Albemarle Divorce Lawyer

Albemarle Divorce Attorney

Divorce is rarely easy, and it can come with many legal questions and complications. This is especially true when it concerns child custody or dividing assets. It can be challenging to handle the emotional toll of ending your marriage and figuring out the legal requirements to protect your rights. An Albemarle, NC, divorce lawyer from Lehnhardt Price Family Law can help.

In North Carolina, you aren’t required to hire a divorce attorney to dissolve your marriage, but having legal representation can alleviate substantial stress associated with completing court forms, filing paperwork, and meeting deadlines. Separating from your spouse can already be challenging enough. Leaving legal matters to a skilled lawyer can help you ensure everything goes smoothly.

Having an attorney on your side also gives you the reassurance that you are not alone. Even though divorce can be isolating, many Americans go through it. With a divorce rate of 2.7 per 1,000, the state of North Carolina saw 29,824 divorces in 2024. Our law firm has assisted families across the state, and we can use our experience to protect your rights.

How Lehnhardt Price Family Law Can Help

At Lehnhardt Price Family Law, we provide customized legal representation and give your case personal attention. As a family law firm that has worked on an extensive number of divorce cases, we know how sensitive marital matters can be, and we are here to offer open communication and answers to any questions you may have.

Our Albemarle divorce attorney can help you from the beginning to the end of the marriage dissolution process. When you hire a divorce lawyer, they can help you with meeting all legal requirements, serving or responding to your spouse, and requesting and attending hearings. This can allow you to focus on healing and figuring out the next steps of your life.

What Is the Divorce Process?

Albemarle divorces take place at the Stanly County Courthouse on Second Street. After meeting North Carolina divorce residency requirements and separation requirements, the key steps to ending a marriage include completing and filing necessary forms, serving your spouse, requesting a hearing, and attending a hearing. You may also be able to use mediation to resolve other issues.

The thought of divorce can be overwhelming, but it is not the end of the world. It is simply a new chapter. About two-thirds of Americans who have divorced remarry, and many people choose to refocus on themselves after going through a divorce, prioritizing change or long-term goals they have always had. Whatever you do, we can help you through every step of the divorce process.

North Carolina Divorce Laws

North Carolina is a no-fault divorce state. This means that the court does not take into account any fault that led to the divorce. The law requires you to live in the state for at least six months before filing and have lived separately from your spouse for at least one year. Alternatively, the law allows you to file for divorce if your spouse has incurable insanity and you have lived apart for at least three years.

Dividing Assets

Discussing your case with an Albemarle, NC, divorce lawyer can also be a good idea when it comes to dividing assets. In North Carolina, the court divides assets through a legal process called equitable distribution. This means that asset distribution aims to be fair but not necessarily equal. The default starting point is 50/50, but that is not always the settlement. Common marital assets include:

• Real estate
• Vehicles
• Personal property
• Businesses
• Bank accounts
• Retirement and pension accounts
• Investments
• Income

To divide assets, a judge evaluates all of your marital assets, but your separate property is not subject to division. When determining what is fair, the court will consider various factors such as the length of your marriage and each spouse’s income and health, as well as your contributions to the marriage, including non-monetary ones.

Why Should I Hire a Divorce Lawyer?

When you try to handle all of the legalities of your divorce on your own, it puts your rights and well-being at risk. Trying to navigate the family court system without legal assistance can also be financially jeopardizing. Working with a legal professional at Lehnhardt Price Family Law can lift a significant burden off your shoulders so your divorce isn’t unnecessarily difficult.

Divorce can be one of the most stressful events a person goes through, and the impact on health can be devastating. Based on one study, divorced men have a 250% higher mortality rate than married men, and women have a 24-77% increased risk of heart attack following divorce. You deserve to reduce as much stress as possible.

FAQs About Albemarle, NC Divorce Law

Who Has to Leave the House in a Divorce in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, there is no law that says one spouse must leave the house over the other. Instead, the person who moves out depends on specific circumstances, and at least one spouse must move out to fulfill the state’s one-year separation requirement. Factors such as domestic violence, child custody, and financial considerations can influence the decision.

What Is the Average Cost of a Divorce Attorney in North Carolina?

The average cost of a North Carolina divorce attorney varies, with final costs depending on the case complexity and your lawyer’s experience. For the most complicated cases, attorney fees may be more costly. Uncontested divorces are generally less expensive because they require less time and work. At an initial consultation with Lehnhardt Price Family Law, our attorneys can discuss potential fees for your family law case.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Divorce can be complicated, but you do not have to face the legal challenges alone. Instead, schedule a consultation with our Albemarle, NC, divorce lawyer at Lehnhardt Price Family Law to provide essential legal insight, protect your rights, and reduce stress. We can also secure your financial future by reducing the likelihood of costly mistakes. Contact us today.