Dear Readers,
Internet addiction is here and is real! I would like to hear from you on this topic. Do you know that a Kaiser Family Foundation study showed that two-thirds of parents have no rules on internet use, particularly internet use unrelated to homework and research? Today’s second Ask Carolyn continues a discussion of this topic.
Dear Carolyn,
Dear Carolyn,
I share custody of our son with my ex-husband. Another school year is about the begin. I dread the issues with homework. As my son gets older and homework gets more important, there has to be something we can do as parents to make sure homework is both done consistently and turned in consistently. My ex is a little more concerned with fun at his house that homework, although he is a pretty good father. What are homework guidelines for sharing custody every other week during the school year?
Carolyn Answers…
Whether you are a working parent or stay-at-home mom or dad, each role comes with a huge set of responsibilities. Being a family lawyer, I can only offer one perspective centered around achieving that work/family balance everyone always talks about. I’m not sure the perfect balance exists and have quickly learned that for me, it’s more of a day by day approach, kind of like March Madness – survive and advance. Below are some of the things I’ve learned along the way. Continue reading →
Dear Carolyn,
Now that summer is almost over and school will be starting back, I am reflecting on the summer trip with my two children, who are 9 and 11. Their mother and I are divorced, and I am trying to make summer memories with them that will last a lifetime. This summer we ventured to the West Coast to see the sites. While in Flagstaff, Arizona, we saw advertisements for a place called “Bullets and Burgers” in Arizona. That reminded me of the headlines about a nine-year-old girl from New Jersey, who killed her Uzi instructor in a place like this. I am just curious if this could happen in North Carolina. What are the North Carolina laws on this? Do we have places like “Bullets and Burgers” in North Carolina? My ex is dating a guy who owns a lot of guns. Could he take my children to such a place?
~ Curious and Concerned Continue reading →
Dear Carolyn,
I am in a custody battle with my ex-husband. My nine-year-old wants to live with me. Can my nine-year-old simply tell the judge this, and then we are done with this mess? I have heard a child can talk to the judge in “chambers,” but I am not sure what this means. Continue reading →
Dear Carolyn,
Triad parent here, contemplating divorce, but I feel compelled to stay together for the children. The children are ages ten and twelve. However, the marriage is quite bad; we argue all the time. We never do anything together, and sex—forget that. I work, and my wife does not work. Can you give me any insight into considerations for whether I should stay in the marriage for the children, or at least until they are in college? I want to do what is best for the children. I am miserable.
~ Miserable Continue reading →
One thing that parents from all walks of life can commiserate over is the struggle to find child care. If you are a new parent, expecting your first child, new to the area, or just considering a change in care, there is a lot to consider when choosing a child care provider. There are several crucial criteria to keep in mind when searching for a daycare or preschool: curriculum, ratings, and your gut. Continue reading →
The name “Responsible Individuals List” may sound like an accolade to parents; however, this is a misnomer. For those unfortunate enough to find their family in the midst of an investigation of child abuse, neglect, and dependency the List is likely to be mentioned. It is important that anyone who finds themselves in this situation be aware of what the term means and the ramifications of being on this list. Continue reading →
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, love is in the air and it is a great time to express it to those who you care about most. It is important that during this festive season that you remember that your children are the ones who need your love the most and we are here to help with some creative ideas on how to make the most of your time with them. When it comes to time with your children, it is important to remember the deliberate nature in which you must approach each moment you have with them. Continue reading →
As a parent, it is a nightmare even to imagine your child being harmed. But for some families in the Piedmont, this is a grim reality. The scenario turns even darker when there are allegations that your spouse harmed the child. This places the parent in a terrible position: trying to protect your child from harm, and to reconcile how your spouse could be responsible for the alleged conduct. The parent may not have been aware the abuse was occurring, but may still be called to testify about the facts and circumstances of the alleged abuse either in a juvenile proceeding, a custody trial or criminal proceedings. What is the innocent parent to do? The natural inclination may be to stand mute to try to hold the family together. However, this is not an option. Continue reading →
North Carolina Divorce Lawyers Blog