Can I Date During My Divorce? What North Carolina Law and Strategy Suggest

October 17, 2025

Can I Date During My Divorce? What North Carolina Law and Strategy Suggest

Going through a divorce can be a stressful and emotionally draining process, and it’s natural to crave companionship. However, before you start dating again, it’s important to understand how dating during a divorce could impact your case in North Carolina. Even though there’s no law that explicitly forbids dating while your divorce is pending, it can still have serious legal and financial consequences.


How North Carolina Law Views Dating During Divorce


North Carolina is one of the few states that still recognizes marital fault, and adultery—defined as having a sexual relationship with someone who is not your spouse before the divorce is finalized—can be considered a form of marital misconduct. This matters because North Carolina requires spouses to live “separate and apart” for at least one year before filing for divorce. If you start dating or engaging in romantic relationships before that separation period ends, your spouse may use it against you in court.


Effects on Alimony and Property Division


Dating during a divorce can particularly affect spousal support. If you’re seeking alimony, evidence of a relationship before your separation could disqualify you from receiving it. On the other hand, if your spouse is the one accused of adultery, it could strengthen your claim for alimony. Even after separation, openly dating could still complicate financial negotiations and raise emotional tensions that prolong the process.


Impact on Custody and Parenting Arrangements


If children are involved, dating during a divorce can influence custody decisions. Judges in North Carolina prioritize the best interests of the child. Introducing a new partner too soon can be viewed as disruptive or confusing for the children, and your spouse might argue that it negatively affects their well-being.


Strategic Considerations Before Dating Again


While you might feel ready to move on, it’s often wise to wait until your divorce is finalized. If you do choose to date, keeping your relationship discreet and separate from your children can help reduce unnecessary conflict.


Get Guidance from a Family Law Attorney in Hickory


Divorce cases can quickly become complicated when dating enters the picture. At The Stiltner Law Firm, PLLC, we can provide legal assistance to the Hickory public, helping you navigate family law matters with care and strategy.

Everything You Need to Know About Child Support in North Carolina

By Gary Stiltner • September 28, 2023
When going through a divorce, child support can be a hot topic. As a parent, you want to ensure that your children are taken care of financially. But at what age does child support end in North Carolina? What about child support obligations outlined in the divorce agreement? Can child support end early? And what do you do if your ex stops paying early? In this post, we’ll answer all those questions and more, so let’s dive in! At What Age Does Child Support End in North Carolina?  In North Carolina, child support typically ends when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later. However, child support can continue until the child turns 20 if they are still in high school, on track to graduate, and still living with the custodial parent. This amount may vary depending on the child's needs, and it's possible that the court may order payments to continue even after the child has turned 20. Are Child Support Obligations Outlined in the Divorce Agreement? Absolutely. Any child support obligations will be outlined in the divorce agreement, also known as a separation agreement or property settlement agreement. This agreement will detail each parent's responsibilities when it comes to supporting their children. If there is no agreement in place, the court will determine the amount of child support to be paid based on the relevant North Carolina law. Can Child Support End Early? In certain cases, child support can end early. For example, if the child becomes emancipated before turning 18, then child support will no longer be required. If you were ordered to pay child support, but the other parent remarries or begins cohabiting with a partner, a court may decide to terminate child support early. It is best to consult an attorney to see if your individual circumstances qualify for early termination. What Do You Do If Your Ex Stops Paying Early? If your ex stops paying early, it is important to take action quickly. Child support is a court-ordered responsibility, and any failure to pay can result in serious legal consequences. The first step is to try to resolve the issue through communication or mediation. If all else fails, an attorney can help you navigate the legal system to ensure that your children are still taken care of financially. How Can an Attorney Help? An attorney can help in a few ways, including: - Drafting and reviewing the separation agreement to ensure child support obligations are clearly outlined - Requesting child support orders that comply with state law and meet your child's individual needs - Enforcing child support payments that are overdue or have been terminated early - Modifying child support orders if your financial circumstances have changed Child support can be a complicated process to navigate, especially if your ex stops paying early or you need to take them to court for nonpayment. At The Stiltner Law Firm, PLLC, we can help you understand your child support options and guide you through the legal process. If you're a North Carolina resident and need assistance with a child support matter, don't hesitate to get in touch – we're here to help!

What to Do If Your Ex Refuses to Pay Spousal Support

By Gary Stiltner • August 31, 2023
A divorce can be tough to navigate, especially when one party is required to pay spousal support but refuses to do so. In North Carolina, there are options available to those who are experiencing this issue. Read on to learn what you can do if your ex refuses to pay spousal support.  1. Understand Your Rights: Before taking any further action, it’s important to understand your rights as a spouse who is owed spousal support. North Carolina law states that spousal support is mandatory if the supporting spouse has the ability to pay. If your ex is refusing to pay, they are in violation of the court’s order. You have a right to seek enforcement of their obligation. 2. Contact the Court: The first step you can take is to contact the court where your divorce was filed and request enforcement of the spousal support order. The court may issue a contempt order against your ex, which can result in fines or even jail time. It’s important to provide any evidence you have that shows your ex is capable of paying, but just refusing to do so. 3. Seek Legal Assistance: You may also consider seeking the assistance of a family law attorney. An attorney can help you understand your options and advocate on your behalf. They may also know of other enforcement methods that you are not aware of, such as wage garnishment or seizure of assets. 4. Consider Alternative Dispute Resolution: In some cases, alternative dispute resolution may be a better option than taking your ex to court. Mediation or arbitration can help you come to a resolution without the need for court involvement. However, this only works if both parties are willing to participate and come to an agreement. 5. Document Everything: Lastly, make sure you document everything related to your ex’s refusal to pay spousal support. This can include communication, bank statements, and any other relevant evidence. This documentation can be used as evidence if you need to take legal action. Dealing with an ex who refuses to pay spousal support can be frustrating, but it’s important to know that you have options. Whether you seek legal assistance or attempt alternative dispute resolution methods, it’s important to stay focused on finding a solution. Don’t hesitate to seek help, and remember to document everything. By doing so, you can hold your ex accountable and ensure that you receive the support that you are entitled to.