Divorce

Raleigh Divorce Attorneys

Few situations in life are as stressful as getting a divorce.  While no one wants to believe that their marriage could end in divorce, the divorce rate in North Carolina has gone up in recent years.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, couples in North Carolina filed for 36,708 divorces in the year 2009, an increase from the 35,618 divorces that occurred in 2008.

Whether your divorce is uncontested or contested, amicable or hostile, you need a qualified divorce attorney in Raleigh to help you navigate the complexities of the legal process.  As experienced divorce lawyers, we know that clients making life-changing decisions need both compassion and sound legal advice.  With over 50 years of experience, Hatch, Little & Bunn, LLP can provide the representation you need to complete your divorce so that you can focus on your family, and your future.

Dedicated Raleigh divorce lawyers

There are several ways to categorize divorce in North Carolina, including the following:

  • Absolute divorce. An absolute divorce is a relatively fast way to dissolve a marriage without making any decisions regarding property division, child custody, or alimony.  In order to obtain an absolute divorce, the two spouses must separate for 12 months.
  • Divorce from bed and board. This term refers to a legally enforced separation which is considered neither no-fault nor a divorce.  The petitioner for this type of separation must prove at least one of six grounds for fault, such as adultery or cruelty.  In this situation, the courts can force the at-fault spouse to move out of a shared residence.
  • Uncontested divorce. An uncontested divorce means that both spouses have agreed in advance on all of the issues involved in the divorce, such as child custody and division of property.  It is always advisable to consult with qualified Raleigh divorce attorneys before signing divorce papers, even if you remain on friendly terms with your spouse.
  • Contested divorce. In this situation, a divorcing couple cannot reach an agreement on all issues involved in the divorce.  A contested divorce requires presentation of evidence and testimony, as a way to determine a final settlement.  A Raleigh divorce lawyer represents you in litigation, collects evidence, and identifies useful witnesses.

A Raleigh divorce lawyer at Hatch, Little & Bunn, LLP can help you determine which type of divorce applies to your case.

Effective divorce lawyers in Raleigh, NC

If you plan to file for a Raleigh separation or divorce, do not begin the process without the knowledge and experience of a competent divorce lawyer by your side.  The firm can also help with Raleigh child custody and all family law matters.  From their office in Raleigh, the attorneys of Hatch, Little & Bunn, LLP have proudly served clients throughout North Carolina for over 50 years.  Contact Hatch, Little & Bunn, LLP today to discuss your divorce.