Opioids are the growing problem in family law. Opioids and domestic violence do not mix and yet yield dreadful consequences. From Greensboro, North Carolina, a 28-year-old woman named Marie Aman will spend many years in prison for the death of a man, who may or may not have been her…
North Carolina Divorce Lawyers Blog
Placing the Blame
By: Leesa M. Poag, Attorney, Woodruff Family Law GroupAfter the death of their eight-year-old son earlier this year, two parents in Ohio have filed a lawsuit against Cincinnati Public Schools. The child hanged himself with a necktie from his bunk bed, an act that his parents claim was a result of bullying he suffered at his elementary school. …
Bullying and Suicide: Are Schools Liable?
Bullying in the classroom is, unfortunately, a continuing epidemic both nationally, as well as in the Triad. A new case out of Ohio has recently made news on this topic. An eight-year-old boy named Gabriel Taye from Ohio hanged himself from his bunk bed after being continually bullied at his…
Where to Begin and Where Does It End?
Bullying is not a new or novel occurrence; however, the effects bullying may have come as a surprise to many. Advancements in technology and the associated effects in society have created many new challenges in combating bullying, especially in schools. Whereas before, a child who was bullied at school was…
“Doctor, Doctor, give me the news……”
By: Leesa M. Poag, Attorney, Woodruff Family Law GroupRecently, the North Carolina Court of Appeals has taken steps to hold medical professionals accountable when they become involved in legal proceedings. Family law attorneys in North Carolina are familiar with the process of a custody evaluation performed by a licensed psychologist. The Court of Appeals recently held that these…
Cross-Appeals: Timing is Everything (Slaughter v. Slaughter)
Jennifer A. Crissman, AttorneyTiming, as they say, is everything, and if you are appealing an Order in North Carolina, this is particularly true. Slaughter v. Slaughter, No. COA16-1153 was decided by the North Carolina Court of Appeals on July 18, 2017. While there were multiple issues on appeal, the issue that sticks out…
“To Pay or Not to Pay” (New v. New)
At the heart of many family law related disputes lie arguably the most difficult decisions regarding the children and their futures. At times it may seem unlikely that individuals in the midst of a divorce will ever agree on anything; fortunately, ensuring that any children involved receive a quality education…
Child support – College issues and IRS questions
Dear Carolyn, My daughter just graduated from high school, and she is college bound. Her father and I divorced three years ago. Her father paid child support, but I understand child support is ending now as she is already 18. I thought her father would surely pay (or at least…
Ask Carolyn: Guns, Children and Custody
Dear Carolyn, Now that summer is almost over and school will be starting back, I am reflecting on the summer trip with my two children, who are 9 and 11. Their mother and I are divorced, and I am trying to make summer memories with them that will last a lifetime. This…
Visitation Troublemakers
Dear Carolyn, Visitation exchanges are almost always awful for my eight-year-old when the exchange is not at school. I am a Father with fifty-percent custody. I have Mondays and Tuesdays overnight. My ex has Wednesdays and Thursdays overnight. We alternate weekends. When school is out, we do the exchange at…