While the dream of marriage equality for same-sex couples is a reality, there are some areas where a same-sex couple encounters greater difficulties than heterosexual couples. One of these areas is having children. It is often more expensive for same-sex couples to...
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What should I know when filing for custody in North Carolina?
When it comes to divorce, decisions regarding child custody are the most difficult to navigate. Even amicable divorces are hard on kids, so you must do all you can to ensure a smooth process. Part of this involves understanding your options when it comes to custody....
How can you make a custody battle easier on yourself?
If you are preparing for a custody battle, you may feel like you are gearing up for war. When marriages end in anger or frustration, it may be difficult to engage amicably in a custody battle. According to the Huffington Post, a child custody battle can be smoother if...
Know how long alimony payments will last
When people divorce, one spouse may need to pay alimony. People may wonder how long they will need to make these payments. According to FindLaw, courts award alimony so that people can maintain the standard of living they had during the marriage. Ex-spouses may not...
What is alienation of affection?
If your marriage ended because your spouse deserted you, then you may have a unique opportunity to claim punitive damages from him or her. According to FindLaw, alienation of affection is something that might give you grounds to sue your spouse for damages after your...
Obstacles to adopting or fostering a child for same-sex couples
There are many ways to start and grow a family, and the 2015 Supreme Court decision affirming marriage equality opened up a lot of avenues for same-sex couples that discriminatory laws had closed to them before. However, if you and your same-sex partner would like to...
What issues with parental rights do same-sex families face?
When the U.S. Supreme Court made its ruling that legalized same-sex marriage, many states did not have laws in place to account for the changes that family law matters would see due to the ruling. The most challenging area thus far has been when it comes to child...
Dividing a medical practice in a divorce: what you should know
Perhaps the only thing more stressful than practicing medicine is practicing medicine while going through a divorce. If you have your own medical practice and your spouse are splitting up, one of the most important factors to tackle is what will happen to the...
Not getting married? Consider other legal protection
For many couples, marriage has two meanings: a sentimental or religious purpose and a legal purpose. While the personal side takes a different form for everyone, the legal side is rigid. North Carolina law provides specific benefits and protections to married couples...
Unemployment and spousal support obligations
For those who lose their job, life often becomes hard in a lot of ways. Paying bills, buying food and dealing with uncertainty about one's future is often a major hurdle. Some people are able to find another position relatively briefly, but the job market is very...