Often questions arise when domestic violence involves an assault in North Carolina. I write for the Rhino Times and have for several years. My column is Ask Carolyn. Here is a question and answer on the domestic violence topic in August 2019. Whether it is Greensboro, Asheboro, or any other North Carolina area, these issues of domestic violence are serious and affect all of us. A reader wrote: Continue reading →
Articles Posted in Domestic Violence
Woman Tries to Remove Waiting Period for Spouses Divorcing Due to Domestic Violence
In North Carolina, a law that imposes a cooling off period can present a difficult problem if one spouse is being battered. Recently, Woman’s Day ran a piece about domestic violence and the difficulties of being an abused spouse who needs to get a North Carolina divorce. The article led off with the story of a 33-year-old woman who had enough proof of her estranged spouse’s violence to warrant getting a restraining order. Her proof included bruises. Yet, because she lives in North Carolina, she was subject to the state’s cooling off period of one year and one day from the date of separation before obtaining a divorce. Continue reading →
Ask Carolyn: How do I Defend Myself Against a 50B Protective Order?
Dear Carolyn,
My wife keeps threatening me with a 50B. We do argue, but I have never laid a hand on her or even threatened her. She says in court it will be her word against mine. Is there anything I can do to protect myself? I don’t want to go to jail.
Carolyn answers:
What Happens When My Domestic Violence Protective Order Expires?
Dear Carolyn,
I have a domestic violence protective order, but the one year expires next month. I am still afraid of her. She came at me with a knife, but luckily, I was able to get away. She still posts statements on Facebook that let me know she is still angry with me. What do I do for protection when the one year is up?
Carolyn Answers….
Return of Firearms After a Domestic Violence Protective Order
Dear Carolyn,
I want my guns back. My ex-wife filed a 50B for domestic violence that never happened, and the judge took my guns away. The incident, she fabricated, didn’t even involve a gun. The year is up, so how do I get my guns back?
Carolyn Answers…
Crazy Soccer Mom!
Dear Carolyn,
The ex-wife of my new husband is constantly calling my cell phone, following me in my car, and making faces at me at the children’s soccer game. I get texts from her calling me names. She even threatened to come to my work. I feel intimidated. Can I get a 50B for domestic violence and harassment?
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 boyfriend. Continue reading →
Playing the Blame Game
In recent legal news, the Mississippi state Senate has passed new legislation that will have citizens of Greensboro and divorce attorneys alike glad that we live in North Carolina. Continue reading →
The Responsible Individuals List and Its Consequences
By: Jennifer A. Crissman, Attorney, Woodruff Family Law GroupThe 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 →
How to Communicate with Your Ex in Ten(ish) Words or Less: Part 4 of 4
By Amy Setzer, Legal Assistant, Woodruff Family Law GroupDomestic violence doesn’t end when a victim gets “out,” it just switches tactics. The final participant in our Communication Challenge knows that better than anyone. Day in and day out, their own demons trick them into repeating the battle they’ve already won—only difference is, this time, it’s not in person. Continue reading →
North Carolina Divorce Lawyers Blog








