Either spouse must have been a resident of North Carolina for at least six months prior to filing for divorce. Living separate and apart without cohabitation for one year. Separate property comprises any property acquired before the marriage, gifts and inheritances, property acquired in exchange for separate property, increase in value of separate property, expectation of a nonvested pension, retirement, or other deferred compensation rights. Marital property is property acquired during the marriage and not separate. The court shall divided the marital property equally, unless an equal division is not fair and equitable.
Division is based on sixteen enumerated factors.
Either spouse may be awarded alimony or maintenance. The amount, duration, and manner of payment is in the court's discretion, based on sixteen enumerated factors. Joint or sole child custody is determined according to the interests and welfare of the child. There is no presumption that either parent is better suited to have custody. The court shall consider all relevant factors, including acts of domestic violence and the safety of the child.