Many assume that filing a lawsuit will eventually lead to a trial in a courtroom. While trials still occur in North Carolina, many cases today are resolved through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods like mediation. In fact, for nearly three decades, North Carolina has required mediation or mandatory settlement conferences in all cases filed in
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Although the term “adoption” may suggest bringing a new child into the family fold, many adoptions involve an already-established family — that is, a stepparent becoming a stepchild’s full legal parent. Depending on the circumstances, a stepparent adoption may range from simple and straightforward to extremely complex. Read on to learn more about the stepparent
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As a father, you understand how important it is to be part of your child’s life, no matter your relationship with your child’s mother. This doesn’t just include spending time with your child — but also having a vote in health-related, education-related, and child-rearing decisions that can affect your child’s future. North Carolina has abandoned
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As a stepparent, you may have formed a close bond with your spouse’s child. If you’re now going through a separation and divorce, then you may be wondering if you have any legal rights as a stepparent. In North Carolina, stepparent custody rights are complicated, however, N.C.G.S. §50-13.1(a) states that stepparents do have the
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When your court date is approaching, it’s normal to be anxious. Especially if you’ve never had to experience a trial before. Here’s what you should be doing to prepare for trial and what you should do on the day of your court date. Basic Preparation You should have already hired an attorney well before your
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A separation or divorce can be an overwhelming, stressful, and emotional time for you and your family. Likely, when beginning the divorce process, you may not know what you need to bring to the table to make the process easier for everyone involved. You’re going to need quite a few documents during the divorce process,
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It has become more and more common over recent years for one spouse to complain that the other is spying on him or her. With the availability of inexpensive programs and hardware, it is more likely that the spying is in fact taking place. Here’s a primer on a spouse’s privacy rights under the North
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If the Department of Social Services (DSS) opens an investigation and case on your family, then there are a number of things you should know. 1. DSS is required to investigate any report to them of abuse or neglect of a minor child. 2. Abuse usually means physical abuse but DSS may investigate mental abuse as well. Evidence
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Do you think you know everything about what constitutes separations in North Carolina? Let’s put your knowledge to the test with a pop quiz. All questions are true/false. 1. You can be separated from your spouse while living in the same house as long as you sleep in separate rooms. FALSE. To be separated, you
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1. There are two kinds of contempt – Civil and Criminal. Civil Contempt is used to enforce the rights of a party by forcing compliance with a court order. Criminal Contempt is utilized to uphold the respect due the Court and to punish violations of its orders. 2. The general distinction is that Civil Contempt is used
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