Concord, NC Divorce Lawyer

Dedicated Divorce Attorney in Concord, NC

When you are facing divorce, you may have many concerns about the future. From your finances to questions about child custody, the advice of a qualified Concord, NC, divorce lawyer can help you navigate the uncertainties of ending your marriage. Even the most amicable divorce can bring conflict and differences of opinion. It’s important to address these issues carefully to preserve your ongoing relationships with your children and former spouse.

best concord nc divorce attorney

At Lehnhardt Price Family Law, we have over four decades of combined experience serving the residents of Concord and the surrounding area in all aspects of family law. We are knowledgeable, caring, and dedicated to helping you achieve a reasonable, efficient divorce that focuses on helping your family heal and move forward.

North Carolina Divorce Laws

While divorce rates have fallen in recent years, in North Carolina, the divorce rate is around 2.7 per 1,000 people. North Carolina divorce laws are complex, requiring careful consideration and the guidance of a Concord family law attorney experienced in divorce mediation and litigation.

When you are undergoing the marriage dissolution process, it’s important to understand the laws that will affect the duration of your divorce proceedings so you will know what to expect.

In North Carolina, which is a no-fault state for divorce, two grounds can be stated for the divorce:

  • A separation lasting more than a year
  • Incurable insanity of one spouse as well as three years of separation

The mandatory one-year separation phase before filing for divorce is required to help couples avoid making a rash decision to end their marriage. Couples must reside in separate homes during this one-year period for the separation to be legally recognized.

After one year has passed, the divorce process can begin, and the terms of the divorce can be negotiated. Almost 500,000 people have divorced in North Carolina, even with its stringent requirements around separation.

Matter Types We Handle in Concord, NC

Elements of the Divorce Process

A divorce in North Carolina addresses four major factors:

  • Division of assets: All marital assets and debts are inventoried and disclosed, including property, businesses, retirement accounts, pensions, bank accounts, and debts accrued during the marriage. Gifts from one spouse to the other are also considered marital property unless you have proof that the gift was intended to be separate property.
  • Spousal support: Also known as alimony, spousal support helps the spouse with lower-earning potential to maintain their lifestyle with the same degree of comfort and reliable income they enjoyed during the marriage. Alimony amounts are calculated according to living expenses and income amounts. If both spouses worked outside the home, spousal support may be minimal.
  • Child custody and visitation: If you have children under the age of 18, child custody negotiations will occur as part of the divorce process. In most cases, the court aims to give each parent equal custody. However, the child’s well-being and safety are the court’s greatest concern. If one parent is deemed unable to care for the child, the other parent may receive primary custody.
  • Child support: The court requires both parents to contribute equally to the child’s upbringing, both financially and emotionally. Parents must negotiate child support amounts, or a judge will likely calculate an amount for them. The percentage of time spent with each parent may be considered, along with other factors, to help determine who pays support and how much.

Once divorce negotiations are complete, your attorney can submit all required paperwork to the courts. A judge will need to approve the final terms of the divorce, or in some cases, request a hearing to finalize the process. Most divorces in Concord are heard at the Cabarrus County Superior Court on Union Street.

Why You Need a Divorce Attorney

While it may be tempting to represent yourself in your divorce, this can result in costly mistakes. It’s crucial to hire a divorce lawyer to help you secure a fair financial settlement and custody and visitation arrangements. If one spouse hires an attorney and the other does not, their attorney could negotiate more favorable terms, which could cost you valuable assets.

Divorce can create friction and tension even in the most amicable situations, leaving you vulnerable to stressful conflict and emotional distress. When you work with our Concord divorce attorney, we can communicate with your spouse and their legal representative on your behalf and represent you at court hearings so that your needs and wishes are addressed.

best concord nc divorce lawyer

FAQs About Concord, NC, Divorce Law

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

Fees for a divorce attorney are determined on a case-by-case basis. Case complexity and expected duration can both contribute greatly to the cost of hiring an attorney. During your initial consultation with Lehnhardt Price, we can evaluate the details of your case and provide you with an estimate for our services.

What Are the Three C’s of Divorce?

The Three C’s of divorce include:

  • Clear, consistent, respectful communication is the foundation of a peaceful divorce.
  • Working together can achieve mutually beneficial outcomes to reduce conflict and create an equitable consent order.
  • Compromising involves making concessions to reach fair, realistic agreements, including alimony, child support, and custody arrangements.

What Is a Spouse Entitled to in a Divorce in NC?

Spouses may be entitled to a few different things in a divorce. Both parties have equal rights in North Carolina divorces, with the goal being to ensure both parties can maintain the same lifestyle they enjoyed during their marriage, with some necessary compromises. Spouses who stayed home to care for their children and the home while their spouse works outside the home may be entitled to more spousal support than a spouse who contributes income to the family.

What Happens During a Consultation With a Divorce Lawyer?

During a consultation with a divorce lawyer, you can explain your circumstances and goals for your divorce. The attorney may share basic information about their services, legal fees, and the divorce process, as well as discuss potential options available to you based on your case. You can ask a lawyer any questions you may have about the legal process.

Ready to Move Forward With Your Divorce? Hire a Divorce Lawyer in Concord, NC

At Lehnhardt Price Family Law, we understand how difficult it can be to make the decision to end a marriage. We’re ready to be your trusted support system during all phases of the divorce process. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

Serving Concord and Cabarrus County, North Carolina

Family law matters can be some of the most emotional and life-changing legal challenges a person will ever face. Whether you are preparing for divorce, working through a child custody dispute, or seeking guidance on another family law issue, the decisions you make today can affect your family for years to come. Lehnhardt Price Family Law is dedicated exclusively to family law, providing compassionate representation and strategic legal counsel to individuals and families throughout Concord. The firm understands the personal nature of every case and works closely with clients to develop solutions that protect both their rights and their future.

Serving Concord and the surrounding Cabarrus County communities, Lehnhardt Price Family Law focuses solely on family law matters, including divorce, child custody, child support, property division, alimony, separation agreements, and other domestic relations issues. By concentrating exclusively on family law, the firm’s attorneys provide knowledgeable guidance tailored to North Carolina law while helping clients confidently navigate every stage of the legal process. Whether resolving matters through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, the firm is committed to delivering personalized attention and practical legal solutions.

From families living near Historic Downtown Concord and Concord Mills to residents throughout the communities surrounding Interstate 85, U.S. Highway 29, and Atrium Health Cabarrus, Lehnhardt Price Family Law understands the local courts and families it serves. Whether you need a Concord family lawyer, Concord divorce lawyer, or Concord child custody attorney, the firm is prepared to advocate for your best interests. Having experienced family law counsel can make the difference between unnecessary conflict and achieving a resolution that protects your family, your rights, and your future.

Concord, NC Divorce Law Additional Resources:

 

Concord Practice Areas

Testimonials