Dear Carolyn, I am in a custody battle with my ex-husband. My nine-year-old wants to live with me. Can my nine-year-old simply tell the judge this, and then we are done with this mess? I have heard a child can talk to the judge in “chambers,” but I am not…
Articles Posted in Custody
Custody Evaluations Explained
Dear Carolyn, The court has just ordered me to participate in a child custody evaluation with a local psychologist. My children are seven and thirteen. I am a concerned Father, and the Mother has a new boyfriend that is “no good”. This new boyfriend is terrible around my children, and…
Wake Up Call, DSS!
By: Carolyn J. Woodruff, attorneyWhile nothing in this article should be viewed to condone the horrific acts of Christopher Lee Neal, age 42, who shot at a social services worker after children were taken from his home, the event should be a wake up call for the Department of Social Services (DSS). Apparently this…
Best interest of the Children?
Dear Carolyn, Triad parent here, contemplating divorce, but I feel compelled to stay together for the children. The children are ages ten and twelve. However, the marriage is quite bad; we argue all the time. We never do anything together, and sex—forget that. I work, and my wife does not work. Can…
Who Gets Custody of Man’s Best Friend?
When a couple decides to separate and end their marriage, there are often other issues that must be resolved along with the divorce. Family law attorneys in North Carolina often include claims for issues such as custody of the children and division of the marital property along with the divorce…
Choosing Childcare in the Triad
One thing that parents from all walks of life can commiserate over is the struggle to find child care. If you are a new parent, expecting your first child, new to the area, or just considering a change in care, there is a lot to consider when choosing a child…
The Responsible Individuals List and Its Consequences
By: Jennifer A. Crissman, Attorney, Woodruff Family Law GroupThe name “Responsible Individuals List” may sound like an accolade to parents; however, this is a misnomer. For those unfortunate enough to find their family in the midst of an investigation of child abuse, neglect, and dependency the List is likely to be mentioned. It is important that anyone who…
Rights of Same-Sex Parents in North Carolina – Heatzig v. Maclean
When a marriage breaks down, the question of child custody becomes inevitable. This can often be the most emotionally charged and even contentious part of a divorce. At the Woodruff Family Law Group, our compassionate and hard-working North Carolina child custody attorneys will let you know your rights as well as…
What is Legal Custody in North Carolina? Diehl v. Diehl, Hall v. Hall and Gentry v. Gentry
When the parents of minor children split up, they need to figure out how and if they will share custody of their children. North Carolina parents are free to agree upon any custody and visitation agreement they deem best for the family. If the parents decide on an agreement, they…
Relocation from North Carolina to Another State: Ramirez-Barker v. Barker
When parents decide to split up, it can be extremely difficult for the child to adjust to the change. When a parent decides to move to another state, the change can be even harder to deal with. At the Woodruff Family Law Group, our skilled North Carolina child custody attorneys…