
Hickory Divorce Lawyer
Hickory Divorce Attorneys
Strategic Family Law Representation in Hickory, NC and Surrounding Areas
King & Rowe, Attorneys at Law
If you’re researching divorce in North Carolina, you may already feel overwhelmed. You’re not alone. Whether you’re ready to file, just separated, or simply exploring your options, having the right divorce attorney near you can make all the difference. At King & Rowe, Attorneys at Law, we combine legal experience, deep local knowledge, and a commitment to client care to guide you through even the most complex divorce proceedings.
We proudly represent individuals and families across Catawba County, including Hickory, Newton, Conover, and beyond, in all areas of North Carolina family law, with a focus on high-integrity, results-driven advocacy.
Why Hire a North Carolina Divorce Attorney?
Divorce in North Carolina Is Not Just About Ending a Marriage. It’s About Protecting Your Future.
North Carolina divorce law involves a web of legal issues — property division, child custody, spousal support, debt allocation, and parenting rights. Each area requires detailed attention to law and fact. While an absolute divorceformally ends a marriage, it does not resolve financial matters unless they are explicitly addressed.
Hiring a local, experienced North Carolina divorce attorney ensures:
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Your paperwork is properly filed with the right county court
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You meet all legal deadlines and statutory requirements
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You do not forfeit your right to property or alimony by mistake
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You have strong representation in hearings or negotiations
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You receive practical advice tailored to your life and goals
❗ NOTE: If you finalize your divorce before addressing equitable distribution or spousal support, you may lose the right to claim them. Always consult an attorney before filing.
Grounds for Divorce in North Carolina
North Carolina recognizes two types of divorce:
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Absolute Divorce – Ends the legal marriage.
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Divorce from Bed and Board – A court-ordered separation based on fault; does not legally dissolve the marriage.
In most cases, clients seek an absolute divorce, which is a “no-fault” divorce based on one year of separation.
Legal Requirements for Absolute Divorce:
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Living Separate and Apart for 12 consecutive months
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At least one spouse must intend for the separation to be permanent
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Residency: One spouse must have lived in NC for at least 6 months before filing
📘 Statutory Reference: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50-6 – Absolute Divorce Requirements
Our Divorce Services – Comprehensive and Customized
At King & Rowe, we offer full-spectrum divorce representation, from the initial separation to the final decree and beyond. Whether you’re navigating an uncontested divorce or litigating complex family issues, our firm tailors strategies to meet your unique needs.
⮕ Legal Separation & Separation Agreements
While North Carolina does not require a formal court order to be “legally separated,” we strongly recommend a separation agreement, especially when children or assets are involved. These contracts can address:
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Property division
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Spousal support
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Custody schedules
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Child support
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Debt obligations
Separation agreements are legally binding and often form the foundation of future court orders.
⮕ Child Custody & Parenting Plans
Custody matters are determined based on the best interest of the child standard. We help clients resolve:
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Legal custody (decision-making authority)
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Physical custody (residential schedule)
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Visitation plans (including supervised visitation, holiday schedules, and travel)
We handle both mediation-based custody resolutions and high-conflict custody litigation.
📘 Statute: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50-13.2 – Custody Determination
⮕ Equitable Distribution of Assets & Debts
Dividing property during divorce involves identifying marital vs. separate property, valuing assets, and distributing them equitably (not necessarily equally). We help clients navigate:
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Homes and real estate
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Retirement accounts (401(k), IRA, pensions)
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Closely held businesses
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Credit card debt and loans
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Vehicles, bank accounts, and investments
We work with forensic accountants and appraisers to ensure accurate valuations and effective outcomes.
📘 Statute: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50-20 – Equitable Distribution
⮕ Spousal Support / Alimony
In North Carolina, post-separation support and alimony may be awarded based on several factors:
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Duration of the marriage
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Income disparity
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Standard of living
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Marital misconduct (e.g., infidelity)
We advocate for fair spousal support and ensure your financial interests are fully protected.
📘 Statute: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50-16.3A – Alimony Factors
⮕ Complex and High-Asset Divorce
Divorces involving businesses, investments, and substantial assets require advanced legal and financial strategy. We work with:
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CPAs and valuation experts
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Real estate professionals
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Business appraisers
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Tax advisors
Whether you’re a business owner, physician, executive, or a non-working spouse, we build a plan to safeguard your long-term stability.
