reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
NC Gen Stat § 50-12 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 50 - Divorce and Alimony|Article 1 - Divorce, Alimony, and Child Support, Generally.|§ 50-12 - Resumption of maiden or premarriage surname.

 50-12. Resumption of maiden or premarriage surname.(a) Any woman whose marriage is dissolved by a decree of absolute divorce may, upon application to the clerk of court of the county in which she resides or where the divorce was granted setting forth her intention to do so, change her name to any of the following:(1) Her maiden name; or(2) The surname of a prior deceased husband; or(3) The surname of a prior living husband if she has children who have that husband's surname.(a1) A man whose marriage is dissolved by decree of absolute divorce may, upon application to the clerk of court of the county in which he resides or where the divorce was granted setting forth his intention to do so, change the surname he took upon marriage to his premarriage surname.(b) The application and fee required by subsection (e) of this section shall be presented to the clerk of the court of the county in which such divorced person resides or where the divorce was granted, and shall set forth the full name of the former spouse of the applicant, the name of the county and state in which the divorce was granted, and the term or session of court at which such divorce was granted, and shall be signed by the woman in her full maiden name, or by the man in his full premarriage surname. The clerks of court of the several counties of the State shall record and index such applications in such manner as shall be required by the Administrative Office of the Courts.(c) If an applicant, since the divorce, has adopted one of the surnames listed in subsection (a) or (a1) of this section, the applicant's use and adoption of that name is validated.(d) In the complaint, or counterclaim for divorce filed by any person in this State, the person may petition the court to adopt any surname as provided by this section, and the court is authorized to incorporate in the divorce decree an order authorizing the person to adopt that surname.(e) For support of the General Court of Justice, a fee in the amount of ten dollars ($10.00) shall be assessed against each person requesting the resumption of maiden or premarriage surname in accordance with this section. Sums collected under this section shall be remitted to the State Treasurer.  (1937, c. 53; 1941, c. 9; 1951, c. 780; 1957, c. 394; 1971, c. 1185, s. 23; 1981, c. 494, ss. 1-4; 1985, c. 488; 1993 (Reg. Sess., 1994), c. 565, s. 1; 2005-38, s. 1; 2010-31, s. 15.9(a).)
NC Gen Stat § 50-13.01 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 50 - Divorce and Alimony|Article 1 - Divorce, Alimony, and Child Support, Generally.|§ 50-13.01 - Purposes.

 50-13.01. Purposes.It is the policy of the State of North Carolina to:(1) Encourage focused, good faith, and child-centered parenting agreements to reduce needless litigation over child custody matters and to promote the best interest of the child.(2) Encourage parents to take responsibility for their child by setting the expectation that parenthood will be a significant and ongoing responsibility.(3) Encourage programs and court practices that reflect the active and ongoing participation of both parents in the child's life and contact with both parents when such is in the child's best interest, regardless of the parents' present marital status, subject to laws regarding abuse, neglect, and dependency.(4) Encourage both parents to share equitably in the rights and responsibilities of raising their child, even after dissolution of marriage or unwed relationship.(5) Encourage each parent to establish and maintain a healthy relationship with the other parent when such is determined to be in the best interest of the child, taking into account mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence, or any other factor the court deems appropriate.  (2015-278, s. 1.)
NC Gen Stat § 50-13.2A (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 50 - Divorce and Alimony|Article 1 - Divorce, Alimony, and Child Support, Generally.|§ 50-13.2A - Action for visitation of an adopted grandchild.

 50-13.2A. Action for visitation of an adopted grandchild.A biological grandparent may institute an action or proceeding for visitation rights with a child adopted by a stepparent or a relative of the child where a substantial relationship exists between the grandparent and the child. Under no circumstances shall a biological grandparent of a child adopted by adoptive parents, neither of whom is related to the child and where parental rights of both biological parents have been terminated, be entitled to visitation rights. A court may award visitation rights if it determines that visitation is in the best interest of the child. An order awarding visitation rights shall contain findings of fact which support the determination by the judge of the best interest of the child. Procedure, venue, and jurisdiction shall be as in an action for custody. (1985, c. 575, s. 2.)
NC Gen Stat § 50-13.3 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 50 - Divorce and Alimony|Article 1 - Divorce, Alimony, and Child Support, Generally.|§ 50-13.3 - Enforcement of order for custody.

