What is "absolute divorce"

Absolute divorce is a legal process that permanently ends a marriage or civil union, allowing both parties to remarry or enter into new legal partnerships. It is also known as a "divorce from the bond of matrimony" or "final divorce." 

In an absolute divorce, a court issues a final Judgment of Divorce, which terminates the legal relationship between the spouses. This Judgment may address a variety of issues related to the divorce, including the division of property and debts, alimony, child custody, child support, and visitation.

The specific requirements for obtaining an absolute divorce in North Carolina are: at least one party must meet the residency requirement for filing, and the parties must have lived separate and apart for at least 1 year prior to filing.  In North Carolina there is no need to allege any other legal grounds for divorce, such as irreconcilable differences or adultery. 

Katie's step by step Divorce Process Guide is available free online below.