Rosen Services

Dear need sanity:

Greetings. First, unfortunately we do not do services by the hour, however we do an initial consultation for $300.00 in which we can review your papers and discuss any problems with them.

A mediator cannot advise you on the law in any way shape or form. For example, “Mediator, when does alimony usually terminate” Mediator says “You need to consult an attorney on that.”

You cannot be roomies with your spouse if you sign a separation agreement. Let’s be really clear on this:

  1. The legal date of separation starts when you are living separate and apart at two separated physical locations. Moving back in together ends the separation. If you lie about this in your divorce complaint, it is perjury, which is a crime.

  2. You cannot sign the separation agreement and continue living together or the separation agreement will not be valid. You must separate contemporaneously with, before, or shortly after (a few days) the separation agreement is signed for it to be valid.

Good luck.

Janet L. Fritts
Attorney with Rosen Divorce
4101 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 500
Raleigh, North Carolina 27607
919.787.6668 main phone
919.256.1665 direct fax

10925 David Taylor Drive, Suite 100
Charlotte, North Carolina 28262
704.644.2831 main voice
704.307.4595 main fax

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.

Hi Janet:

I would like to have my papers looked over. The lawyer I spoke with wants a retainer of $3500, even though we used a mediator???

I just need someone to look over our papers and was hoping Rosen has an hourly rate they charge. I also need more advice on this whole bed and board thing. The mediator is not familiar with the laws regarding this and he’s getting informed.

My other half has been quite amicable during the mediation process, and I’m actually almost liking him again…we agreed to make it a friendly divorce b/c two kids are involved. I would like to stay in the home until it’s sold and willing to be roomies until so as I said.

So I’m hoping I can use your name as a reference in hopes of getting “services by the hour” from Rosen.

Thank you Angel Janet!!