North Carolina Divorce Lawyers Blog

Articles Tagged with child abuse

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Anyone who suspects that a child is being abused or neglected can make a report to the Department of Social Services or Child Protective Services in North Carolina. This system is intended to protect children and ensure they have safe caregivers and homes. If a report is determined to be unfounded, it means that an investigation found no evidence of the reported neglect or abuse. Continue reading →

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By Cheri’ Reaves, NCCP

After a deep conversation with a close friend, I felt the need to share something urgent. We were talking about children, technology, and how early they’re being introduced to smartphones, tablets, and social media. This isn’t just about screen time—it’s about real dangers lurking behind those screens. Continue reading →

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In North Carolina, a habitual felon is someone who has been convicted of or pled guilty to three felonies. These defendants may be indicted as habitual felons if they have been designated as such and have been charged with another felony. North Carolina law also states that a defendant may not be prosecuted just to establish them as a habitual felon; there must be an existing felony case that the habitual felon proceeding can accompany. Continue reading →

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Parents have a protected right to care for their children in North Carolina, and that right affords them some significant protections when it comes to custody and visitation. For instance, third parties like grandparents can seek visitation and custody only in very limited circumstances.

However, when parents are involved in custody disputes, courts may limit or altogether deny visitation to a mother or father. Every North Carolina custody determination is based on one core principle: the best interests of the child. If a court believes that not having visitation with one parent is best for the child, then the court order will reflect that decision. Continue reading →

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The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) is a uniform state law that has been enacted by the majority of states, including North Carolina. The UCCJEA establishes subject matter jurisdiction in child custody cases and indicates which court has the authority to decide on a custody issue. Continue reading →

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When it comes to child custody, the court has the authority and discretion to consider a wide array of factors to further the best interest of the child standard. One such factor is the physical and mental health of the parent. Impairment of one parent in a child custody dispute that stems from alcohol or substance abuse may raise a number of legitimate concerns about that person’s ability to parent.

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Toni Maurie Gwynn was a 17-month angel who died July 10, 2013 in Eden, North Carolina. She was found suffocated and strapped to a car seat. Apparently, she had not had food or water for many hours.

The latest “who dun it” was resolved last week with her father Antonio Gwynn pleading guilty to second-degree murder. Continue reading →

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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 the morning with the child apparently inside. I do think the seven-year-old has a cell phone.  I don’t like this situation for the seven-year-old who just finished first grade. Is there anything I can do?

~ Danger Lurking Next Door Continue reading →

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By: Carolyn J. Woodruff, attorney
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While nothing in this article should be viewed to condone the horrific acts of Christopher Lee Neal, age 42, who shot at a social services worker after children were taken from his home, the event should be a wake up call for the Department of Social Services (DSS). Apparently this Reidsville man targeted at least two social services employees that had been working on his child custody case. He shot at one of the social workers through her car window in Burlington. According to news reports, she was not injured. He was later apprehended in Myrtle Beach. Continue reading →

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By: Jennifer A. Crissman, Attorney, Woodruff Family Law Group
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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 →