Absolute Divorce in North Carolina

Absolute divorce is a legal process that marks the formal termination of a marriage in the state of North Carolina. It's a significant and often life-altering event that requires careful consideration, understanding, and adherence to the state's laws and regulations. 

What is Absolute Divorce?

The state of North Carolina states that an absolute divorce is the legal termination of a marriage. This means that the marriage is officially dissolved and your former spouse’s rights and privileges that applied during marriage are no longer valid. An absolute divorce may be obtained in North Carolina through a civil litigation process by filing a Complaint for Absolute Divorce and the entry of a judgment for divorce.

What Are the Eligibility and Grounds for Absolute Divorce in NC?

When pursuing an absolute divorce in North Carolina, it is essential to meet certain eligibility criteria and establish grounds for the dissolution of the marriage. 

Residency Requirements

To initiate an absolute divorce in North Carolina, at least one of the parties involved must meet the residency requirements. Typically, either the plaintiff (the party seeking the divorce) or the defendant (the other spouse) must have been a resident of North Carolina for a minimum of six months before filing for divorce. This residency requirement ensures that the case is filed in the appropriate jurisdiction and complies with North Carolina's legal standards.

Separation as Grounds for Divorce

North Carolina law recognizes both separation and fault-based grounds for absolute divorce. Legal separation-based grounds are the most common and do not require the attribution of fault to either spouse. 

There are two primary separation periods under which a divorce can be granted:

• One-Year Separation Period:  Spouses have lived separate and apart for a continuous period of at least one year, with the intent to remain permanently apart. During this separation, the parties must maintain separate residences and not engage in acts of reconciliation.
• Two-Year Separation Period: In some cases, if the spouses have been separated and living apart for a continuous period of two years or longer, an absolute divorce can also be granted. Like the one-year separation period, the two-year separation must be voluntary, and there should be no intent to reconcile during this time.

Other Grounds for Divorce

Aside from separation-based grounds, North Carolina also recognizes fault-based grounds for absolute divorce. These grounds require one spouse to prove that the other has engaged in specific wrongful conduct that led to the breakdown of the marriage. 

The fault-based grounds include:

• Adultery: One spouse must prove that the other engaged in voluntary sexual intercourse with a person other than their spouse during the marriage. 
• Abandonment: Abandonment occurs when one spouse willfully deserts the other for a continuous period of one year or more, with the intent to end the marriage.
• Cruel and Inhuman Treatment: One spouse subjected the other to cruel and inhuman treatment, making it unsafe or intolerable for them to continue living together. This can include physical abuse, emotional abuse, or other forms of mistreatment.
• Substance Abuse: If one spouse has a habitual pattern of drug or alcohol abuse that significantly impairs the marriage and the family's well-being, it can be used as a ground for divorce.
• Felony Conviction: If one spouse has been convicted of a felony, and the conviction results in imprisonment for more than one year, the other spouse can use this as a ground for divorce.

Additionally, couples in NC can file for a no-fault divorce if they have been living separately and in accordance with the divorce laws outlined by the state.

Filing for Absolute Divorce in NC

Once you've determined your eligibility and established the grounds for absolute divorce in North Carolina, the next crucial steps involve the actual filing process.

File the Complaint for Absolute Divorce

In the state of North Carolina, the party seeking an absolute divorce starts the process by preparing and filing a Complaint for Absolute Divorce, accompanied by a Civil Summons and any other locally required filings. When this is served to the other party, the divorce proceedings have been put into motion.

Prepare the Necessary Supporting Documents

Before initiating the divorce proceedings, it's essential to gather and prepare all the required legal documents. 

