For unmarried parents, deciding which parent claims the child on their taxes is a common discussion point around the beginning of each year. Some divorce decrees or custody orders include stipulations for which parent can claim the child, but this is not always the case. If you do not have…
For children of divorced parents, celebrating the holidays isn’t always easy. Navigating custody arrangements and giving both parents an opportunity to bond with their children can be a tricky balancing act. If you’re looking for ways to make this St. Patrick’s Day special for your children, here are a few…
Regular employment income is not the only type of income that can be used to determine child support obligations in North Carolina. The state’s child support guidelines allow a variety of financial sources to be considered as income for support purposes, including salaries, wages, commissions, dividends, pensions, trusts, unemployment benefits,…
Self-executing modifications are provisions within a contract or order that amend the terms upon a specified event that may occur in the future. The legality of these provisions varies from state to state; some states have determined that self-executing modifications are typically illegal, and others have yet to make any…
Courts in North Carolina often enter temporary orders on child custody because time is of the essence in such an important issue. These temporary orders must be followed until the court makes a final ruling, but temporary and permanent orders are handled differently in terms of requesting changes. Is returning…
Separation agreements in North Carolina are intended to lay out agreed-upon terms for spouses going through a divorce, and they are sometimes seen as a placeholder until a final decree of divorce can be entered. While it is possible to incorporate a separation agreement into a final decree in North…
Calculating the amount that a child’s primary caregiver is to receive in child support payments can be complicated. Beyond just comparing the two spouse’s incomes, courts often weigh factors like work expenses, childcare expenses, health insurance premiums, transportation costs, and other expenses. Knowing which of your daily costs will count…
The holiday season is a time for giving and, for many children in Guilford County, local charities play a crucial role in making the season magical. Whether it’s providing gifts, warm clothing, or meals, these organizations work tirelessly to bring smiles to children’s faces and alleviate some of the burdens…
As the holiday season approaches, celebrations and gatherings often include alcohol, increasing the possibility of drinking and driving. Beyond immediate safety concerns, driving under the influence (DUI) can have lasting impacts on individuals, especially when it comes to family and custody matters. In North Carolina, a DUI conviction can significantly…
Legal custody and physical custody are not the same thing. While both are brought up in North Carolina custody cases, they deal with two different aspects of parenting. Physical custody applies to the parent that has the child in their care. Essentially, the parent with whom a child lives most…