Dear Dsunrise,
I am sorry to hear about your situation. To clear things up, what you are talking about are 2 different situations. First, the division of property, custody and support are separate actions from divorce. You can get an even division of the properties in court, but that action could take a while to complete. You can also get support as well as custody in separate actions that can all be brought at the same time. However, the divorce is a completely separation lawsuit. You should make your claims for the division of property, custody and support (especially spousal support) before you file for divorce. If you have not made your claims for the property distribution and spousal support in particular, before the divorce judgment is entered, you will lose the right to make those claims.
The only thing that he can really do to hold up the divorce is to dodge service (which will eventually be accomplished even if he never accepts service), and to contest the date of separation. If there is no argument about the date of separation, you will be able to get divorced fairly quickly after your 12 months has passed. You can still pursue those other actions if you have already filed them before your divorce is final.
Good luck,
Shonnese D. Stanback
Attorney
The Rosen Law Firm
4101 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 200
Raleigh, North Carolina 27607
919.256.1534 direct voice
919.256.1667 direct fax
919.787.6668 main voice
919.787.6361 main fax
NCdivorce.com
email: sstanback@rosen.com
The response posted above is based upon the limited factual information made available and is not intended as a full and complete response to the question. The only reliable manner to obtain complete and adequate legal advice is to consult with an attorney, fully explain your situation, and allow the attorney sufficient opportunity to research the applicable law and facts required to render an accurate opinion. The basic information provided above is intended as a public service but a full discussion with an attorney should be undertaken before taking any action.