Divorce Attorney Charlotte, NC
Charlotte Divorce Attorney | Hefferon Law, PLLC
Going through a divorce is one of the hardest things a person can face. At Hefferon Law, PLLC, we've helped Charlotte families through every type of divorce proceeding for over a decade. We understand what's at stake — your finances, your family, your future — and we're here to help you get through it.
An absolute divorce is the complete legal end of a marriage. North Carolina requires couples to live separately for at least one year before filing — you can read more about the separation period and what to do during it. One spouse must also have lived in NC for at least six months. North Carolina is a no-fault state, so neither party needs to prove wrongdoing.
One important thing to know: claims for alimony and property division must generally be raised before the divorce is finalized — or you may lose the right to bring them permanently. We make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
Despite the name, this is not an actual divorce — it doesn't end the marriage or allow remarriage. It's a court-ordered separation available when one spouse can prove fault, such as abandonment, adultery, or cruel treatment. It can be a meaningful legal tool in the right situation, particularly when it comes to establishing fault that affects alimony.
An annulment is a legal declaration that the marriage was never valid. Annulments are genuinely difficult to obtain in North Carolina — they're only available in very specific circumstances, such as bigamy or one party lacking the mental capacity to consent. Fraud and duress are not recognized grounds in NC, unlike in some other states.
If you think your situation might qualify, this is something to discuss with us directly. Contact Hefferon Law to talk through the specifics before drawing any conclusions.
The one-year separation period isn't just waiting time — it's when the most important decisions about your divorce get made. During this time, you should be thinking about:
Drafting a separation agreement that covers property, debts, and support
Addressing child custody and a parenting plan if children are involved
Preserving your alimony and property division claims before they are waived
Updating health insurance, beneficiary designations, and financial accounts
North Carolina divides marital property through equitable distribution — meaning fairly, not necessarily 50/50. Property you owned before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance is generally protected as separate property. We help clients identify what's marital, what's separate, and what needs protecting.
Legal Separation in North Carolina
Equitable Distribution — Property Division
A Fresh Start Begins Here
If you have questions about your situation, we're ready to help. Call us at (704) 610-4795, email info@hefflawpllc.com, or fill out our contact form and we'll be in touch within one business day.
We serve clients throughout Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Union County, Cabarrus County, Stanly County, Gaston County, and surrounding communities.