Divorce can be one of life’s most challenging experiences. At Castle, Peterson & Naylor, P.C., we’re well-versed in the emotional and legal complexities involved in ending a marriage. Our experienced divorce attorneys in Jacksonville, North Carolina, will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your rights and interests are protected.
Local Expertise
With many years of experience in assisting and representing family law clients in Jacksonville and Kenansville, N.C., our attorneys have an intimate understanding of local family law courts and procedures. This local edge is invaluable in navigating your divorce case efficiently.
Our team’s familiarity with local judges, court staff and other attorneys allows us to anticipate potential challenges and develop strategies tailored to the Jacksonville legal landscape. For instance, we’ve successfully negotiated favorable settlements by leveraging our knowledge of specific judges’ tendencies in similar cases.
Comprehensive Divorce Services
From separation agreements to property division, we offer a full spectrum of divorce-related services. We handle child custody and child support cases, alimony disputes, and complex asset division.
Our expertise extends to high-stakes divorces involving business owners, military service members, and high-net-worth individuals. We’ll ensure every aspect of your case receives the attention it deserves.
Client-Centered Approach
Your needs and goals are our priority at Castle, Peterson & Naylor, P.C. We’ll take the time to listen to your concerns, explain your options in plain language, and craft a strategy that aligns with your objectives.
We believe in empowering you through education and open communication. You’ll stay informed and involved at every stage of your divorce, making decisions with confidence.
Understanding the divorce process can help alleviate some of the stress and uncertainty you may be feeling. Here’s an overview of what you can expect when filing for divorce in Jacksonville, N.C.:
Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with a confidential consultation. We’ll discuss your situation, assess your case’s complexities, and outline potential paths forward. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of what lies ahead.
Filing for Divorce
We’ll guide you through filing for divorce, ensuring all paperwork is accurate and timely. We’ll help you navigate North Carolina’s one-year separation requirement and address immediate concerns like temporary child custody, temporary child support, post-separation support, and/or interim allocation.
Negotiation and Mediation
When possible, we aim to resolve issues through negotiation or mediation. This approach often saves time, money, and emotional stress. Our skilled negotiators will work tirelessly to achieve a fair settlement that meets your needs, potentially avoiding a lengthy court battle.
Litigation
If courtroom advocacy becomes necessary, our experienced trial attorneys are ready. We’ve successfully litigated complex divorce cases and divorce-related claims and will vigorously defend your interests before a judge.
Child Custody and Child Support
We’ll help you develop a custody arrangement that serves your children’s best interests while protecting your parental rights. We’ll also ensure fair child support calculations for your case, taking into account factors such as income, health care costs, and educational expenses.
Property Division
North Carolina follows equitable distribution laws for marital property. We’ll work diligently to secure a fair share of marital assets and debts for you. Marital property typically includes assets acquired during the marriage, while separate property (such as inheritances or pre-marital assets) usually remains with the original owner.
We’ll help identify and value all marital property, including real estate, retirement accounts, and business interests, to secure an equitable division.
Alimony and Spousal Support
Whether you’re seeking alimony or defending against a support claim, we’ll advocate for a fair outcome based on your financial circumstances and needs. We’ll analyze factors such as the length of your marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and standard of living to build a strong case.
Alimony isn’t guaranteed in every divorce case and can be temporary or permanent depending on your specific circumstances. We’ll help you understand your rights and options regarding spousal support.
Don’t face your divorce alone. The experienced divorce attorneys at Castle, Peterson & Naylor, P.C. are ready to stand by your side and fight for your rights. Contact us today at (910) 347-3344 to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards your new beginning.
The duration of a divorce can vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether the claims asserted in it are contested or uncontested. In North Carolina, there’s a mandatory one-year separation period before you can file for divorce. However, you can, and you’re encouraged, to file an action, immediately after your separation, to assert the claims based on the status of having been married.
After filing such action, the uncontested portions of your divorce process can be finalized in a few months, while the contested portions, whether it is child custody, child support, spousal support or division of marital assets, can take a year or longer.
North Carolina follows equitable distribution laws, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Factors considered include each spouse’s income, earning potential and contributions to the marriage.
Alimony may be awarded based on various factors, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial needs and earning capacity, and marital misconduct. Our attorneys can help you understand your rights and options regarding alimony.
Child custody decisions are made based on the best interests of the child. Factors considered include each parent’s ability to care for the child, the child’s relationship with each parent, and the child’s preferences (if they’re of sufficient age and maturity).
While it’s possible to file for divorce without a lawyer, having an experienced lawyer represent you can protect your rights, ensure fair treatment and often lead to better outcomes, especially in complex cases involving children or significant assets. A skilled attorney can navigate legal complexities, negotiate on your behalf and provide invaluable guidance throughout the process.