Appointing a guardian ad litem might be a good idea in some cases but what is it? A respected family law attorney explains. What does guardian ad litem mean? A guardian ad litem is a third party, usually a lawyer, that will protect the interest of the child as well as advocate [...]
A separation agreement is a great way to help resolve issues forthcoming in your divorce. In North Carolina, you have to be legally separated from your spouse for a year and a day before you can file for divorce. In that time several issues can be resolved in a separation agreement. What [...]
What is Emergency Custody? Emergency custody is when one party approaches a judge and claims that a minor child is at significant risk. The courts will consider three factors to determine the validity of the claims. Is there a risk of substantial injury? Is there a risk of sexual abuse or emotional [...]
A trusted Family Law Attorney explains that once a custody complaint is filed, North Carolina law then requires both parents to go through child custody mediation. What is Mediation? Mediation allows both parents to settle any child custody issues themselves rather than going through a court trial. A third party is brought [...]
An esteemed Family Law Attorney explains you may have heard of something called "the tender years doctrine", which means mothers were favored over fathers in custody cases. Most clients that come in are still worried about that prejudice. There are still some judges with that mindset, but most are more progressive. If [...]
If you have a child that no longer wishes to spend time with your ex you are stuck and bound by the terms of that order. If you do want to change the custodial order, you're going to have to file a motion to modify it with the court. The court will [...]
If you are at a crossroads where you can't you and your ex can't come to an agreement you will have to file a motion to modify your custody order. A judge will then determine which parent will be able to have final decision-making power. When you file the motion to modify, [...]
Domestic violence can have a huge impact on your life, including custody of your child. If a protective order is granted the court can give temporary child custody to the party bringing the accusations. You can file a custody lawsuit for a judge to decide what the best interest of the child [...]
Divorce and annulments are similar in the fact that they end marriages. However, the effects of each are different.AnnulmentAn annulment can only be granted in very specific circumstances. But, it can be granted immediately. Annulments are rare. The most common reason for one is a bigamist marriage. Meaning, one person is married to [...]
A bond is a monetary guarantee from you given to the State to ensure that you will show up to your court proceedings. Once you have shown up to all your court proceedings, your bond is returned. Should you decide to do so, you can pay any court costs or fees out [...]