 50-13.3. Enforcement of order for custody.(a) An order providing for the custody of a minor child is enforceable by proceedings for civil contempt, and its disobedience may be punished by proceedings for criminal contempt, as provided in Chapter 5A, Contempt, of the General Statutes.Notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 1-294, an order pertaining to child custody which has been appealed to the appellate division is enforceable in the trial court by proceedings for civil contempt during the pendency of the appeal. Upon motion of an aggrieved party, the court of the appellate division in which the appeal is pending may stay any order for civil contempt entered for child custody until the appeal is decided, if justice requires.(b) Any court of this State having jurisdiction to make an award of custody of a minor child in an action or proceeding therefor, shall have the power of injunction in such action or proceeding as provided in Article 37 of Chapter 1 of the General Statutes and G.S. 1A-1, Rule 65.(c) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of this section, a warrant to take physical custody of a child issued by a court pursuant to G.S. 50A-311 is enforceable throughout this State.  (1967, c. 1153, s. 2; 1969, c. 895, s. 16; 1977, c. 711, s. 26; 1983, c. 530, s. 2; 2017-22, s. 1.)
NC Gen Stat § 50-13.6 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 50 - Divorce and Alimony|Article 1 - Divorce, Alimony, and Child Support, Generally.|§ 50-13.6 - Counsel fees in actions for custody and support of minor children.

 50-13.6. Counsel fees in actions for custody and support of minor children.In an action or proceeding for the custody or support, or both, of a minor child, including a motion in the cause for the modification or revocation of an existing order for custody or support, or both, the court may in its discretion order payment of reasonable attorney's fees to an interested party acting in good faith who has insufficient means to defray the expense of the suit. Before ordering payment of a fee in a support action, the court must find as a fact that the party ordered to furnish support has refused to provide support which is adequate under the circumstances existing at the time of the institution of the action or proceeding; provided however, should the court find as a fact that the supporting party has initiated a frivolous action or proceeding the court may order payment of reasonable attorney's fees to an interested party as deemed appropriate under the circumstances. (1967, c. 1153, s. 2; 1973, c. 323.)
NC Gen Stat § 50-13.7 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 50 - Divorce and Alimony|Article 1 - Divorce, Alimony, and Child Support, Generally.|§ 50-13.7 - Modification of order for child support or custody.

 50-13.7. Modification of order for child support or custody.(a) An order of a court of this State for support of a minor child may be modified or vacated at any time, upon motion in the cause and a showing of changed circumstances by either party or anyone interested subject to the limitations of G.S. 50-13.10. Subject to G.S. 50A-201, 50A-202, and 50A-204, an order of a court of this State for custody of a minor child may be modified or vacated at any time, upon motion in the cause and a showing of changed circumstances by either party or anyone interested.(b) When an order for support of a minor child has been entered by a court of another state, a court of this State may, upon gaining jurisdiction, and upon a showing of changed circumstances, enter a new order for support that modifies or supersedes the order for support, subject to the limitations of G.S. 50-13.10. Subject to G.S. 50A-201, 50A-202, and 50A-204, when an order for custody of a minor child has been entered by a court of another state, a court of this State may, upon gaining jurisdiction, and a showing of changed circumstances, enter a new order for custody that modifies or supersedes the order for custody.  (1858-9, c. 53; 1868-9, c. 116, s. 36; 1871-2, c. 193, s. 46; Code, ss. 1296, 1570, 1661; Rev., ss. 1570, 1853; C.S., ss. 1664, 2241; 1929, c. 270, s. 1; 1939, c. 115; 1941, c. 120; 1943, c. 194; 1949, c. 1010; 1953, c. 813; 1957, c. 545; 1965, c. 310, s. 2; 1967, c. 1153, s. 2; 1979, c. 110, s. 13; 1981, c. 682, s. 12; 1987, c. 739, s. 3; 1999-223, s. 13; 2007-175, s. 1; 2021-88, s. 6.)
NC Gen Stat § 50-13.8 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 50 - Divorce and Alimony|Article 1 - Divorce, Alimony, and Child Support, Generally.|§ 50-13.8 - Custody of persons incapable of self-support upon reaching majority.

