Divorce Attorneys in Charlotte, North Carolina

Myers Law Firm guides clients through divorce with compassion and steady, practical legal advice. We focus on protecting what matters most—your relationship with your children, your financial stability, and your peace of mind—while moving your case forward in a determined and efficient way.

If you’re considering divorce or have already separated, we invite you to contact one of our Charlotte divorce lawyers for a confidential consultation. We’ll listen to what’s happening, explain your options in plain language, and help you understand what the next steps should be.

Call 1-888-376-ATTY (2889) or reach out through our online contact form.

Divorce in North Carolina: What “Absolute Divorce” Means

In North Carolina, the legal term for divorce is “absolute divorce.” This is the court process that officially ends a marriage. For many people, the divorce itself is not the most complicated part.

What often makes divorce feel “long” or “drawn out” are related legal issues that must be resolved when a marriage ends, such as:

In some cases, post–separation support, domestic violence issues, or enforcement of existing orders also must be addressed.

Our role is to help you understand which of these issues apply to your case, what the law allows, and how to pursue an outcome that protects your future.

The Major Issues in Most North Carolina Divorce Cases

Child Custody

If you and your spouse have minor children, the court (or your agreement) must address two types of custody:

Physical custody: where the child lives and the parenting-time schedule

Legal custody: who makes major decisions about education, medical care, and other long-term issues

Custody decisions are based on the child’s best interests. North Carolina law does not automatically favor either parent. But a well-prepared custody plan can reduce conflict, provide stability for your child, and help protect your parental rights.

BLOG: What’s the Difference Between Shared Custody vs. Joint Custody?

Child Support

Child support is meant to ensure children are supported financially after separation. In many cases, support is calculated under North Carolina Child Support Guidelines, which consider factors like income, childcare costs, health insurance premiums, and the custody schedule. In some situations, the court may deviate from the guideline amount.

Property Division (Equitable Distribution)

When spouses separate, property issues can quickly become complicated. This is especially true when there are retirement accounts, a home, a business interest, debt, or assets acquired over many years.

North Carolina divides marital property under equitable distribution, meaning the court aims for a division that is fair. The judge starts with the presumption that a 50/50 split is fair, but either spouse may argue for an unequal split based on statutory factors.

Importantly, separate property (typically property owned before marriage or received as a gift or inheritance to one spouse alone) generally isn’t divided, but you may need evidence to prove what is separate.

BLOG: Equitable Distribution – What Does “Marital Property” Mean in Property Division Cases?

Spousal Support (Alimony) and Postseparation Support

Spousal support can be one of the most stressful issues because it impacts day-to-day living. In North Carolina, a spouse may seek:

Postseparation support (PSS): temporary support while the divorce is pending
Alimony: long-term support after a divorce

Whether support is appropriate and how much is demanded depends on many factors, including each spouse’s income, earning capacity, standard of living during the marriage, and other circumstances. Some forms of marital misconduct may be relevant to alimony, even though they generally are not part of property division.

Hear From Our Clients

“I wanted to thank you. I know it takes a lot to put together a case. After the first time meeting with you, you remembered our information, barely referring to your notes and continued to do so. You were generous with your thoughts and ideas as to how we could get what we were hoping for and it's so appreciated. We couldn't have gotten the verdict yesterday without you....It really does make a difference that you seem to care.”

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“I went to another law firm and they turned me down…would not take my case. Myers Law Firm met with me, handled my case and would not back down from insurance company. Even when they had to file suit to protect me for my personal injury and property damage. I received a very fair settlement. Mr. Myers I appreciate you and your staff.”

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“Mr. Lee-Thanks to you and Bessie for all of your help last year and most recently with the referral. I sold the house and the kids and I moved 8 days before Christmas. God is good, faithful and true.”

S.W.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Get Divorced in North Carolina?

You are not legally required to hire a divorce attorney. Some spouses can complete an uncontested divorce on their own, typically when:

There are no minor children
There are no significant assets or debts to divide
Both spouses agree on everything and can follow the court process carefully

However, in most real-world divorces, having an experienced divorce lawyer is strongly recommended—even in amicable cases—because the consequences of mistakes can be long-lasting. A divorce lawyer in Charlotte can help you work through the process with experience and a keen eye for your rights.

