Fayetteville Divorce Attorney
Trusted Divorce Representation in Cumberland County
Divorce in Cumberland County, NC, is a complicated process that forces you to make wrenching decisions. But, while divorce can be painful, frustrating, and complex, you don’t have to go through it alone. With an experienced Fayetteville divorce lawyer, you can learn how the law applies to you, separate fact from fiction, and obtain the knowledge you need to make the right decisions.
At Hardin Law Firm PLLC in Fayetteville and Carthage, NC, our family law lawyers provide clients with experienced divorce law guidance. Our clients include:
- Men and women.
- Fathers and mothers.
- Civilians.
- Military service members.
- Anyone who is facing divorce throughout North Carolina.
Our experienced family lawyers understand what you are going through and are prepared to help.
Choosing The Right Divorce Attorney For Your Case
The outcome of your divorce will likely affect you for the rest of your life. Divorce impacts your finances, residence, and most special family relationships. Without skilled legal guidance, you could suffer from mistakes that should have been avoided.
Divorce attorney Victoria Gillispie Hardin has more than a decade of experience guiding clients through a divorce in NC. She is well-known and respected in courtrooms throughout Cumberland County and Moore County. With Ms. Hardin and our compassionate team at our Fayetteville divorce law firm on your side, you can be assured you are being represented by a legal team that puts your needs first and knows how to get results.
Our experienced Fayetteville divorce lawyers can represent you in all divorce-related legal matters, including the division of marital property, alimony, and legal issues that affect the children. When you are ready to discuss your divorce law needs, our law firm will be here.
Understanding No-Fault Divorce in North Carolina
Typically, there are no advantages to filing first in a divorce case in NC. However, NC is a no-fault state, which indicates that the only requirement to get divorced in NC is to live separately and apart for one year, with the intent to stay apart.
When You Are Ready to Discuss Your Divorce Law Needs, Our Divorce Lawyers in Fayetteville, NC, Will Be Here. Reach Out to Our Law Firm at (910) 565-6505 or Contact Us Online.
Comprehensive Legal Support Beyond Divorce
At Hardin Law Firm PLLC, we understand that family law challenges do not end with a finalized divorce. Families often go through transitions that require continued legal guidance. Our team is here to support you through each step, offering practical solutions and compassionate representation as your needs evolve.
Our Fayetteville divorce lawyers have extensive experience in a wide range of family matters. We take the time to understand your situation and develop a legal strategy that fits your goals. You can count on us to protect your rights and provide the guidance you need during difficult times.
Family Law Services We Provide Include:
Child Custody Arrangements
We help parents create custody plans that focus on the best interests of their children. Whether you are working toward a mutual agreement or going through the court process, we are here to help maintain your role in your child’s life.
Child Support Guidance
Our team works with clients to calculate, enforce, or modify child support based on North Carolina guidelines. We make sure that the financial needs of your children are properly addressed.
Spousal Support (Alimony)
Whether you are requesting or contesting alimony, we help you understand how factors such as the length of the marriage, earning capacity, and lifestyle may affect support decisions.
Property Division
We guide clients through the process of dividing marital property, including homes, retirement accounts, and other assets. Our goal is to help secure your financial future with fair and thorough planning.
Domestic Violence Protective Orders
If you are facing threats or abuse, we act quickly to seek legal protection. Your safety is our priority, and we will help you take the steps necessary to secure it.
Post-Divorce Modifications
When life changes, your legal agreements may need to change too. We handle requests for custody, visitation, or support modifications due to changes in income, relocation, or other personal circumstances.
Military Family Law Matters
We proudly serve military families and understand the unique legal needs they face. From deployments to pensions and benefits, we offer focused representation for service members and their spouses.
With Hardin Law Firm PLLC, you are not just hiring a lawyer. You are working with a legal team that understands how personal and emotional these matters can be. We are here to help you make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.
If you are ready to speak with a Fayetteville family law attorney, call us today at (910) 565-6505 or Contact Us Online.
