The Intricacies of Divorce Law: Across-State Examination

Elizabeth Stephenson and Sarah J. Hink of New Direction Family Law introduce new attorney Tyler E. Kaestner, who recently moved from Pennsylvania to Raleigh, and discuss key differences between Pennsylvania and North Carolina family law and procedure. They compare divorce timelines and separation requirements (including Pennsylvania’s ability to be “separated” while living in the same home), custody processes using conciliation officers and Zoom conferences, and child support rules such as Pennsylvania’s lack of retroactive child support and use of net income. They also cover easier modification standards in Pennsylvania, shorter alimony durations there versus longer potential awards in North Carolina, North Carolina’s alienation of affection/criminal conversation claims and proposed legislative changes, and major differences in discovery and subpoena procedures. They warn against relying on Google/AI or friends for legal advice, noting AI outputs may be wrong and what you enter into AI may be discoverable. 00:00 Child Support Shock 00:44 Meet the Attorneys 00:58 Tyler Joins the Firm 02:21 Divorce Filing Rules 03:06 What Counts as Separation 04:50 NC Law May Change 06:38 Custody Process Differences 08:50 Out of State Orders 09:53 Child Support Pitfalls 12:46 Guidelines Net vs Gross 13:40 Modifying Orders Loopholes 14:31 Custody Mods Without Change 15:42 Mediation Differences 16:34 Conference Officer Path 17:14 Alimony Rules Compared 18:22 Alienation Claims Drama 20:22 Affairs and Alimony Bars 21:49 Subpoenas and Discovery Shock 23:56 AI and Legal Pitfalls 25:41 Pro Se TikTok Warnings 26:52 Wrap Up and Thanks