This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by Justin C. Olsinski following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. Justin C. Olsinski, the Founding Partner, has 16+ years of legal experience as an attorney.
When you face a major change in your life like ending a marriage, having the right help can change everything. The Olsinski Law Firm serves as a guide for individuals in Concord and throughout Cabarrus County who need to resolve family law matters.
A Concord divorce lawyer understands that every family unit is different and needs a unique plan. Whether you are dealing with a high-stakes custody battle or a simple divorce, we treat your case with the care it deserves. We help you manage the strict North Carolina family laws so you can reach an out-of-court agreement or succeed in the courtroom.
Starting the divorce process in Concord can feel like a long, difficult road. However, it is also a chance to build a better life for yourself and your loved ones. The Olsinski Law Firm is here to simplify the legal steps at the Cabarrus County Courthouse so you can find peace during this time.
Taking the first step toward a divorce decree requires a clear understanding of your current situation. You may have questions about where you will live or how you will pay your bills during the mandatory waiting period. Our divorce attorneys sit down with you to look at your goals and create a roadmap for the months ahead.
Every county has its own way of handling family law cases, and Concord is no different. The judges at the courthouse at 77 Union Street South follow specific local rules that can affect how fast your case moves. We use our local insight to help you avoid common mistakes that could slow down your progress or cost you more money.
The legal base of your case is built on specific North Carolina family laws that dictate when and how a marriage ends. Understanding these rules is vital for anyone looking to file for an absolute divorce. The Olsinski Law Firm ensures that you meet all legal requirements so your case stands on solid ground from day one.
In North Carolina, an absolute divorce is the final legal end of a marriage. To get this, you do not need to prove fault; you only need to show that you lived apart for one year.
On the other hand, a "divorce from bed and board" is a court-ordered separation usually based on fault, such as abandonment or cruelty. This does not end the marriage, but it can help a spouse get a court order for support or possession of the home.
The one-year separation rule under NCGS § 50-6 is the most important part of the divorce process. You and your spouse must live in different residences to start the clock on your year of separation. During this period, it is highly advisable to execute legal separation agreements. These documents outline who is responsible for marital property and debts before the divorce is finalized.
When you end a marriage, the court has to help you untie several legal and financial knots. These issues can be settled by an out-of-court agreement or by a judge at the Cabarrus County Courthouse. The Olsinski Law Firm focuses on finding a fair path for each of these core areas.
North Carolina follows the rule of equitable distribution under NCGS § 50-20. This means the court considers all marital property and debts incurred during the marriage and seeks to split them fairly. While the judge usually starts with a 50/50 split, they can change that amount based on things like your age, health, and income. We help you protect your separate property, like an inheritance or gifts, so they stay with you after the case is over.
Deciding where your children will live and who will make big life choices for them is often the most stressful part of a family law matter. The court makes these choices based on the "best interests of the child" standard. This includes considering legal custody for major decisions and physical custody for day-to-day care. We work to build child custody arrangements that keep your children’s lives stable and support their family relationships.
Both parents have a duty to provide for their children after a split. The state uses child support guidelines to determine the amount needed based on both parents' incomes and the cost of childcare or health insurance.
These guidelines help ensure that the children have the same level of support they had when the family was together. Our team ensures the calculations are accurate so your child receives the appropriate level of support under the law.
If one person is the primary earner, the other may be entitled to spousal support to help them remain financially stable. Under NCGS § 50-16.3A, a judge can award alimony after looking at the needs of the dependent spouse and the other person's ability to pay. Factors like how long you were married and your standard of living play a big role in this decision. We help you seek a fair court order that reflects your actual financial needs.
There is more than one way to reach a final decree of divorce in North Carolina. Some couples can agree on everything privately, while others need a judge to make the final call. The Olsinski Law Firm helps you pick the right path for your specific situation and family needs.
Many families in Concord choose divorce mediation to settle their issues without a public trial. In this process, a neutral person helps both sides discuss issues such as property and children to reach a marital agreement. If that does not work, divorce arbitration is another option in which a private judge issues a binding decision. These paths can be faster and less stressful than going to a full trial.
If an agreement is not possible, your case will go to a hearing at the courthouse in Concord. This is often the case in a high-conflict divorce when the two sides cannot agree on key facts. A judge will hear from both parties and use North Carolina family laws to issue a final ruling. Our attorneys provide the strong voice you need in the courtroom to make sure your side of the story is heard.
The legal team you choose can change the outcome of your entire case. At the Olsinski Law Firm, we combine a deep understanding of North Carolina family laws with a personal approach for every client. We believe that you deserve more than just paperwork; you deserve a partner who fights for your goals.
Choosing a local concord family lawyer means you have someone who understands the community and the specific needs of Cabarrus County families. We take the time to listen to your story and build a plan that fits your life. Our firm is dedicated to helping you move through this process with as little stress as possible.
Receiving your final decree of divorce is a major milestone, but it is rarely the end of your legal journey. Life continues to change, and your court orders may need to change along with it. The Olsinski Law Firm helps you handle these post-divorce matters to ensure your legal arrangements stay fair and current.
Sometimes, a former spouse may fail to follow a court order regarding child support or physical custody. When this happens, you may need to file a motion for contempt to ask the judge to enforce the original rules. We help you gather evidence and return to court to make sure the terms of your marital agreement are respected.
North Carolina law allows you to ask for changes to your orders if there is a "substantial change in circumstances." Common reasons for a modification include:
After a divorce, moving forward means finding your new normal and securing your financial independence. We provide advice on how to handle the transfer of marital property and ensure that family businesses are handled according to your agreement. Our team is here to support you even after the final papers are signed, helping you maintain a stable family unit.
Under NCGS § 50-20, a wife is entitled to an equitable share of marital property and debts. This may include alimony if she is the dependent spouse.
North Carolina is a no-fault state, so filing first does not give you a legal edge. However, it allows you to set the court date and choose the location.
An uncontested simple divorce, where both parties agree, is the most affordable option. Using divorce mediation to reach an out-of-court agreement also keeps legal fees lower.
The house remains yours if the decree of divorce gave it to you as separate property. However, remarrying can create new shared interests in the home over time.
You must live separate and apart for one year and one day before filing. After filing, there is a 30-day waiting period for the other person to respond.
Legal custody is the right to make major life decisions about education or health. Physical custody refers to which parent the child actually lives with day-to-day.
If you are facing the end of your marriage, you do not have to walk this path by yourself. The Olsinski Law Firm is here to help you protect your rights, review your assets, and build a plan for a better future. Timing is often critical in family law matters, so seeking professional advice early can prevent many problems later.
If you have questions about child support or your custody arrangements, reach out to the dedicated team at the Olsinski Law Firm. Our divorce attorneys have years of experience handling all types of divorce cases, from simple splits to high-stakes custody battles. To learn more and to schedule your meeting with a Concord divorce lawyer, give us a call today. We represent families throughout Cabarrus County and the surrounding areas of North Carolina.
Resolving property division and support issues is a serious and hard task. At the Olsinski Law Firm, we understand the tactics used by other lawyers to limit what you receive. We work hard to prove your needs and fight for your right to a fair court order for alimony and assets. Contact us today for a free meeting to see how we can help you through this life change.
Mr. Olsinski founded his criminal defense practice in Charlotte, NC, in January 2010. He has successfully defended cases ranging from B1 Felony First Degree Sex Offenses/First Degree Murder to Misdemeanor marijuana charges.
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