Ketan Soni Featured in North Carolina Bar Association Blog on Major Changes to Equitable Distribution Law.
Understanding the Changes to N.C.G.S. §50-20
In his collaborative article titled “If You’re Not Confused, You’re Not Paying Attention – Updates to N.C.G.S. §50-20,” Ketan joined Susan Simos and Cheryl Howell to dissect the October 1, 2025 amendments made pursuant to Session Law 2025-25. These changes affect how marital and separate property might be classified in equitable distribution, particularly regarding real property held as tenants by the entirety.
Why These Changes Matter
As Ketan notes in the article, the practical effects of these statutory changes remain unclear, and the amendments have sparked considerable debate among experienced family law practitioners across the state. Key areas of uncertainty include:
- Whether the changes apply retroactively to cases filed before October 1, 2025
- What evidence is sufficient to overcome the presumption that property held as tenants by the entirety is marital property
- How the new requirements for written intent affect property transfers between spouses
- The distinction between how these rules apply to real property versus personal property
Ketan’s straightforward assessment: “We won’t even know after it’s litigated. This is the result of unclear intentions. The amount of extra strife these statutory changes will induce is incalculable.”
What This Means for Your Case
These statutory changes could significantly impact how your property is classified and divided. The ambiguity in the new law means that experienced legal counsel is more important than ever.
Soni Brendle, PLLC, makes sure to stay at the forefront of developments in North Carolina family law to provide our clients with knowledgeable and strategic representation.
Read the Full Article
You can read Ketan’s complete analysis and the insights from other leading family law practitioners on the North Carolina Bar Association Family Law Blog.
Questions about how these changes might affect your equitable distribution case? Contact Soni Brendle, PLLC to schedule a meet with one of our attorneys.