 50-13.8. Custody of persons incapable of self-support upon reaching majority.For the purposes of custody, the rights of a person who is mentally or physically incapable of self-support upon reaching his majority shall be the same as a minor child for so long as he remains mentally or physically incapable of self-support. (1967, c. 1153, s. 2; 1971, c. 218, s. 3; 1973, c. 476, s. 133; 1979, c. 838, s. 29; 1989, c. 210.)
NC Gen Stat § 50-16.2A (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 50 - Divorce and Alimony|Article 1 - Divorce, Alimony, and Child Support, Generally.|§ 50-16.2A - Postseparation support.

 50-16.2A. Postseparation support.(a) In an action brought pursuant to Chapter 50 of the General Statutes, either party may move for postseparation support. The verified pleading, verified motion, or affidavit of the moving party shall set forth the factual basis for the relief requested.(b) In ordering postseparation support, the court shall base its award on the financial needs of the parties, considering the parties' accustomed standard of living, the present employment income and other recurring earnings of each party from any source, their income-earning abilities, the separate and marital debt service obligations, those expenses reasonably necessary to support each of the parties, and each party's respective legal obligations to support any other persons.(c) Except when subsection (d) of this section applies, a dependent spouse is entitled to an award of postseparation support if, based on consideration of the factors specified in subsection (b) of this section, the court finds that the resources of the dependent spouse are not adequate to meet his or her reasonable needs and the supporting spouse has the ability to pay.(d) At a hearing on postseparation support, the judge shall consider marital misconduct by the dependent spouse occurring prior to or on the date of separation in deciding whether to award postseparation support and in deciding the amount of postseparation support. When the judge considers these acts by the dependent spouse, the judge shall also consider any marital misconduct by the supporting spouse in deciding whether to award postseparation support and in deciding the amount of postseparation support.(e) Nothing herein shall prevent a court from considering incidents of post date-of-separation marital misconduct as corroborating evidence supporting other evidence that marital misconduct occurred during the marriage and prior to date of separation. (1995, c. 319, s. 2.)
NC Gen Stat § 50-16.4 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 50 - Divorce and Alimony|Article 1 - Divorce, Alimony, and Child Support, Generally.|§ 50-16.4 - Counsel fees in actions for alimony, postseparation support.

 50-16.4. Counsel fees in actions for alimony, postseparation support.At any time that a dependent spouse would be entitled to alimony pursuant to G.S. 50-16.3A, or postseparation support pursuant to G.S. 50-16.2A, the court may, upon application of such spouse, enter an order for reasonable counsel fees, to be paid and secured by the supporting spouse in the same manner as alimony.  (1967, c. 1152, s. 2; 1995, c. 319, s. 3; 2010-14, s. 1.)
NC Gen Stat § 50-16.6 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 50 - Divorce and Alimony|Article 1 - Divorce, Alimony, and Child Support, Generally.|§ 50-16.6 - When alimony, postseparation support, counsel fees not payable.

 50-16.6. When alimony, postseparation support, counsel fees not payable.(a) Repealed by Session Laws 1995, c. 319, s. 4.(b) Alimony, postseparation support, and counsel fees may be barred by an express provision of a valid separation agreement, premarital agreement, or marital contract made pursuant to G.S. 52-10(a1) so long as the agreement is performed.  (1871-2, c. 193, s. 39; Code, s. 1292; Rev., s. 1567; 1919, c. 24; C.S., s. 1667; 1921, c. 123; 1923, c. 52; 1951, c. 893, s. 3; 1953, c. 925; 1955, cc. 814, 1189; 1967, c. 1152, s. 2; 1995, c. 319, s. 4; c. 509, s. 135.3(f); 2013-140, s. 2.)
NC Gen Stat § 50-16.8 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 50 - Divorce and Alimony|Article 1 - Divorce, Alimony, and Child Support, Generally.|§ 50-16.8 - Procedure in actions for postseparation support.

