In any divorce, custody cases can be extremely complicated. While we want to believe that most parents can amicably work out an agreement that is best for the children, the reality is that there are often long and drawn-out custody battles that can exhaust the entire family. Under North Carolina…
North Carolina Divorce Lawyers Blog
He Said, She Said: Admission of Hearsay Statements Regarding Child Sexual Abuse in Custody Cases: Part 2 of 12 Parts
By: Jennifer A. Crissman, Attorney, Woodruff Family Law GroupIn our fact pattern from Part 1 of our series, the first indication of child sexual abuse was in the statements Aaron and Billy made to Grandmother. Family law attorneys in Guilford County would be wise to try to have these statements admitted under the exception in Rule 803(4) on…
He Said, She Said: Admission of Hearsay Statements Regarding Child Sexual Abuse in Custody Cases: Part 1 of 12 Parts
By Jennifer A. Crissman, Attorney, Woodruff Family Law GroupWhen attorneys in Guilford County try custody cases in which there have been allegations of child sexual abuse, it is vital that statements made by the child regarding the abuse be admitted into evidence. These statements regarding abuse can be critical in determining the best interests of the child, as…
You Want My Advice, Greensboro? Don’t Take Advice.
By: Diana Westrick, Legal Assistant, Woodruff Family Law Group*This blog has practical wisdom and is not intended as legal advice. We have all been there: something upsetting, traumatizing, and devastating occurs, and we look to those around us for comfort and support. You know, someone who is willing to nod silently while we vent. Now, be honest, how…
Relocation in North Carolina: Ramirez-Barker v. Barker
What would happen if you would like to move with your child, and the move would affect the current child custody agreement? Of if the other parent wants to move out of state? It is important in either of these situations to speak to a qualified North Carolina custody attorney. At…
Grandparent Rights in North Carolina: McIntyre v. McIntyre
Divorce can affect many relationships, and it is not unusual for grandparents to lose contact with their grandchildren in the process. Are you are a grandparent seeking custody or visitation of your grandchildren? If so, we may be able to help. At the Woodruff Family Law Group, our skilled North…
Does Death Do You Part? Wills, Intestacy, and closely held businesses. Part 3 of 3.
Now let’s change the hypothetical of our Greensboro couple – Petunia and Rocky – in one respect. Recall that Petunia’s parents wanted her to have a premarital agreement regarding Home Grown Lawn Care, but Petunia and Rocky did not sign one. Maybe a few years into her marriage, Petunia realizes…
Does Death Do You Part? Wills, Intestacy, and closely held businesses. Part 2 of 3.
By: Dana M. Horlick, Attorney, Woodruff Family Law GroupNow that we have the details and definitions out of the way, we can return to our Greensboro couple Rocky and Petunia and take a look at what happens to Petunia’s estate. Recall that Petunia died without a premarital agreement, without children, and without a will. Since Petunia died without…
Does Death Do You Part? Wills, Intestacy, and closely held businesses. Part 1 of 3.
By: Dana M. Horlick, Attorney, Woodruff Family Law GroupHave you wondered how much of your estate is your spouse entitled? What happens to all of your assets when you die? Do you have much control over the disposition of your estate? Does having a will make a difference? To demonstrate the nuances involved in determining how much your surviving…
Why is “Stuff” So Important in Your Divorce? Think About It!
By Carolyn Woodruff, North Carolina Family Law Specialist, CPA, and CVAI am constantly amazed at how people going through a divorce “fight” over “stuff” like a tea cup, a train set, a doll, or a stuffed animal. Generally, when I am using the word “stuff,” I mean personal property like tables and chairs, jewelry, or sentimental items from childhood. The…