On Thursday, May 5, I graduate from the University of North Carolina Greensboro! I am so excited and can’t wait for my close friends and family to watch as I finally get my bachelor’s degree. In the midst of all the graduation excitement, a friend of mine who is also graduating is dreading it. I know it sounds crazy, but, while she is thrilled to be getting her degree, she, unfortunately, has to deal with “the parent drama,” as she puts it. Her parents divorced when she was three years old, and ever since then, every birthday party, dance recital, big or small celebration there is always drama between her mom and dad. Continue reading →
Mother’s Day in the Triad
By Kristina Pisano, Blog Writer, Woodruff Family Law GroupIt is a day to honor your best friend, your hero and your number one fan, your mom! Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 8, and the Triad offers many ways to help you celebrate that special lady who deserves the world. Continue reading →
Make Them Think It’s Luck, Part 2 of 2
By Diana Westrick, Legal Assistant, Woodruff Family Law GroupHave you ever noticed that what you are thinking does not always translate into what you are trying to communicate? Let’s refer back to those people from Part 1: Despite the most complicated, high-stress situations, they somehow manage to get their point across in the most concise manner possible. Is it luck? Do they have a background in intensive conflict resolution? Maybe, but not likely. Having a basic understanding of the four types of communication styles can help you determine where your communication typically lies, why it may not be working for you, and how to communicate most effectively. Continue reading →
“Stars” are People Too! Mourning Prince.
By Tina Ray, Legal Assistant, Woodruff Family Law GroupOn April 21, 2016 an amazing music icon passed away. I am referring to Prince Rogers Nelson, also known simply as Prince. Prince’s life was extraordinary. His childhood didn’t begin in an extraordinary way, but since his father was a pianist in a band and his mother was a jazz musician and singer, he was destined to entertain! Continue reading →
How to Survive Wedding Season After a Divorce
By Kristina Pisano, Blog Writer, Woodruff Family Law GroupThe flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and a warm breeze is telling you it is that time of year again…wedding season! You have been getting happy couples pictures asking you to “Save-the-date” for their special day since January 2. Bridal shower invites are rolling in on your email and Facebook event list, and you just can’t keep up with all the registries, bows and what color towels the happy couple prefers. It gets worse when the official wedding invitation comes, and you have to RSVP that it is just you, arriving solo. How depressing? Wedding season is tricky after a divorce. You want to be happy for your friend who found their soul mate, but how can you survive the wedding season without the feeling that you somehow failed at married life? These tips can hopefully give you advice on how to survive the season of wedded bliss. Continue reading →
Downsizing Grandparents
By Kristina Pisano, Blog Writer, Woodruff Family Law GroupRecently we went home to Pennsylvania to visit my husband’s 88-year-old grandfather. He is the patriarch of the family and provides warm bear hugs any time we visit with a “Welcome home” whispered in your ear. He is the baby of 12 siblings and has survived two heart attacks and a stroke. Needless to say, he is a real fighter. During Easter dinner, he collapsed and coded twice after being rushed to the hospital. We were in North Carolina and were afraid that we would not be able to say goodbye. He received a pacemaker and defibrillator and now is back to his barrel laughs and typical jokes at a rehabilitation center. Seeing him and his wife, who we call Memie, made me thankful that my husband’s parents had the difficult conversation several years ago with them about downsizing and moving into a retirement home. Continue reading →
Make Them Think It’s Luck: Part 1 of 2
By Diana Westrick, Legal Assistant, Woodruff Family Law GroupWe all know those people. You know, the ones who seem to have everything fall into their lap; no obstacles or signs of struggle in sight. We all hate those people, simply because, if we’re honest, we know we want to be them. Just imagine this scenario: you’re a new divorcee, but to others, you are a strong individual who seemed to breeze through the drama of a failing marriage and came out unscathed. Or how about this, despite losing half of your assets to your ex, you exude an aura of power and confidence, like you “obviously” came out with the better deal. Nothing can touch you, you always live where the grass is greener, and you are simply lucky. Continue reading →
How to Communicate with Your Ex in Ten(ish) Words or Less: Part 4 of 4
By Amy Setzer, Legal Assistant, Woodruff Family Law GroupDomestic violence doesn’t end when a victim gets “out,” it just switches tactics. The final participant in our Communication Challenge knows that better than anyone. Day in and day out, their own demons trick them into repeating the battle they’ve already won—only difference is, this time, it’s not in person. Continue reading →
How to Communicate with your Ex in ten(ish) words or less: Part 3 of 4
By Amy Setzer, Legal Assistant, Woodruff Family Law GroupDivorce is never one person’s fault—it takes two to break up and I think most of us know that. But ask the next contender in our communication series, and they’ll sing a different tune. Ladies and gentlemen of the Triad, meet our third contestant (click here for contestants one and two)… Continue reading →
Ballroom Duo Flash Hollywood Designer Costumes in Dance Legends in NYC—the 5th Anniversary of the Show
by Carolyn J. Woodruff, JD, CPA, CVA, North Carolina Family Law Specialist
With the dash of nomadic color and custom costumes from leading Hollywood design company, Lenique, my dance partner, Alosha Anatoliy and I will take the stage in New York City this coming weekend. Lena Kosovich, owner of Lenique, is a costume designer extraordinaire—herself having been a world champion show dancer, a pro on Dancing with the Stars, and a costume designer for the hit show Dancing with the Stars. “Working with Carolyn and Alosha to create the colorful, ‘boho’ costumes for their dance was the ultimate in a creative experience,” says Lena. Continue reading →