Family Law

As a father, you have certain rights regarding custody and visitation with your child. Although many people still hold on to the outdated belief that the state always sides with the biological mother of a child, this is no longer true. Both parents have equal rights to their children in the eyes of North Carolina…

A trust is an important part of anyone’s estate plan. Simply put, trusts are a legal document that allow a third party (called a trustee) to hold and control assets in a trust fund on behalf of a beneficiary. Often, families use trusts to protect inherited wealth as they pass it down from generation to…

Every divorce has its challenges, no matter how amicable it might be – and divorces are rarely amicable. And, when both spouses have a lot at stake financially, disputes and complications can arise quickly. Any attorney will tell you that the more prepared you are going into the divorce process, the better the chances to…

Our entire way of living has drastically changed since last year. We’ve learned new terms, like “social distancing” and “quarantine.” We’re used to going out with our masks, gotten comfortable with videoconferencing and homeschooling, and are settling into a different way of life as we deal with the coronavirus “new normal.” Unfortunately, another common experience…

Families grow in all sorts of ways. Sometimes it’s a happy accident, and some take a lot of planning and proactive effort. The fact is that when you want your family to grow by adding children, it can be a difficult dream to fulfill for some ready-made parents. For years, only certain types of couples…

Even knowing that your divorce settlement will leave you comfortable, resigning yourself to the fact that your nest egg is finite can cause any newly divorced spouse some concern. You’ve enjoyed a certain lifestyle throughout your married life – perhaps one that wouldn’t have been made possible without your sacrifices. But now that the agreement…

When you’re gearing up for or are in the midst of a child custody case, putting your best foot forward in showing your commitment to your child’s wellbeing is your best course of action. Your child’s other parent is looking for anything that can be used to show your ability to engage in a health…

While divorce proceedings end the marriage, and divorce agreements and orders establish boundaries, parents with children still need a lot of guidance after the contested issues are resolved. Parents need to manage their time, manage their child’s time, and communicate with each other so their children have the emotional, family, and financial support they need.…

North Carolina requires that spouses live apart for a year in separate residences before filing for divorce, unless you have a credible claim for the grounds of “incurable insanity.” This time is referred to as “separation,” and if you and your spouse separate, getting a separation order can make your lives easier when the time…

Courts generally don’t terminate parental rights unless there is a strong reason to do so. The petition to terminate parental rights is normally brought by the State through its Department of Child Services, or by guardian ad litem, but parents may seek to terminate their co-parents’ parental rights, too. The grounds for termination of parental…