Divorce

Working with Experts in a Complicated Divorce Case

The majority of divorces in Charlotte, North Carolina involve one or both spouses working outside the home, earning a paycheck, and contributing to retirement accounts. The divorce process can become more complicated when the couple has accumulated significant assets during their marriage, has children, and owns a business. If you are in this situation, you might be wondering whether or not you must hire experts in your divorce case. 

Experts in divorces that involve significant assets, children, and businesses are important partners. A charlotte family law attorney is the most important expert you should hire. Other experts can also offer helpful testimony in your favor. These experts include the following:

Accountant

A certified public accountant or CPA can compile your finances to ensure you know what marital assets you will discuss in court during the divorce. Any sale or transfer of assets after a divorce has tax consequences and a CPA can help you understand what you should pay with every option. 

Property Appraiser

A property appraiser can determine the fair market value of your real property. This offers accurate information to the court to help it determine an equitable division. To calculate the market value, the appraiser will search public records for recent property sales in Charlotte and compile a report using the square footage of your property and amenities. 

Child Custody Evaluator

A child custody evaluator is a mental health expert who meets with everyone in your family and observes interactions between you and your children to help the court determine a custody and visitation agreement that best benefits the children. Sometimes, the court may order psychological testing as part of the custody evaluation. It is appropriate to use an evaluator if you and your spouse can’t agree on a custody agreement.

Retirement Plan Expert

401(k) accounts and pension plans have significant value. In North Carolina, all marital property is subject to an equitable division including some retirement accounts. These accounts may be part marital property and part separate property, depending on some factors. Retirement plan experts assess accounts by preparing information for the court on the kind of plan, any increase in valuing during the marriage, the first potential retirement date of the plan owner, and the years of employment before and during the marriage. 

Experienced family law attorneys have a network of experts they work with. If you have decided to file for divorce, the right attorney will help you through this difficult process and work with expert witnesses to build a strong case for you. 

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