 50-16.8. Procedure in actions for postseparation support.When an application is made for postseparation support, the court may base its award on a verified pleading, affidavit, or other competent evidence. The court shall set forth the reasons for its award or denial of postseparation support, and if making an award, the reasons for its amount, duration, and manner of payment. (1871-2, c. 193, ss. 37, 38, 39; 1883, c. 67; Code, ss. 1290, 1291, 1292; Rev., ss. 1565, 1566, 1567; 1919, c. 24; C.S., ss. 1665, 1666, 1667; 1921, c. 123; 1923, c. 52; 1951, c. 893, s. 3; 1953, c. 925; 1955, cc. 814, 1189; 1961, c. 80; 1967, c. 1152, s. 2; 1971, c. 1185, s. 25; 1979, c. 709, s. 4; 1995, c. 319, s. 6.)
NC Gen Stat § 50-16.9 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 50 - Divorce and Alimony|Article 1 - Divorce, Alimony, and Child Support, Generally.|§ 50-16.9 - Modification of order.

 50-16.9. Modification of order.(a) An order of a court of this State for alimony or postseparation support, whether contested or entered by consent, may be modified or vacated at any time, upon motion in the cause and a showing of changed circumstances by either party or anyone interested. This section shall not apply to orders entered by consent before October 1, 1967.Any motion to modify or terminate alimony or postseparation support based on a resumption of marital relations between parties who remain married to each other shall be determined pursuant to G.S. 52-10.2.(b) If a dependent spouse who is receiving postseparation support or alimony from a supporting spouse under a judgment or order of a court of this State remarries or engages in cohabitation, the postseparation support or alimony shall terminate. Postseparation support or alimony shall terminate upon the death of either the supporting or the dependent spouse.As used in this subsection, cohabitation means the act of two adults dwelling together continuously and habitually in a private heterosexual relationship, even if this relationship is not solemnized by marriage, or a private homosexual relationship. Cohabitation is evidenced by the voluntary mutual assumption of those marital rights, duties, and obligations which are usually manifested by married people, and which include, but are not necessarily dependent on, sexual relations. Nothing in this section shall be construed to make lawful conduct which is made unlawful by other statutes.(c) When an order for alimony has been entered by a court of another jurisdiction, a court of this State may, upon gaining jurisdiction over the person of both parties in a civil action instituted for that purpose, and upon a showing of changed circumstances, enter a new order for alimony which modifies or supersedes such order for alimony to the extent that it could have been so modified in the jurisdiction where granted. (1871-2, c. 193, ss. 38, 39; 1883, c. 67; Code, ss. 1291, 1292; Rev., ss. 1566, 1567; 1919, c. 24; C.S., ss. 1666, 1667; 1921, c. 123; 1923, c. 52; 1951, c. 893, s. 3; 1953, c. 925; 1955, cc. 814, 1189; 1961, c. 80; 1967, c. 1152, s. 2; 1987, c. 664, s. 3; 1995, c. 319, s. 7.)
NC Gen Stat § 50-16.10 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 50 - Divorce and Alimony|Article 1 - Divorce, Alimony, and Child Support, Generally.|§ 50-16.10 - Alimony without action.

 50-16.10. Alimony without action.Alimony without action may be allowed by confession of judgment under G.S. 1A-1, Rule 68.1. (1967, c. 1152, s. 2; 1985, c. 689, s. 19.)
NC Gen Stat § 50-17 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 50 - Divorce and Alimony|Article 1 - Divorce, Alimony, and Child Support, Generally.|§ 50-17 - Alimony in real estate, writ of possession issued.

