Our Core Mission Is To Help You Resolve Your Family Law Concern

Your Raleigh Divorce Lawyer Serving Wake County And Beyond

Divorce can be a tricky, emotional and exhausting process – and it is certainly not one you should consider facing on your own. Our Raleigh divorce attorney can offer compassionate guidance as you work toward a fresh start in life, giving you the ability to move forward with peace of mind.

Our law firm can assist clients with all types of family law issues involving divorce, including:

At Hopper Law Office, we understand what you’re going through. Having spent more than 30 years practicing law, our lead attorney, Kevin Hopper, has helped countless individuals and couples overcome their family dilemmas with our caring and knowledgeable legal advocacy.

Negotiations, Mediation Or Litigation? Navigating Your Path To Divorce

At Hopper Law Office, we understand the emotional and legal complexities that come with divorce. Our dedication is to support you through this challenging time with care and professionalism. Kevin Hopper, our seasoned attorney, has been serving the Raleigh community since 1994, guiding clients through the intricacies of family law with a personal touch.

Our approach to your resolution will include the following:

We will listen to your needs and goals.
We will assess the unique aspects of your case.
We will determine a tailored strategy: negotiation, mediation or litigation.

Kevin Hopper is well-versed in the various paths to resolution and will work tirelessly to find the method that best suits your circumstances. Whether we are resolving your dispute across a mediation table or litigating your case at the Wake County Family Court located in the Wake County Justice Center, our goal is to achieve a resolution that respects your interests and enables you to move forward.

If you and your spouse agree on all terms, you can file an uncontested divorce inexpensively. At Hopper Law Office, we are available to review your documents, and, if you discover points of disagreement, we will guide you to an effective form for ending your marriage.

We prioritize clear communication and straightforward counsel, striving to make the legal process as smooth as possible for you. Whether you are facing a divorce or dealing with a child custody dispute, trust that we are here to help you reach a fair and just outcome. Our firm prides itself on being your steadfast advocate and ally during this pivotal moment in your life.

You are not alone. Reach out to our law firm online or by phone at 919-948-5373 to find out more about how we can help.

Terms For A Divorce In North Carolina

North Carolina is a “no-fault” divorce state, meaning that a couple can seek to dissolve their marriage with no need to prove the fault of either spouse. If a divorce is contested, agreement on terms may be reached through mediation, depending on the separating couple’s willingness and ability to reach a mutually acceptable arrangement. If divorcing spouses cannot agree, court involvement may be required to determine family law issues such as asset division, child custody and alimony (spousal support).

To file for divorce, an individual or couple must meet requirements such as the following:

The spouses must have lived separate and apart for a minimum of one year
At least one spouse must be a resident of North Carolina for a minimum of six months

Regardless of which approach to divorce you and your spouse wish to pursue, retaining the services of a trusted attorney is vital during this time to ensure your rights are protected.

What Is A Wife Entitled To In A Divorce In North Carolina?

In North Carolina, a wife in a divorce is often entitled to a share of alimony or spousal support, depending on the decision of the family courts. A spouse may also be entitled to a 50/50 split of marital property if so decided by the judge.

Our law firm’s top-notch family law attorney can walk you step-by-step through the appropriate North Carolina legal processes, making sure to never leave your side. Protecting your well-being is our top priority, and we are prepared to do everything within our power to make this time easier for you and your family.

Can You Sue For Infidelity In North Carolina?

In North Carolina, you cannot directly sue for infidelity itself. North Carolina is one of the few remaining states that still recognizes “alienation of affection” and “criminal conversation” as legal actions related to infidelity within a marriage.

Alienation of a spouse’s affection: This is a civil lawsuit where a spouse can sue a third party (often the individual involved in the extramarital affair) for allegedly causing the deterioration of the marital relationship. To win an alienation of affection case, the plaintiff must prove that there was genuine love and affection in the marriage prior to the affair, that the third party’s actions directly contributed to the loss of that affection, and that they suffered damages as a result.
Criminal conversation: This is a separate civil action where a spouse can sue the person their spouse had an extramarital sexual relationship with. Unlike alienation of affection, it doesn’t require proving that the marriage was genuinely happy before the affair. The plaintiff only needs to prove that the sexual act occurred during the marriage.

It’s important to note that these lawsuits can be emotionally and financially draining, and outcomes vary. Many states have abolished such laws, but North Carolina has retained them. Nonetheless, they are not widely pursued, and courts may be skeptical of the effectiveness of such legal actions.

If you believe that infidelity has significantly affected your marriage, it is advisable to consult with an experienced divorce lawyer in Raleigh from Hopper Law Office to discuss your options and understand the potential outcomes and costs associated with pursuing these legal actions. In most cases, couples opt for divorce and address property division, alimony and child custody matters through the appropriate legal channels rather than pursuing alienation of affection or criminal conversation lawsuits.

The Difference Between Absolute Divorce And Divorce From Bed And Board (DBB)

An absolute divorce is the legal dissolution of a marriage in North Carolina. It is a no-fault process that requires a one-year separation of the spouses. Absolute divorce requires the division of marital property and parental rights, if necessary. It allows for the remarriage of the spouses.

Divorce from Bed and Board (DBB) is essentially a legal separation process that requires proof of fault. In cases involving financial misconduct, adultery or abuse, a DBB may be the fastest means of limiting your legal and financial exposure when ending your marriage.

DBB filings do not allow for remarriage, as the marital relationship technically remains legally intact. The spouse requesting a DBB may be eligible for financial support. They can also protect themselves and their children legally and financially from the misconduct of their spouse.

Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina Divorces

Before you make any major choices or announcements about your divorce, you must understand the process. The answers to the questions below can help you navigate the complex legal process ahead.

How much does a divorce cost in Raleigh?

Raleigh divorce proceedings can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to more than $30,000. The amount of conflict between you and your spouse and the complexity of your marital estate both strongly influence the overall costs of the divorce process. The more issues you litigate, the higher the costs.

Does living in separate bedrooms count as separation in North Carolina?

No, remaining in the same home but in separate bedrooms does not adequately meet the requirements for legal separation prior to a no-fault North Carolina divorce. The baseline requirement is living under different roofs for at least one year and one day, and at least one of you generally must intend for the separation to be permanent.

Do I need a separation agreement in North Carolina?

No, you do not need a formal, written separation agreement with your spouse to qualify for a no-fault North Carolina divorce. There is no mandatory paperwork for a legal separation, provided that you and your spouse live in separate residences for at least a year and a day. However, a written separation agreement can help you manage shared financial obligations, property concerns and custody arrangements until you qualify for divorce, but it is not strictly necessary for your legal separation.

Trust In Our Raleigh Divorce Lawyer

Your divorce will determine many aspects of your future, and your choice of a family law lawyer will be a decision that affects your life for years to come. No matter what your questions are about your divorce, the Hopper Law Office will be able to put your mind at ease and give you a comprehensive plan on the best course of action for your case.

With the help of one of our law firm’s compassionate divorce lawyer in Raleigh, North Carolina, you will be able to approach your separation with enhanced confidence and stability.

Call our law firm at 919-948-5373 or send an email inquiry to discuss your situation in further detail.