Raleigh residency requirements and grounds for divorce

The residency requirement for divorce in North Carolina is simple.  Either you or your spouse must be a North Carolina resident for six months before filing for divorce.  The divorce can be filed on either a fault or no-fault basis.  A spouse can get a divorce simply by stating in divorce papers that the couple has been separated—meaning you have lived separate and apart without cohabitation—for at least one year and a day.  There is no need to assign fault for the divorce or to state any reason other than separation for one year and one day.

The other recognized grounds for divorce in North Carolina is incurable insanity or mental illness lasting three years.  Whether filing for divorce on a fault or no-fault basis, you can resolve the issues between you and your spouse before and during the separation period with a separation agreement.

Consulting a knowledgeable Raleigh divorce attorney at the law office of Haas & Associates, P.A. can ensure that your rights are preserved during the divorce process.

Filing for divorce in North Carolina

A divorce case begins when you or your spouse files a Complaint for Divorce with the district court.  The divorce papers are served on the other spouse, who has time to respond. It is important to understand that a divorce only severs the marriage.  It does NOT address the issues of child. custody, child support, alimony, or property distribution.

However, if these issues are not dealt with prior to the divorce by a qualified Raleigh divorce attorney, obtaining a divorce can have a major impact on each spouse's rights and obligations because the court may decide the matters for you both.

For more information about how to simplify the process and minimize the stress, see our page on Green Divorce.  For guidance on a Do-It-Yourself Divorce, see our DIY Divorce page.

Help with all divorce-related issues

Our experienced Raleigh divorce lawyers can help you work out the numerous financial, logistical, and living arrangements of your divorce, including:

Because every family is different

The attorneys of Haas & Associates, P.A. understand that each family has its own unique needs and goals that legal professionals should honor and support.  That is why commitment to our clients' needs is our number one priority.  Call us at 1-919-827-0916, or contact Haas & Associates, P.A. online to set up a consultation with one of our divorce attorneys in Raleigh.