It’s springtime in the Triad! The season of new blossoms, warming weather and parting clouds has inspired me to talk to you about how important staying positive really is. Whether you’re writing your separation agreement or mediating custody, anything that irreparably changes your personal life is mentally and emotionally taxing. It’s hard to keep that chin up when there’s no light at the end of the tunnel. Continue reading →
The Court’s Custody Mediation in Greensboro
by Carolyn J. Woodruff, JD, CPA, CVA, North Carolina Family Law Specialist
So you filed for custody in Guilford County. What are going to be the steps to the trial? Continue reading →
Emergency Custody in North Carolina: The Real Scoop
by Carolyn J. Woodruff, JD, CPA, CVA, North Carolina Family Law SpecialistEmergency Custody in North Carolina is a tough topic. Under North Carolina law, there are really two times that the court can consider switching custody on an ex parte (hearing from one side only). Continue reading →
Digital Babysitting: Put Down the IPAD!
By Tina Ray, Legal Assistant, Woodruff Family Law Group“Mom, can I have the iPad?” “Dad, can I play on your phone?” How many times a day do you hear that? If you have kids, you’ve probably heard those exact words. My grandson loves to come home with me. Why? To play games on my phone. As you can imagine, I really feel loved. Don’t get me wrong, when you’re having a conversation with someone, or driving, it can be very helpful to have the cell phone or iPad babysitter. But, sometimes parents and grandparents let it go too far. Continue reading →
You Better Wisen Up If You Want Some Irish Luck, Triad!
By Diana Westrick, Legal Assistant, Woodruff Family Law GroupI always enjoy St. Patrick’s Day. To me, the holiday represents a celebration of the Irish culture: a culture that is bombarded mostly with beer, shamrocks, and the color green. Don’t get me wrong, I am an annual participant. However, a few years ago, I had the opportunity of traveling to Ireland to participate in their annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and ended up discovering and experiencing the true essence of the holiday. I also came to a realization that while our Irish-themed celebrations are meant to act as a tribute, and are a lot of fun, the American-version of St. Patrick’s Day has it all wrong.
Read on for some debunked “myths” about the lucky holiday, so that you may be the wisest of your clan. Continue reading →
The Ultimate Deceit: A Secret Divorce
By: Dana Horlick, Attorney, Woodruff Family Law GroupImagine after being happily married to your spouse for 20 years, you find out he or she filed for a divorce shortly after your marriage. Not only did they file for a divorce without saying a word to you, but they did so in a different country. Your spouse didn’t just go down to the courthouse here in Guilford County; they went to the Dominican Republic. Your first reaction will likely be shock and a sense of betrayal. What next? Consulting an experienced divorce attorney to determine your rights and the next steps to take. Continue reading →
Dollar Signs and Divorce: Location, Location, Location
By: Dana Horlick, Attorney, Woodruff Family Law GroupIt’s that time of the year again, divorce season. The beginning of the year is the most popular time to file for divorce nationwide, not just here in Greensboro. Maybe it’s the end of the holiday season, the cold weather, being stuck in the house, or the kids being home for winter break. Whatever the reason, couples tend to file for divorce around this time of the year. In the process leading up to deciding to file for divorce, numerous factors are taken into consideration. One important factor likely taken into consideration is the cost of a divorce. Like anything else, divorce costs money and can be quite expensive. Divorce in the United States averages between $15,000 and $20,000. That is a hefty price tag to take on when ending a marriage. Continue reading →
Change is a four letter word!
By Tina Ray, Legal Assistant, Woodruff Family Law GroupChange is a four-letter word. Actually, we all know it’s six letters, but to some, it sometimes has the connotation as some of the more well-known four letter words that some of us use daily. One of the definitions from www.dictionary.com is: “to make a material difference so that the thing is distinctly different from what it was.” All families go through change, both good and bad. How one copes with that four-letter word can mean the difference between surviving, or barely hanging on. You are responsible for how your children learn to handle change. You set the example. Make the difference. Your children learn by example, so make that learning experience positive. Continue reading →
Planning for your “Future” Former Spouse: The North Carolina Premarital Agreement Act: Basics
by Carolyn J. Woodruff, JD, CPA, CVA, North Carolina Family Law SpecialistThe North Carolina Premarital Agreement Act describes the law for the creation of valid, enforceable premarital agreement. The North Carolina Premarital Agreement Act is under North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 52B. This will be one of several articles discussing the North Carolina Premarital Agreement Act. Continue reading →
Make This Valentine’s Day “More Me, Less You!”
By Amy Setzer, Legal Assistant, Woodruff Family Law GroupSpending Valentine’s Day as a new member of the Triad Singles Guild could be more traumatic than your divorce–if you let it. Friends plan gushy evenings at Christopher B’s. Flowers appear on desks at work. The children’s tiny, perforated Minion cards taunt you from their WalMart bag. To top it all off, Hallmark has once again left no Walgreens untouched—their lovey-dovey hearts and candy are delicate lace reminders of how you failed at love. The pressure to be part of a pair is everywhere. Do not give in! Continue reading →