What do I do if my ex contests the divorce or doesn't sign the papers?

Sorry to tell him or her, but the divorce is going to happen eventually. They are just prolonging the process. 

In NC, you can get divorced after being separated for 1 year (unless one of you is mentally incompetent). No papers have to be signed by your spouse and they do not have to consent to the divorce in NC. No one has to be at fault and you don't even have to have a reason for the divorce. So, the only real defense to divorce is that you were not actually separated for 1 year. If this is his/her defense, you can just wait the additional time required for the 1 year separation to be in effect and your divorce will still be granted!

Remember that you cannot rekindle the relationship or attempt to get back together during the 1 year separation, otherwise, the clock starts over. In NC, sleeping together once in awhile is not considered getting back together. So don't worry if you guys did something you now regret after that wedding reception with the open bar last summer.

You must file for alimony, post-separation support, and an equitable distribution of your property before or when you file for divorce otherwise the claims are lost forever. 

Contact me at (919)321-6569, Nastasia@KisalaWatkins.com, or at www.KisalaWatkins.com for assistance with your divorce questions.