Co-parenting can be a challenging journey, but when done successfully, it can provide stability and support for children growing up in a separated or divorced family. Effective co-parenting requires cooperation, communication, and a commitment to putting your child’s well-being first. Here are seven valuable tips to help you navigate the…
Articles Posted in children
Child Support and Legal Fees
Marecic v. Baker, 2023-NCCOA-______ (2023) (unpublished). Facts: The case involved a dispute between the Plaintiff and Defendant, who are the biological parents of a minor child named R.J.M. The parties never married but purchased real estate in North Carolina and Florida during their relationship. Defendant had two older children from…
Hearsay Can Be Admitted – Rarely
IN RE: H.G., 2023-NCCOA-______ (2023) (unpublished). Facts: In June 2012, the respondent adopted Heather, along with her older sisters Sally and Ellen. In a prior legal proceeding, allegations of improper discipline led to the adjudication of neglect and dependency for Heather, and abuse, neglect, and dependency for Sally and Ellen.…
Grandparent Visitation When Widowed
Rose v. Powell, 2023-NCCOA-______ (2023). Facts: Plaintiffs were the biological grandparents of the minor child in this case. Plaintiffs’ son, Jacob Chandler Rose, unexpectedly passed away. At the time of his death, the Defendant, Jacob’s wife, was pregnant with Jacob’s child, later named Aubrey, born on April 30, 2019. The…
Child Support Insights on Bishop v. Bishop
Divorce is rarely simple, and when children are involved the complexities can intensify. Child support is one of the most critical aspects that parents need to consider during the separation process. A recent North Carolina case, Bishop v. Bishop, sheds light on some crucial issues that can arise in child…
North Carolina Requirements for Modifying Child Custody
Child custody is often a highly contentious topic in family law because of both parents’ and guardians’ strong desires to spend as much time as possible with their child. If you currently have a permanent custody order in place, you may be able to have it amended. However, while it…
Mother’s Day in the Midst of Divorce
Mother’s Day is a special occasion to honor and appreciate the remarkable women who have played a significant role in our lives. However, for those going through a divorce, this holiday can bring about mixed emotions and unique challenges. In the typical custody arrangement, Mother’s Day is a special holiday…
Termination of Parental Rights – Facts Matter
IN RE: A.W., 2023-NCCOA-________ (2023). Facts: Orange County DSS received a report for domestic violence that occurred in September 2018, where Father dragged Mother into another room by her hair, struck her in the back of the head, threw her against a wall, and essentially choked Mother until she lost…
Contempt – does it require noncompliance at the time of hearing?
BOYLES V. ORRELL, 2022-NCCOA-916 (unpublished). Facts: Mother and Father married in 2014 and separated about four months later. The couple had a daughter together, who is eight years old. The parties entered into a consent custody order and the mother had primary physical custody. In March of 2020, the trial…
Tips for Holidays with Adopted Children
It’s your first holiday with your adopted child and you’ve done everything to make it perfect, with magazine-worthy tables of food, a home full of beautiful decorations, and lights twinkling just right in the annual family photo – at least until the dog eats the turkey, the cat knocks down…