 50-17. Alimony in real estate, writ of possession issued.In all cases in which the court grants alimony by the assignment of real estate, the court has power to issue a writ of possession when necessary in the judgment of the court to do so. (1868-9, c. 123, s. 1; Code, s. 1293; Rev., s. 1568; C.S., s. 1668.)
NC Gen Stat § 50-18 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 50 - Divorce and Alimony|Article 1 - Divorce, Alimony, and Child Support, Generally.|§ 50-18 - Residence of military personnel; payment of defendant's travel expenses by plaintiff.

 50-18. Residence of military personnel; payment of defendant's travel expenses by plaintiff.In any action instituted and prosecuted under this Chapter, allegation and proof that the plaintiff or the defendant has resided or been stationed at a United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Air Force installation or reservation or any other location pursuant to military duty within this State for a period of six months next preceding the institution of the action shall constitute compliance with the residence requirements set forth in this Chapter; provided that personal service is had upon the defendant or service is accepted by the defendant, within or without the State as by law provided.Upon request of the defendant or attorney for the defendant, the court may order the plaintiff to pay necessary travel expenses from defendant's home to the site of the court in order that the defendant may appear in person to defend said action.  (1959, c. 1058; 2011-183, s. 39.)
NC Gen Stat § 50-19 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 50 - Divorce and Alimony|Article 1 - Divorce, Alimony, and Child Support, Generally.|§ 50-19 - Maintenance of certain actions as independent actions permissible.

 50-19. Maintenance of certain actions as independent actions permissible.(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 1A-1, Rule 13(a), any action for divorce under the provisions of G.S. 50-5.1 or G.S. 50-6 that is filed as an independent, separate action may be prosecuted during the pendency of an action for:(1) Alimony;(2) Postseparation support;(3) Custody and support of minor children;(4) Custody and support of a person incapable of self-support upon reaching majority; or(5) Divorce pursuant to G.S. 50-5.1 or G.S. 50-6.(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of G.S. 1A-1, Rule 13(a), any action described in subdivision (a)(1) through (a)(5) of this section that is filed as an independent, separate action may be prosecuted during the pendency of an action for divorce under G.S. 50-5.1 or G.S. 50-6.(c) Repealed by Session Laws 1991, c. 569, s. 1. (1979, c. 709, s. 2; 1985, c. 689, s. 20; 1991, c. 569, s. 1; 1995, c. 319, s. 10.)
NC Gen Stat § 50-19.1 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 50 - Divorce and Alimony|Article 1 - Divorce, Alimony, and Child Support, Generally.|§ 50-19.1 - Maintenance of certain appeals allowed.

 50-19.1. Maintenance of certain appeals allowed.Notwithstanding any other pending claims filed in the same action, a party may appeal from an order or judgment adjudicating a claim for absolute divorce, divorce from bed and board, the validity of a premarital agreement as defined by G.S. 52B-2(1), child custody, child support, alimony, or equitable distribution if the order or judgment would otherwise be a final order or judgment within the meaning of G.S. 1A-1, Rule 54(b), but for the other pending claims in the same action. A party does not forfeit the right to appeal under this section if the party fails to immediately appeal from an order or judgment described in this section. An appeal from an order or judgment under this section shall not deprive the trial court of jurisdiction over any other claims pending in the same action.  (2013-411, s. 2; 2018-86, s. 1.)
NC Gen Stat § 50-22 (2021)
2021 North Carolina General Statutes|Chapter 50 - Divorce and Alimony|Article 1 - Divorce, Alimony, and Child Support, Generally.|§ 50-22 - Action on behalf of an incompetent.

 50-22. Action on behalf of an incompetent.A duly appointed agent who has the power to sue and defend civil actions on behalf of an incompetent spouse and who has been appointed pursuant to a durable power of attorney executed in accordance with Chapter 32C of the General Statutes, a guardian appointed in accordance with Chapter 35A of the General Statutes, or a guardian ad litem appointed in accordance with G.S. 1A-1, Rules 17 and 25(b), may commence, defend, maintain, arbitrate, mediate, or settle any action authorized by this Chapter on behalf of an incompetent spouse. However, only a competent spouse may commence an action for absolute divorce.  (1991, c. 610, s. 1; 2009-224, s. 1; 2017-153, s. 2.4.)