Dear Carolyn, I have been reading the horrid stories about children being left in hot cars. I also have been troubled by my next door neighbor leaving her seven-year-old son alone this summer while she goes to work. I have seen this mother lock the door when she leaves in…
North Carolina Divorce Lawyers Blog
Grandparents Have Rights Too!
Dear Carolyn, I know I should have kept my mouth shut during the divorce, but I didn’t. My daughter-in-law ended up with custody (not that it wasn’t somewhat justified), but now she is taking it out on us and won’t let my husband and I see our own grandchildren. We…
Give Mediation a Chance
Dear Carolyn, I have a two-year-old and a five-year-old, and I am separated from their Father. I am filing for custody and divorce. I hear I am going to have to go to mediation with the Father, and I really don’t want to see him. I am not exactly afraid…
Opioids and Domestic Violence Do NOT Mix
by Carolyn Woodruff, North Carolina Family Law SpecialistOpioids are the growing problem in family law. Opioids and domestic violence do not mix and yet yield dreadful consequences. From Greensboro, North Carolina, a 28-year-old woman named Marie Aman will spend many years in prison for the death of a man, who may or may not have been her…
Placing the Blame
By: Leesa M. Poag, Attorney, Woodruff Family Law GroupAfter the death of their eight-year-old son earlier this year, two parents in Ohio have filed a lawsuit against Cincinnati Public Schools. The child hanged himself with a necktie from his bunk bed, an act that his parents claim was a result of bullying he suffered at his elementary school. …
Bullying and Suicide: Are Schools Liable?
Bullying in the classroom is, unfortunately, a continuing epidemic both nationally, as well as in the Triad. A new case out of Ohio has recently made news on this topic. An eight-year-old boy named Gabriel Taye from Ohio hanged himself from his bunk bed after being continually bullied at his…
Where to Begin and Where Does It End?
Bullying is not a new or novel occurrence; however, the effects bullying may have come as a surprise to many. Advancements in technology and the associated effects in society have created many new challenges in combating bullying, especially in schools. Whereas before, a child who was bullied at school was…
“Doctor, Doctor, give me the news……”
By: Leesa M. Poag, Attorney, Woodruff Family Law GroupRecently, the North Carolina Court of Appeals has taken steps to hold medical professionals accountable when they become involved in legal proceedings. Family law attorneys in North Carolina are familiar with the process of a custody evaluation performed by a licensed psychologist. The Court of Appeals recently held that these…
Cross-Appeals: Timing is Everything (Slaughter v. Slaughter)
Jennifer A. Crissman, AttorneyTiming, as they say, is everything, and if you are appealing an Order in North Carolina, this is particularly true. Slaughter v. Slaughter, No. COA16-1153 was decided by the North Carolina Court of Appeals on July 18, 2017. While there were multiple issues on appeal, the issue that sticks out…
“To Pay or Not to Pay” (New v. New)
At the heart of many family law related disputes lie arguably the most difficult decisions regarding the children and their futures. At times it may seem unlikely that individuals in the midst of a divorce will ever agree on anything; fortunately, ensuring that any children involved receive a quality education…