Jacksonville NC Divorce Lawyer

To get a divorce in Jacksonville, North Carolina, the Onslow County courts require that spouses be legally separated or more than one year and one of the spouses must have resided in North Carolina for at least six months. If either spouse resides in Onslow County, then the divorce is properly filed in Onslow County. When dealing with military and military dependents, residency for purposes of a divorce can be a legal issue.

Onslow County, North Carolina Court system

Jacksonville, NC is the county seat of Onslow County and court is held in Jacksonville. Onslow County does not have a Family Court system and as a result, different District Court Judges may hear different aspects of your family law case including child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. The District Court Judges currently include: the Honorable Paul H. Hardison, Chief District Court Judge, the Honorable James L. Moore, Jr., the Honorable William B. Sutton Jr., the Honorable W. M. “Mac” Cameron, III, the Honorable Louis F. Foy, Jr., the Honorable Sarah C. Seaton, the Honorable Carol Wilson Jones, and the Honorable Henry L. Stevens, IV. Court is usually held at the main courthouse at 625 Court Street, Jacksonville, NC.

Military divorce law

If you or your spouse are members of the United States military, there are special requirements for handling a military divorce. The military may set an amount of support that must be paid until the Onslow County Court establishes a different amount. There are special rules on division of military pensions and other military benefits. Make sure your attorney has experience handling these special requirements.

Why people divorce

The most often cited reason for divorce is money. Other reasons include infidelity, boredom, poor communication, incompatibility, lack of commitment, sexual problems, abuse, and addiction (e.g., substance abuse and/or alcoholism). An individual who is the victim of domestic violence should seek help from a domestic violence shelter immediately (see information on civilian domestic violence and military domestic violence). We encourage others to attempt marriage counseling before seeking a divorce. Talk to a mental health professional about the situation—can the problems be resolved through marriage counseling or is the conflict too great?

Taking steps toward divorce

Estimate your post-divorce financial situation

Use a Financial Standing Affidavit (FSA) to determine if your income covers monthly basic necessities to live separately. Consider your income and expenses, and check your credit report. The court will require that you file an FSA or similar document to justify your claim for post separation support and/or alimony as part of the divorce. While you may be interested in estimating child support or alimony, exclude these from the examination, as you don’t know exactly how much a Onslow County court will award. If you’re financially unable to live separately, consider where the extra income will come from—a friend or relative, second job, career change, or other avenue—until your claims for post separation support and alimony are resolved. The Onslow County Court system hears cases rather quickly. And if you’re in an abusive relationship, it’s important to leave now, regardless of financial considerations.

Consider the effect of divorce on your children

Divorce can be especially difficult for your children. Answer their questions honestly, while avoiding temptation to harp on your spouse’s flaws. Divorce affects them as well, and they will appreciate your openness. However, don’t involve children in adult issues and don’t discuss any pending or planned litigation. Children should not be aware of the disputes between parents. We strongly recommend you consider attending a parenting class for divorced parents.

Be ready to negotiate

Though it can be difficult to concede anything to your spouse, especially if abuse or infidelity is a factor, compromise can save you anxiety, time, and money. An attorney can point out your options, helping you carefully negotiate division of assets, child custody and visitation.

Divorce by Power of Attorney

While an attorney in fact can handle most litigation under a valid power of attorney, it is our position that person cannot handle a divorce for you. Our Court of Appeals has held that “an action for divorce based upon one year’s separation cannot be maintained by a general guardian….” See Freeman v. Freeman, 34 N.C.App. 301, 237 S.E.2d. 857 (1977).