Spring Hope Divorce (Raleigh, Rocky Mount, Wilson: lawyer, unemployment, taxes)

[gdbyenc]

I never thought I'd be getting divorced and that's all I'm going to say about that.

I live in Spring Hope close to Louisburg, Nashville, Rocky Mount and Zebulon. Raleigh and Wilson are about equal distances from me.

Should I attempt to find a good attorney close to me or would I be better off looking in Raleigh?

Can anyone recommend a good resource (website/book) for people newly experiencing divorce?

Thanks.

[CHTransplant]

Originally Posted by gdbyenc

Can anyone recommend a good resource (website/book) for people newly experiencing divorce?

DivorceCare: Divorce Recovery Support Groups

I'm sorry you're going through this. There are many Divorce Care programs sponsored by local churches. You might find one nearby you.

[RaleighLass]

You may want to find one in the same county as you? You'll want one who practices Family Law. I am sorry, I know how painful it can be. You will need all the support you can get right now. I urge you to reach to either a support group or a counselor if you think you need one. Looks like the above link has some good info.

If you have enough assets, you may want to meet with your CPA and or financial counselor for guidance with what to include in your separation agreement....be careful of making mistakes that may haunt you for years to come..sorry. BTW - you must have a "legal" separation agreement registered at your county courthouse in order to file "married but legally separated" on your 2011 taxes. This was very beneficial to me, it may well be for you too.

And if you didn't know, in NC you must separated one year before a divorce is granted. The person who files the divorce is the one who goes before the judge 1 year from separation date to be granted a divorce. The other party doesn't have to appear but will receive a summons notifying them of the hearing. Again, I am so sorry...

[librarySue]

I would go for a GOOD lawyer over a convenient one. You really don't have to spend that much time with the lawyer. In fact, a GOOD lawyer will make sure that you don't. Some lawyers will let you hang out in their office as long as you want, cause they can bill you for their time.

You may also want to consider divorce mediation, it saves money! Divorce Mediation in North Carolina Basically one person walks you both through the process rather than two lawyers trying to jockey for advantage for their clients.

[suedonym]

make sure whichever attorney you hire can represent you in the county the proceedings were filed in.

[greg69innc]

I'd go to Nashville or Rocky Mount and get a lawyer from there. I am so sorry for you to go through this. I am going through it and since I am on unemployment I am not able to get one yet but I will.

Divorce care is nice but once my ex wife left and I realized what I gained by her leaving I honestly wish she'd left years ago. So no heartache here just thankful that she is enjoying her new relationship and I dont have all the mess anymore.

Good Luck

[RaleighLass]

Originally Posted by greg69innc

I'd go to Nashville or Rocky Mount and get a lawyer from there. I am so sorry for you to go through this. I am going through it and since I am on unemployment I am not able to get one yet but I will.

Divorce care is nice but once my ex wife left and I realized what I gained by her leaving I honestly wish she'd left years ago. So no heartache here just thankful that she is enjoying her new relationship and I dont have all the mess anymore.

Good Luck

If it's been a year, go down to the courthouse and file your own...you simply fill out the paperwork and go before the judge. Of course they'll notify your ex. or you could apply for legal aid as you are unemployed.

[Snarky Prof]

As a former matrimonial lawyer from "up North". I would interview several different attorneys to make sure that you find someone who is a good fit. Most attorneys will do a free consult.