When Handling Your Divorce on Your Own Is a Bad Idea

If any of the following apply to you, it’s wise to speak with a divorce lawyer before you sign anything or file paperwork:

You have children and custody is disputed (or may become disputed)
You or your spouse own a home, retirement accounts, investments, or significant debt
One spouse earns substantially more than the other
You suspect hidden assets, cash income, or financial gamesmanship
There’s conflict, intimidation, or a history of domestic violence
Your spouse already hired a divorce lawyer
You’re being pressured to sign a separation agreement quickly

Trying to “save money” by going it alone can cost far more later if your agreement is unfair, incomplete, or legally unenforceable. And custody mistakes can create barriers between you and your children that are difficult to undo.

At Myers Law Firm, our Charlotte divorce attorneys help you move forward with a clear plan, steady guidance, and strong advocacy when it matters most.

Our Approach to Divorce Cases at Myers Law Firm

Divorce is personal, and we treat every case with respect. Our Charlotte divorce lawyers focus on:

Reasonable compromises when possible, and strong negotiations when necessary
Clear, respectful communication with the other side and their attorney
Practical solutions that protect your long-term stability
Courtroom readiness when a settlement is not fair or not possible

Some divorces resolve through a carefully drafted separation agreement. Others require litigation because the stakes are high or the other party refuses to act reasonably. Either way, we can tailor the strategy to your situation—not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Want to learn more about family law cases?

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North Carolina Divorce FAQs

Who can get an absolute divorce in North Carolina?

To obtain an absolute divorce in Mecklenburg County (and throughout North Carolina), you generally must meet these requirements:

You and your spouse have lived separate and apart for one continuous year (resuming living together can restart the clock)
At least one spouse intended the separation to be permanent at the time of separation
At least one spouse has lived in North Carolina for at least six months before filing

After eligibility is met, one spouse files a complaint and serves the other spouse with the summons and complaint.

How long does the divorce process take in North Carolina?

You must be separated for one year before filing. After filing, an uncontested divorce can sometimes be finalized in roughly 60–90 days after service of the lawsuit depending on court scheduling and proper paperwork.

However, issues like custody, support, and property division can take longer if they are contested.

What’s the difference between separation and divorce in North Carolina?

Separation means you and your spouse live separately with the intent to end the marriage. Divorce is a court order that legally ends the marriage.

You can negotiate and sign a separation agreement during separation. You don’t have to wait the full year to address custody, support, or property issues.

BLOG: What’s the Difference Between Separation and Divorce in North Carolina?

Can we live in the same house and still be “separated” for the one-year period?

In most situations, no. The separation required for absolute divorce generally means living separately in different residences. If your living situation is complicated, it’s worth speaking with a Charlotte divorce attorney before you rely on assumptions that could delay your divorce.

What is a separation agreement, and do I need one?

A separation agreement is a private contract that can resolve property division, support, and other issues while you are separated. Many couples use separation agreements to avoid litigation and reduce conflict. Whether you “need” one depends on your goals and situation, but it can be a powerful tool when it’s drafted carefully and fairly.

How is child custody determined?

Custody can be resolved by:

A private agreement (not filed)
A consent order approved by a judge
A court order entered after litigation

If the court must decide, the judge focuses on the child’s best interests—considering stability, each parent’s caregiving history, the child’s needs, and other relevant factors. There is no automatic preference for a mother or father.

BLOG: Understand the Difference Between a Separation Agreement and a Consent Order

How is child support calculated?

Most child support is set using North Carolina Child Support Guidelines, based on income and other factors like childcare costs, health insurance premiums, and the custody schedule. In some cases, a deviation may apply (such as high combined income or circumstances that make the guideline amount unreasonable).

How is property divided in a North Carolina divorce?

Marital property is divided under equitable distribution. Courts begin with a presumption that a

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Speak With a Charlotte Divorce Lawyer at Myers Law Firm

If you’re thinking about divorce or have already separated, you deserve clear answers and steady support. The decisions you make now can affect your finances, your custody rights, and your future for years to come. Our firm is here to help you move forward with confidence.

To get help today, call Myers Law Firm at 1-888-376-ATTY (2889) or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation. We’ll explain your rights, outline your options, and work with you toward a practical outcome that protects what matters most.

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