Raleigh Divorce Lawyer 

Experienced Family Law Firm Serving Families in Wade County, North Carolina

Divorce can be a tricky, emotional, and exhausting process—and it is certainly not one you should consider facing on your own. At Hopper Law Office , our divorce lawyers understand what you're going through. Having spent more than two decades practicing law, we have helped countless couples overcome their family dilemmas with our caring and knowledgeable legal advocacy. 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.

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 without the need to prove the fault of either spouse. Divorce can be either contested, uncontested, or be accomplished with mediation assistance depending on the separating couple’s willingness and ability to reach a mutually acceptable arrangement. If divorcing spouses cannot reach an agreement, court involvement is required to determine issues such as asset division, child custody, and alimony.

In order to file for divorce, a few requirements must first be met:

• You and your spouse 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 NC?

In NC, a wife in a divorce is 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 NC 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 on 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 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 Raleigh divorce lawyer 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.

Trust in a Raleigh Divorce Lawyer from Our Law Firm

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, to 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, NC, you will be able to approach your separation with enhanced confidence and stability.