Before you can take a divorce or custody dispute to court in North Carolina, you will probably be required to go through mediation. Mediation is an informal but legally binding method of dispute resolution. A neutral third party called a mediator will listen to the...
In North Carolina, the courts look favorably upon people trying to resolve disputes amongst themselves. They encourage settlement of all legal issues, where possible, and people are generally more satisfied with a negotiated resolution than one handed down by a judge....
You’re not alone in considering your pets to be family members. An American Veterinary Medical Association study found that 85% of dog owners and 76% of cat owners think of their pets as family. That could mean for some tough choices in your divorce. Fortunately or...
It can be. Some types of emotional or verbal abuse are considered serious enough to be included in North Carolina’s domestic violence statute. It depends on the relationship you have with the abuser and what they have done. In order for abuse to be considered domestic...
Whether you got a new job or there is another compelling reason, you may have to consider how moving away will affect the child’s other parent. Generally, if your ex has custody of the kids at least some of the time, you probably have a joint legal and physical...
It’s unlikely. Under North Carolina law, custody decisions are always to be made in the best interest of the child or children. The family courts are required to consider a variety of factors when deciding who should have custody of a child or children, and past and...
In some cases, people who win lawsuits can ask the court to order the other party to pay their attorney fees and court costs, as long as those are reasonable. However, this generally only happens when a North Carolina statute specifically says attorney fees can be...
It used to be quite rare for people over 50 to divorce, but times are changing. Between 1990 and 2009, the divorce rate among people 50 and older doubled. In 1990, the divorce rate among that group was about 1 in 10. By 2009, it was one in four. So if you’re...
It’s not automatic, but you may be able to get full legal custody, depending on how long your ex has been absent and the reason for that absence. The first step is to consult with an attorney who knows how the system works. The difference between legal and physical...
Who doesn’t love summer? It’s a chance for kids to run through the sprinklers on hot days. There could be time at the beach or at the local pool. It’s for freedom and ice cream. For parents who have broken up, things may not always seem so rosy. You’re working for...
