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SHEPENYUK V. ABDELILAH, 2023-NCCOA-______ (2023)

  • Facts: Plaintiff and Defendant were “married.” On August 25, 2015, the parties were the host of a religious wedding ceremony officiated by Defendant’s brother. This brother was not ordained or legally authorized to officiate a ceremony. The parties themselves failed to obtain a marriage license prior to the ceremony. Six years later, in September of 2021, Plaintiff filed for a domestic violence protective order and alleged that she and Defendant were not married. Multiple other pleadings, including complaints and answers/responses to a partition action as well as a complaint for equitable distribution (ED) and alimony were filed, wherein it was essentially admitted that the parties were not legally married. Plaintiff amended her ED and alimony complaint to ask that the court treat the parties as presumptively married. Defendant moved to dismiss. Trial court dismissed for lack of a claim for which relief could be granted, finding that the parties were not married and an “equitable marriage” theory was unwarranted.

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Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday of September in the United States, is a holiday that honors the contributions and achievements of the labor movement and the American labor force. It also marks the unofficial end of summer and the beginning of the fall season. The history behind Labor Day is rich and complex, reflecting the struggles and triumphs of workers throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Continue reading →

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Divorce is rarely simple, and when children are involved the complexities can intensify. Child support is one of the most critical aspects that parents need to consider during the separation process. A recent North Carolina case, Bishop v. Bishop, sheds light on some crucial issues that can arise in child support matters, especially for high net-worth parents. Continue reading →

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In North Carolina, a private investigator (PI) can play a role in divorce cases by conducting various tasks to gather evidence and information related to the proceedings. However, the specifics of a PI’s role might vary depending on the circumstances of each case. Please consult with your attorney if you have questions regarding a PI and whether to retain one for your case.

Here are some ways a private investigator might be of use in a divorce and separation case in North Carolina: Continue reading →

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The divorce saga of Kevin Costner and Christine Baumgartner continues. As we already know, Baumgartner filed for divorce and a battle between the Hollywood duo ensued.

After many rounds of back-and-forth arguments over the couple’s $145 million California estate, it now appears Costner’s legal team has lodged new arguments regarding Baumgartner’s failure to admit or deny requests for admissions (RFAs) and to answer interrogatories. Costner’s team issued discovery for Baumgartner’s response a few months back. Costner sought to have Baumgartner respond to questions regarding their premarital agreement and her contentions as to the validity of the premarital agreement.

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IN THE MATTER OF: E.Q.B., M.Q.B., S.R.R.B., 2023-NCCOA-______ (2023) 


Sometimes a parent will commit an act of domestic violence against the other parent or involving the child. In these cases, a domestic violence protective order (DVPO) can be entered to cut off contact between the offender and the parent/child. Subsequently, if the offender then faces a petition to terminate his/her parental rights, then that DVPO cannot be used as a shield to prevent the termination, so long as the grounds are factually established.  Continue reading →

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Aside from equitable distribution, divorce cases often involve three common financially-centered elements – alimony, child support, and attorney fees. The Wadsworth case argues all three of these issues and is an excellent example of how complicated these matters can be.  Continue reading →

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Few family law matters are as contentious as child custody or as distressing as child abuse. Custody battles between biological parents can become intense as parties sometimes passionately disagree about what’s best for their child. These disputes increase in complexity when third parties seek custody due to parental neglect or abuse.   Continue reading →

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All parents of minor children are responsible for financially supporting their children. Parents whose rights have been terminated and parents who are under 18 years old are exceptions to this rule in North Carolina.1 While support may be required by one parent in most custody arrangements, the law does acknowledge that adjustments may be necessary as circumstances change.   Continue reading →

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Approximately two months ago, Kevin Costner’s soon-to-be-ex-wife, Christine Baumgartner, filed for divorce. It appears the fight between the two is just getting started. Costner has received numerous accolades throughout his acting and producing career and is most recently known for his role as John Dutton on Yellowstone. Baumgartner is a handbag designer. The couple have three children together aged 12, 14, and 15. Continue reading →