When most of us say “I do”, we expect it to be forever. After all, it’s quite likely that we might not have walked down the aisle in the first place had we believed otherwise. Certainly, in some cases, marriage truly does last forever. Of course, the truth of the matter is that this never happens without a great deal of work and effort on behalf of both parties to a marriage. It is important to understand and acknowledge though, that even in some cases where both parties are putting forth the effort and truly do want their marriage to work, sometimes, for any number of reasons, it simply doesn’t.

In this guide, we address the major issues that couples encounter during a divorce - issues of child custody, spousal and child support, and property division. We also address a host of other important matters, from issues you might consider as you contemplate divorce in the first place, all the way through the resolution of the divorce process as you prepare to begin the next chapter of your life, and everything in between.

From emotions to financial and legal issues, this guide provides the reader with the information they need to understand and survive divorce and child custody issues in North Carolina. This book is designed to help the listener understand such issues as property division upon separation, child custody and child support, and spousal support. We answer questions regarding marriage counseling, domestic abuse, affairs and alienation of affection, the process of divorce, parenting agreements, separation agreements, and entitlement to alimony.

Realizing that divorce may be the best choice as you move forward toward the next chapter of your life can be incredibly difficult, even as you realize it is best. Certainly, everyone who makes this decision does so in their own way, in their own time, and for their own reasons. While this is true, and while every divorce is different, there are some things about divorce that are universally true. One of those truths is this: Divorce is difficult. That’s the truth, plain and simple. It is painful, it is stressful, and it can certainly be overwhelming. Another truth is this: no divorce guide can fix it. That’s just the reality of the situation. No amount of advice, or explanation, or legal knowledge will be able to entirely remove the pain that you feel or make the divorce process completely stress-free. It simply won’t happen. The fact of the matter is that any divorce will come with its share of pain. It will be difficult. It will be stressful. There will be moments of grief and anger and frustration - and there is no quick or easy way around it. The good news though is that there are steps you can take to make a painful and difficult process slightly less so. That is the hope and purpose of providing this guide, and it is the spirit in which it is made available to you.

Christopher Adkins is a native of the Charlotte area, and founder of Adkins Law, PLLC, a family law firm located in Huntersville, North Carolina and focused on providing the highest quality representation in family law. He has been through the divorce process, child custody and support issues, is passionate about helping families, and considers it an honor to have successfully represented and mediated countless clients through their divorce, custody, and support issues, and onto the next chapter of their lives.