Hear From Our Clients.
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“Ms. Hardin is the best attorney in Fayetteville and the surrounding area. She knows exactly what it takes to win your case.”
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“If I could give 10 stars, I would. Ms. Hardin and her staff are the gold standard of professionalism.”
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“I trusted all her advice and am very pleased with the results. Anyone looking for a good custody lawyer, she’s the one to go to!”
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“Victoria Hardin is a fantastic attorney that genuinely cares about her clients.”
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“Victoria and her firm exceeded my expectations. If you need a divorce, family law, custody or child support attorney, this is the firm you want. I cannot give enough stars, 5 isn’t enough.”
FAQs
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What Does ‘Uncontested Divorce’ Mean?
The date of separation is not at issue in an uncontested divorce. However, if one party does not respond to a divorce petition, the spouse who filed the petition may take appropriate steps to terminate the divorce.
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What Is an Absolute Divorce?
A married couple in NC must fulfill specific requirements before beginning divorce procedures. First, they must live in separate households for 12 months and one day. In addition, one spouse needs to live in North Carolina for at least six months before filing. After this time has passed, they can apply for absolute divorce, which severs the marriage bond.
Before the divorce can be finalized, terms for property division, child custody, child support, and alimony must be approved.
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What Does It Mean to Live Separately for One Year?
Before you can divorce, you and your spouse must live apart for one year in NC. This means that you must live in two separate homes or apartments. The courts do not recognize living arrangements in which one spouse sleeps on a couch or lives in a different room.
While you will not need to file a legal separation agreement with the court, it is helpful to talk with a qualified divorce attorney to determine what living arrangements qualify as living separately and which do not. Taking this step can help you avoid making a mistake that can “start the clock over” and delay the divorce process.
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When Does the Court Require Parties to Participate in Mediation Sessions?
Parents in NC are ordered to mediate custody disputes before they can litigate matters in court. North Carolina also requires parties to meet with a mediator for property division issues.
If a child custody or property agreement cannot be reached using mediation, estranged spouses can argue their case in family court.
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What Information Should I Bring to an Initial Divorce Consultation?
Preparing for an initial consultation can help you receive the most benefit from your time with a divorce attorney. Before your meeting, write down any questions you have about the legal process, the attorney’s background, or legal fees. Don’t rely on your memory to provide a specific list of questions on the spot.
If you have prior orders or have been served with court documents, bring those to the consultation. In addition, provide any legal documents that may support your case or set restrictions on terms you can request. Your divorce lawyer in Fayetteville must read this contract if you have signed a pre- or postnuptial agreement.
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Will I Have to Pay Alimony?
It is up to the family court’s discretion to determine whether one spouse has to pay support to the other and the amount of these payments. In the past, husbands were often the primary wage earners in the household. Today, this is not always the case. If the wife supports the husband, she may be responsible for providing alimony payments.
Since the court uses no set formula to establish spousal support obligations, it is vital to work with a Fayetteville attorney familiar with how area judges have ruled in similar cases. Using this legal insight, your lawyer can tailor a persuasive case for the presiding judge and anticipate arguments opposing counsel may make.
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Can I Stop Alimony Payments if My Ex Moves in With Someone?
If your former spouse remarries or cohabits with another adult, you will no longer be responsible for paying alimony. For adults to cohabit, they must display characteristics similar to those of a married couple. Some of these aspects include sharing financial responsibilities and residence. The relationship need not be sexual.
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Do I Need a Lawyer to Get Divorced?
You can obtain a divorce in North Carolina by completing forms that are available online. However, while you can save the expense of hiring a divorce lawyer, a do-it-yourself divorce can be costly in other ways now and later. For example, fixing a problem in a settlement or court order is far more expensive than doing it right the first time.
Without a lawyer’s advice, you might not know what you are entitled to have in your property settlement. In addition, if your child custody agreement has not been appropriately incorporated into your divorce degree, you may not be able to modify it later.