From the order of the trial court, plaintiff, through his representative, filed timely notice of appeal. Plaintiff's argument has merit. N.C. Gen. Stat. The court may enter a judgment of absolute divorce pursuant to the procedures set forth in G.S. 1A-1, Rule 56, finding all requisite facts from nontestimonial evidence presented by affidavit, verified motion or other verified pleading. N.C. Gen. Stat.
Findings of fact are statements of what happened in space and time.
State ex rel. This notwithstanding, a pronouncement by the trial court which does not require the employment of legal principles will be treated as a finding of fact, regardless of how it is denominated in the court's order. See Gainey v. 121 N.C. App. In the order vacating the judgment of absolute divorce, the trial court found that the judgment lacked factual findings pertaining to the issues of one year's separation and North Carolina residency.