Which filing status is the best option for you on your federal income tax return this year? More than one may apply, such as deciding with your spouse whether to file jointly or separately, but if you plan on filing as head of household, you must be sure you meet the requirements. Continue reading →
Spring break is an opportunity to spend quality time with your kids as they enjoy a break from the grind of school. Some families plan vacations or extravagant activities, but for those going through a custody dispute, finding fun things to do can be tricky. From monetary concerns to temporary travel restrictions, you may need to get a bit creative with the activities you plan this year. The good news is we’ve created this list of some great spring break ideas as you go through a custody dispute to make this holiday one of the best ones yet. Continue reading →
For children of divorced parents, celebrating the holidays isn’t always easy. Navigating custody arrangements and giving both parents an opportunity to bond with their children can be a tricky balancing act. If you’re looking for ways to make this St. Patrick’s Day special for your children, here are a few activities in the Greensboro, NC area that can be done either together or separately. Continue reading →
The holiday season is a time for giving and, for many children in Guilford County, local charities play a crucial role in making the season magical. Continue reading →
The courthouse where a divorce complaint is filed is called the venue. Determining which venue to file in is important because only the proper venue can rule on a case. North Carolina law states that the venue for legal action is the county in which either party to the case lives, but identifying which court is the correct venue to initiate your divorce action can be more complicated. Continue reading →
North Carolina law states that custody of a child may be granted jointly to both parents or exclusively to one parent, but how is that decision made in custody cases? All North Carolina orders for custody must be based on what arrangement will promote the best interest and welfare of the child.
While custody cases in the past used to favor the mother based on the since-abolished tender years doctrine, current custody matters do not give automatic preference to one parent over another. Instead, courts must consider relevant factors like the child’s safety.
The language in any contract must be clear and unambiguous, and this standard is true of settlement agreements in divorce proceedings as well. When the terms of an agreement are left open to interpretation, it can lead to issues like contention and litigation. Continue reading →
There must be a substantial change of circumstances in order to request a modification to a child custody order in North Carolina. Additionally, that change must affect the child or children’s welfare. Conflict between parents certainly does impact a child, but does it satisfy this requirement if this conflict has existed between the parents for a while? Continue reading →
North Carolina and almost every other state uses the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) to determine jurisdiction. The UCCJEA uses four elements to determine jurisdiction in initial custody cases:
Grandparents are inarguably a vital part of a child’s life, but the decision to include them is ultimately up to the parents. It can be devastating for grandparents when contact with their grandchild has been restricted. What are your options as a grandparent for seeking court-ordered visitation in North Carolina?
North Carolina allows grandparents to file for visitation only in certain circumstances. The state allows grandparents to file for visitation only if the child’s family is not intact, which may include the following scenarios:
North Carolina Divorce Lawyers Blog