Separation & Rights in North Carolina - Questions

What is the name of your state? North Carolina

I know somebody who currently lives in North Carolina. She has been married for over 40 years and wants to leave. She's not sure if she wants a divorce, or just to leave. There is no telling whether or not her husband will let her go, or get violent. Everything in the house is in his name. He's retired from the military, and still gives his wife an allowance. Is there any way to find out what her rights are and do some research before contacting a lawyer? if he found out she contacted anybody, there is no telling what he could do.

Rights are as far as what?

Are there minor children involved?

I think she should probably go speak with an attorney. She can call the bar association to see if she can get a referral to a family law attorney for $30 or call around and see if anyone can speak to her for free. I can tell you if she lives in Craven, Pitt, Wayne, Jones, Lenoir, or Greene Co. there are none listed with the referral service right now. I'm not sure what other counties that applies to right now but she can still call.1-800-662-7660.

They have to be separated for a year before she can file for divorce but she can go ahead and file for a separation if she wants.

She is entitled to some of the property and assets. If she hasn't worked in several years, I forget how long exactly, she can file for alimony.

For NC statutes regarding divorce, etc. Go to-
http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/Statutes/StatutesTOC.pl
and
http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/Statutes/StatutesTOC.pl?0050
http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/Statutes/StatutesTOC.pl?0052
if there is domestic violence
http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/Statutes/StatutesTOC.pl?0050B
some other good sites
www.deltabravo.net
http://www.divorcesource.com
www.findlaw.com
http://www.divorcenet.com