North Carolina does not require that unmarried or divorcing parents get a custody order.[1] When a mother or father has the designation of a legal parent, they both have the same rights when there is no order in place. Legal parent classification can be obtained in a number of ways, including by any of the following:
In North Carolina, parties to a case may be able to file an appeal if they believe the trial court made a mistake of law or legal procedure.[1] Appeals courts analyze decisions by the trial courts to determine if the law was applied appropriately and to ensure there were no conduct errors. There are a few potential rulings that the appeals court can make. Continue reading →
As technology advances, so do the challenges surrounding digital privacy and security. In family law cases, the use of smartphones has become central to gathering evidence and establishing facts. However, the emergence of spyware, trackers, and new devices like AirTags has raised concerns about the potential invasion of privacy. This article aims to shed light on the most common spyware, trackers, and AirTags found on smartphones, emphasizing their implications in family law cases. Continue reading →
In today’s digital age, smartphones have become an integral part of our lives. They store a wealth of information that can be vital in legal proceedings such as family law cases. By harnessing the power of forensic analysis, hidden data on smartphones can be uncovered, shedding light on crucial evidence that can significantly impact the outcome of a case.
Smartphones have evolved into mobile, personal vaults, harboring an array of information like call logs, text messages, emails, social media activity, browsing history, and even location data. When it comes to family law cases, this digital footprint can be an invaluable asset, revealing critical evidence related to child custody, communication patterns, financial transactions, or illicit behavior. Continue reading →
Property ownership is a crucial aspect of real estate transactions, legal matters, and research projects. When it comes to finding deeds and other property-related information in Guilford County, the GIS website (https://gisdv.guilfordcountync.gov/guilford/) is a valuable resource. This blog will guide you through the process of effectively utilizing the website to find the deeds you need. Continue reading →
The digital age has greatly increased the amount of information we generate and store. Metadata is a set of data that describes and gives information about other data. Metadata holds immense potential in various fields, including family law. Leveraging metadata in family law cases can provide crucial insights and evidence that may influence the outcome of legal proceedings.
Metadata refers to the underlying information about a file or document, such as the date and time it was created, modified, or accessed, as well as details regarding its author or location. In the context of family law cases, metadata can include the participants in electronic communications, times, dates, lengths, social media posts, GPS location data, and other digital footprints left behind by individuals involved in the case. Continue reading →
Property division can be one of the most contentious parts of a divorce. Further complicating this process is the fact that courts must determine not just how marital property should be divided but even what qualifies as marital property. Equitable distribution is an option in North Carolina divorces, but the process for requesting it is not standardized throughout the state[1]. Some courts and localities have specific rules regarding filing for equitable distribution, so consulting with a Greensboro divorce lawyer will ensure the district requirements are met. Continue reading →
If you are a victim of domestic violence in North Carolina, you may be able to file for a protective order. Domestic violence protective orders (DVPO; also called 50B orders) are court orders that prohibit an abuser from being near a victim. DVPOs provide a certain level of security if you are fearful that someone you have a close relationship with will try to harm you.
A DVPO can be filed during the divorce process as well, if one spouse harasses or threatens the other. A Greensboro divorce lawyer can help you obtain a domestic violence protective order. Continue reading →
In a significant move that has been years in the making, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed a measure that will bring about significant changes to the state’s alimony laws. The newly approved measure, known as SB 1416, eliminates permanent alimony and introduces a formula-based approach to determine alimony amounts based on the length of the marriage.
The elimination of permanent alimony has been a contentious issue that sparked emotional clashes and tearful testimonies from both sides. Proponents of the reform, such as the organization Florida Family Fairness, applaud the move, asserting that it provides a clearer framework and safeguards the right to retire for existing alimony payers. They argue that ending permanent alimony is a step forward for Florida families. Continue reading →
PAYIN V. FOY, 2023-NCCOA-______ (2023)
A civil lawsuit commences with the filing of a complaint with the court. That is the law in North Carolina. I recall in my first year of law school that my civil procedure professor stressed – and I mean really stressed – the importance of Notice and the Opportunity to be Heard. The bedrock of the legal system is upon that notice and that opportunity to be heard. Below is a published case the neatly discusses what happens when just a complaint is filed, and no summons issued. Continue reading →
North Carolina Divorce Lawyers Blog