorce dispute, our marriage lawyers have the skills to guide you through the process and achieve a favorable outcome.

Mediation

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that can be used pre- and post-divorce. Our experienced mediation lawyers in Kernersville can help you navigate the mediation process and work with you and your spouse to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Mediation is often less expensive and less time-consuming than traditional litigation and can help minimize conflict during an already stressful time.

Post-divorce Disputes

Even after a divorce is finalized, disputes can arise. Our Kernersville lawyers have experience representing clients in post-divorce disputes, such as modification of child support, changes to custody arrangements, enforcement of court orders, and property division disputes.

We understand that these disputes can be emotionally charged, and our lawyers are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective representation to help our clients achieve a favorable outcome.

Property is Split Equitably (Not Equally) in a North Carolina Divorce

North Carolina family courts divide marital property based on equitable distribution laws. That does not mean the court will split marital assets 50/50. If the judge determines that it is fair for one spouse to receive more property than the other, they can order such a split.

A Kernersville attorney could help ensure you’re treated fairly during a divorce. If you have issues related to property division or spousal support, you should contact an attorney before filing for divorce so that you don’t lose your right to request relief under these claims.

Why You Need a Divorce Lawyer on Your Side

While the divorce process may seem simple enough on paper, there’s nothing simple about breaking up a family. High emotions and stress are the perfect breeding ground for legal issues, from child custody to property disputes and other family law matters.

Our divorce lawyers can level the playing field in your divorce, providing one-on-one legal assistance so that you can begin again.

Here’s what we do for you:

  • Handle all legal aspects of your divorce
  • Explain the relevant laws so you understand your rights and what’s fair
  • File paperwork and ensure forms are filled out correctly
  • Give objective advice to help you make the best decisions for your future
  • Negotiate settlements between you and your spouse to reduce conflict
  • Provide legal representation in all family court hearings

Call our law office today to discuss what you want your future to look like.

Let Our Family Take Care of Yours — Contact a Kernersville Divorce Attorney Today

Families take care of one another. Let our family of attorneys and staff at Apple Payne Law in Kernersville take care of yours if you are considering a divorce.

While the process can be relatively simple, there are many rights you could lose if you don’t proceed with caution. Divorce proceedings can be stressful, but guidance from the right family law attorney will take some weight off your shoulders.

Don’t risk handling your divorce case on your own. Let a Kernersville divorce lawyer fight for you. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation. Our office is located at 900 Old Winston Rd. Suite 212, Kernersville, NC 27284.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a divorce cost in NC?

The cost of a divorce in North Carolina varies depending on the case’s complexity and whether it is contested or uncontested. The filing fee for a divorce in North Carolina is $225, but additional costs such as attorney fees, court fees, and other expenses may apply.

Does it matter who files for divorce first in NC?

In North Carolina, it does not typically matter who files for divorce first since establishing fault is not a factor. However, the person who files first may have some advantages in certain situations, such as choosing the jurisdiction where the case will be heard.

How long does a divorce take in NC?

The time it takes to finalize a divorce in North Carolina depends on several factors, such as the complexity of the case, the court’s schedule, and whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. Generally, an uncontested divorce can be finalized in as little as two to three months, while a contested divorce may take several months or longer, not including the mandatory one-year separation period.

What should you not do during separation?

During a separation, avoiding behaviors that could damage your case or make the divorce process more difficult is important. This includes not engaging in any new romantic relationships, not making major financial decisions without consulting with an attorney, and not using social media to disparage your spouse or discuss the details of your separation.

It is also important to consult with an experienced divorce lawyer to discuss the specifics of your situation and ensure that you take the appropriate steps to protect your interests.

Contact Us For More Information and To Schedule a Consultation

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Kernersville Office

900 Old Winston Rd. STE 212
Kernersville NC 27284

Winston-Salem Office

190 Charlois Blvd. Suite 200
Winston-Salem NC 27103