Most separated couples probably do not think about complex jurisdictional issues when they are deciding child custody issues. Maybe the schedule is one week on, one week off, with the parents alternating weeks wherein they have sole physical custody of the child for a particular week. Maybe one parent has…
In court-ordered child custody mediation in North Carolina, agreement is the polar star. Both parents are applauded for entering a parenting agreement. The question is whether agreement is always in the best interests of the child. Certainly, we all want parents to agree, but there are certain times when agreements…
Holiday Survival Tips for Divorced Parents Part II: Holiday Don’ts by Carolyn Woodruff I know you may hate your ex, but let’s not take it out on the kids, especially at the holidays. I hope by the way you do not hate your ex, but if you aren’t over him…
Holiday Survival Tips for Divorced Parents Part I: Holiday Do’s by Carolyn Woodruff Holidays are stressful enough without adding the woes of children with parents who live under two roofs. The agony extends to grandparents and extended families who want time with precious children. Woodruff Family Law Group through its…
The time you spend with your children is precious and the upcoming Halloween weekend should be no exception. Here are a few fun ideas to make the most of this holiday. Activities for this spook-tacular holiday should be age appropriate. Also take into account the personalities of your children. A…
Porter v. Comm’r, T.C. Memo. 2015-141, 2015 WL 4638622 (2015) (a) Facts: A husband and wife were divorced in Florida. The decree awarded the wife custody of the parties’ three children. It allowed the wife to claim the exemptions for the oldest and youngest children, but allowed the husband to claim…
Henricks v. Comm’r, T.C. Memo. 2014-192, 2014 WL 4723148 (2014) (a) Facts: A Florida divorce decree awarded custody of two children to the wife. It allowed the wife to claim one child as a dependent for tax purposes, and allowed the husband to claim the other child as a dependent for…
Dear Carolyn, My ex is posting all kinds of things about me on Facebook. She calls me names like bastard, devil, asshole, and you name it. She doesn’t even have privacy settings on her Facebook, so I fear that my (our) children who are ages 13 and 15 may somehow…
Dear Carolyn, I am a mother of girls ages six and ten. I am separated, and I have half custody. I work hard, and the girls sometimes create havoc. I spanked the six-year-old with a belt, just like my mother did me. My church belief is “spare the rod and…
Many prospective clients come to us with the question about “what does it really take to win my custody case in North Carolina?” This raises the interesting question of what is a “win” in custody of a minor child. “Winning” means different things to different parents. For some parents, it…