Let me preface this by saying: I am a white woman who lives in Greensboro, NC. I have not been, nor will I ever be an African American or any other race. But, above all I am an American, a human, a person with feelings, opinions and values. I respect the fact that other AMERICANS have set out to build lives for themselves, build their businesses and good lives for their families. Continue reading →
If you have happened upon your browser’s home screen, Facebook, Twitter, or any news outlet, you have already been bombarded with the news that Angelina Jolie has filed for divorce from Brad Pitt. Continue reading →
In any divorce, custody cases can be extremely complicated. While we want to believe that most parents can amicably work out an agreement that is best for the children, the reality is that there are often long and drawn-out custody battles that can exhaust the entire family. Under North Carolina law, child custody orders can be modified in two basic circumstances: when one of the parents has violated a court order, or when one or both parents allege a substantial change in circumstances. Continue reading →
In our fact pattern from Part 1 of our series, the first indication of child sexual abuse was in the statements Aaron and Billy made to Grandmother. Family law attorneys in Guilford County would be wise to try to have these statements admitted under the exception in Rule 803(4) on hearsay, “Statements for Purposes of Medical Diagnosis or Treatment.” N.C.G.S. § 8C-1, Rule 803(4). While a practitioner’s first inclination may be to dismiss this hearsay exception as irrelevant since the statements were made to Grandmother who is not a medical professional, this exception is extremely flexible. Continue reading →
When attorneys in Guilford County try custody cases in which there have been allegations of child sexual abuse, it is vital that statements made by the child regarding the abuse be admitted into evidence. These statements regarding abuse can be critical in determining the best interests of the child, as well as the level of supervision and involvement of the parents when the abuse of the child occurred. Continue reading →
*This blog has practical wisdom and is not intended as legal advice.
We have all been there: something upsetting, traumatizing, and devastating occurs, and we look to those around us for comfort and support. You know, someone who is willing to nod silently while we vent. Now, be honest, how often does that actually happen? The art of “listening” seems foreign to most people, despite their best intentions. Instead, you get advice. Continue reading →
What would happen if you would like to move with your child, and the move would affect the current child custody agreement? Of if the other parent wants to move out of state? It is important in either of these situations to speak to a qualified North Carolina custody attorney. At the Woodruff Family Law Group, we have successfully resolved many cases for parents who have sought to relocate with their children or parents who have opposed a move. We understand how emotionally charged relocation cases can be, which is why you can expect the utmost compassion from our entire team. Continue reading →
Divorce can affect many relationships, and it is not unusual for grandparents to lose contact with their grandchildren in the process. Are you are a grandparent seeking custody or visitation of your grandchildren? If so, we may be able to help. At the Woodruff Family Law Group, our skilled North Carolina family law attorneys can meticulously analyze your facts and let you know your rights and options. Continue reading →
Now let’s change the hypothetical of our Greensboro couple – Petunia and Rocky – in one respect. Recall that Petunia’s parents wanted her to have a premarital agreement regarding Home Grown Lawn Care, but Petunia and Rocky did not sign one. Maybe a few years into her marriage, Petunia realizes that she wants to keep Home Grown Lawn Care in the family and that Rocky and her parents just do not get along. So Petunia executes a will, leaving her shares of Home Grown Lawn Care to her parents and the remainder of her estate to Rocky. Continue reading →
Now that we have the details and definitions out of the way, we can return to our Greensboro couple Rocky and Petunia and take a look at what happens to Petunia’s estate. Recall that Petunia died without a premarital agreement, without children, and without a will. Since Petunia died without a will, this means that she has died intestate, and her property will pass via intestacy, with Rocky as the administrator of her estate. Also recall that Petunia died with an interest in Home Grown Lawn Care worth $125,000.00 and a 401(k) worth $15,000.00, of which Rocky is the beneficiary. Also, Petunia died in a car accident five years into the marriage – this will be important later on. Continue reading →
North Carolina Divorce Lawyers Blog