These supporting documents for a divorce complaint typically include:

• Complaint for Absolute Divorce: This is the formal document that initiates the divorce process. The plaintiff (the spouse seeking the divorce) must complete this form, outlining the grounds for divorce, any claims for child custody, child support, alimony, and property division.
• Civil Summons: This document is used to officially notify the defendant (the other spouse) of the divorce action. It provides information about the lawsuit and the deadline for responding.
• Financial Affidavit: Both parties may be required to provide financial affidavits, which detail their income, expenses, assets, and debts. This information is vital for decisions regarding child support, alimony, and property division.
• Child Custody and Support Forms: If child custody and support issues are involved, specific forms may be required to outline parenting plans and child support calculations.
• Property and Debt Inventory: This document lists all marital assets and debts, which is crucial for the equitable distribution of marital property during the divorce judgment process.

File with the Court for an Absolute Divorce in NC

After completing the necessary documents, you must file them with the appropriate county courthouse in North Carolina. The court where you file is typically the one in the county where you or your spouse resides. Be prepared to pay a filing fee unless you qualify for a waiver based on financial hardship. Once your documents are filed, the court will assign a case number and officially initiate the divorce process. It's crucial to keep copies of all filed documents for your records.

Divorce Papers Are Served to the Spouse

After filing the divorce documents, the next step is serving divorce papers on the defendant (the other spouse). This legal requirement ensures that the defendant is informed of the divorce proceedings and has an opportunity to respond. Service of process can be accomplished through various methods, such as personal service by a sheriff or process server, certified mail with return receipt requested, or publication in a local newspaper if the defendant's whereabouts are unknown or they cannot be located.

Responding to a Divorce Petition

Once served with divorce papers, the defendant has a specified period to respond, typically 30 days from the date of service. If the defendant fails to respond within this timeframe, the court may proceed with the divorce as a default judgment, meaning that the divorce will be granted without the defendant's input.

If the defendant chooses to respond, they can either contest the divorce by disputing the grounds or negotiate with the plaintiff on matters like property division, child custody, and alimony. Responding to the divorce petition is a critical step in protecting one's rights and interests during the divorce process.

Agree on Alimony, Child Support, Property Division, and Other Issues

During this phase, divorcing spouses work together on a separation agreement, either through negotiation, mediation, or legal counsel, to reach mutual agreements on key aspects of the divorce settlement, including issues of spousal support, child support, and property division. 

Successfully reaching these agreements not only streamlines the divorce process but also allows for greater control over the outcome, potentially reducing conflict and associated legal expenses. Once these agreements are reached, they are formalized in legal documents and submitted to the court for approval as part of the divorce proceedings.

Finalizing the Absolute Divorce

Once all divorce-related matters, including property division, child custody, support, and alimony, have been resolved or adjudicated by the court, a final judgment and decree of divorce is issued by the court. This document formally terminates the marriage and outlines the terms of the divorce settlement.

The final decree of divorce legally dissolves the marriage. After its issuance, both parties are free to remarry, and the court's orders regarding property division, alimony, child custody, and support take effect.

Legal Assistance and Resources for an Absolute Divorce in NC

When facing an absolute divorce in North Carolina, it's crucial to be aware of the various legal assistance and resources available to guide you through the process. 

The Importance of Legal Counsel

Absolute divorce involves a wide range of legal issues, from property division to child custody and support. Legal professionals possess the expertise to navigate these complexities, ensuring that your rights and interests are protected.

Customized Legal Strategy

Every divorce is unique, and legal counsel can tailor a strategy that aligns with your specific circumstances and objectives, whether that involves negotiating settlements or advocating in court.

Avoiding Costly Mistakes

Missteps in the legal process can have long-lasting financial and emotional consequences. Legal professionals help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure that all legal requirements are met.

Mediating Conflicts

Attorneys can facilitate negotiations and mediation, reducing conflict and helping you reach amicable agreements with your spouse.

Filing for Absolute Divorce in North Carolina

Contact The Doyle Law Group for assistance with your absolute divorce in North Carolina. Getting a divorce is stressful– let the experienced family law attorneys at The Doyle Law Group in Raleigh help alleviate some of the stress and ensure your divorce proceedings are handled correctly. We’ve helped guide Raleigh couples through divorce for over 14 years and can help you, too. 

Call us today at  (919) 301-8843 to set up an initial consultation or fill out the contact form below to get started.