⮕ Domestic Violence & Protective Orders
If your separation involves abuse or threats, we act immediately to protect you and your children through:
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Filing for DVPOs (50B Protective Orders)
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Emergency custody hearings
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Coordination with law enforcement and support organizations
Your safety is our top priority.
📘 Learn More: NC Courts – Domestic Violence Help
Serving Clients Across the Region
When people search for “divorce lawyers near me”, they often want someone who not only understands the law, but who knows the local court system. We routinely appear in the Catawba County Family Court and surrounding district courts, including:
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Hickory, NC
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Newton, NC
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Claremont, NC
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Conover, NC
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Taylorsville, NC
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Morganton, NC
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Lenoir, NC
What Makes King & Rowe, Attorneys at Law Different?
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✅ Named Readers' Choice Best Law Office – Catawba County
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✅ Over a Decade of Family Law Experience
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✅ Highly Personalized Case Strategy
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✅ Honest, Clear Legal Advice
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✅ Strong Courtroom Presence & Negotiation Skill
From day one, you’ll work directly with a North Carolina divorce attorney who prioritizes your concerns and protects your legal rights.
Client Testimonials
“Alexander King guided me through a difficult custody battle with professionalism and care. I can’t imagine going through this process without King & Rowe.”
— S.B., Hickory, NC
“From the initial consultation to the final court date, King & Rowe was organized, responsive, and aggressive when I needed them to be.”
— J.T., Newton, NC
Schedule a Confidential Consultation Today
Going through a divorce is never easy, but with the right legal team, you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Contact King & Rowe, Attorneys at Law today to schedule your private consultation.
📞 Phone: (828) 466-2858
📧 Email: kingrowelaw@gmail.com
King & Rowe, Attorneys at Law – Guiding North Carolina families through divorce with strength, strategy, and compassion.
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How long do I have to be separated before filing for divorce in NC?North Carolina law requires spouses to be separated for at least one year before either party can file for divorce. Separation means living in separate residences with at least one spouse intending for the separation to be permanent.
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Do I need a legal separation agreement to start the one-year separation period?No. A formal separation agreement is not required to start the separation period. Simply living apart with the intent to remain separate is sufficient.
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Is North Carolina a no-fault divorce state?Yes, North Carolina allows for no-fault divorce, meaning that neither spouse needs to prove wrongdoing. The only requirements are one year of separation and at least one spouse having lived in the state for six months before filing.
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How long does the divorce process take?Once the divorce complaint is filed and served, the other spouse has 30 days to respond. After that, the court can schedule a hearing, and the divorce can typically be finalized within 45 to 90 days, depending on court availability.
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Does North Carolina require mediation before filing for divorce?Mediation is not required for an absolute divorce, but it is often required for disputes involving child custody and equitable distribution of property.
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How is property divided in a divorce?North Carolina follows equitable distribution, meaning the court divides marital property fairly, though not necessarily equally. Factors such as income, contributions to the marriage, and economic circumstances are considered.
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Am I entitled to alimony in my divorce?Alimony is not automatic. Courts consider factors such as income disparity, marital misconduct, duration of the marriage, and financial needs to determine if spousal support is appropriate
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What happens to debts in a divorce?Marital debts, like assets, are equitably divided. Generally, debts incurred during the marriage are shared, while individual debts taken before or after separation remain with the responsible party.
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Do I have to go to court for my divorce?If both parties agree on all terms, a divorce can be completed through an uncontested filing without a court appearance. However, contested divorces require court involvement.
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What if my spouse refuses to sign the divorce papers?A spouse’s refusal to sign does not stop the divorce. As long as the filing requirements are met, the court can grant a divorce even if one party does not consent.
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Can I remarry immediately after my divorce is final?Yes, once the court issues the final divorce decree, you are legally free to remarry without any waiting period.
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Do I need an attorney for my divorce?While it is possible to file for divorce without an attorney, legal representation is highly recommended, especially in cases involving property division, alimony, or child custody. For further legal guidance, contact King & Rowe, Attorneys at Law to schedule a consultation with an experienced Hickory-based family law attorney.
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Why should you choose King & Rowe Attorneys?
Being born and raised in Hickory NC, we are proud of the heritage and deep-rooted connections we have in the community. However, what matters most to us is serving our clients with excellence and integrity. We have the experience and legal skills needed to handle a wide variety of cases, from family law to criminal defense. At King & Rowe, Attorneys at Law, our focus is on helping our clients reach their desired outcome, no matter what legal challenges they may be facing.
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