Dear Carolyn, I am involved in an equitable distribution case and I have a closely-held business in the Triad, which was started by my father. He still owns the majority of the business. Eight years ago, my father gave me twenty-five percent of the business. I separated from my husband…
North Carolina Divorce Lawyers Blog
Funeral Expenses from the Estate
Dear Carolyn, My wife and I have been married almost two years. Recently, and unfortunately, her grandmother passed away. Her grandmother had no immediate means to pay for funeral and burial services. The costs were paid by my wife and me on our credit card. The family has considerable land…
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…
In the Dark on Taxes?
Dear Carolyn, I think my husband and I may be getting separated and divorced, and I am concerned about our 2016 tax return, which has not been filed yet. The tax return is under an extension. My husband has a small business in Greensboro, and I have no idea if…
Alimony is Gender Neutral!
Dear Carolyn, I am thinking about separating from my wife of 10 years. She is a doctor and makes a lot more money than me. I am a school teacher and make extra money coaching, but she still makes a lot more than me. Neither of us are having an…
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…
Cheaters never prosper
Dear Carolyn, My husband is having an affair with his secretary and I want to get that woman. I kicked him out of our home on New Year’s Day when he made an excuse that he had to go by the office for something (something? Right?), and my detective caught…
Cash Isn’t Always King
Walsh v. Dively, 551 B.R. 570 (W.D. Pa. 2016) Facts: When husband and wife were divorced in Pennsylvania, they agreed that the wife would receive 50% of the husband’s retirement. The agreement was incorporated into the divorce decree, but no DRO was entered. The wife then filed for Chapter 7…
Permanent vs. Temporary Custody Orders on Appellate Review (King v. Giannini-King)
King v. Giannini-King, 784 S.E.2d 237 (N.C. Ct. App. 2016). Facts: In October 2001, Plaintiff (father) and Defendant (mother) were married and then separated, about seven years later, in early June 2008. Two minor children were born to the parties’ marriage. After the separation, Defendant relocated with the minor children.…
No Second Guessing the Evidentiary Supported Value of Marital Property (Chafin v. Chafin)
Sade Knox, InternChafin v. Chafin, 791 S.E.2d 693 (N.C. Ct. App. 2016) Facts: In late 1988, Plaintiff and Defendant entered into a marriage that lasted about twenty years before the parties separated in June of 2008. During the years of the marriage, Defendant was an owner of a close to non-profiting auto-sales…