Hitchcock v. Rupert, 2022-NCCOA-268 (2022) (unpublished).
In North Carolina, domestic violence falls under Chapter 50B of the General Statutes. It serves to protect a party who is or was in a relationship with the perpetrator. Harassment can rise to a level where a domestic violence order of protection is proper. Below is an example of conduct that rises to that level. Continue reading →
Walker-Snyder v. Snyder, 2022-NCCOA-97 (2022)
In North Carolina, domestic violence is not always caused by a physical act. Under the 50B statutes, actions that meet the definition of stalking can also result in the granting of a domestic violence protective order, even though the court must find that an “act” of domestic violence has occurred. Below is such a case, where it was not a physical altercation but rather words that resulted in a trial on domestic violence. Continue reading →
North Carolina’s statutes include a provision, chapter 50B, for an individual who is in a personal relationship to apply for a protective order. The name given is domestic violence protective order, and it is an Order of the court that accomplishes three things; the defendant must avoid certain acts, they must avoid specific locations (such as a the plaintiff’s home), and awards temporary custody of minor children to the nonoffending party. However, 50B actions are only applicable to parties that are in a personal relationship. That means spouses and former spouses, dating partners, current and former household members, parents, and a few more categories. The rule is that the parties share a personal history. Continue reading →
NC Court of Appeals (No. COA20-545)
Grace DiPrima (“Plaintiff”) and Clifton Benjamin Vann, V (“Defendant”) were the best of friends. Their friendship began in the third grade, and the two stayed friends throughout grade school and beyond. Plaintiff and Defendant attended The Fletcher School (“Fletcher”), an educational institution for children with learning differences. Plaintiff and Defendant would contact each other through various means, including text messages, Instagram, phone conversations, etc. However, by 2018, Plaintiff disclosed to her parents that the relationship had become more volatile. Plaintiff stated that some of Defendant’s recent actions made her feel uncomfortable. Between July 2018 and November 2018, Plaintiff and Defendant exchanged messages concerning suicide. Continue reading →
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