In May 2022, my law partner, Harmony Taylor, and I presented a program at the Community Associations Institute (CAI) Annual Conference on running better, more legal virtual meetings for community associations. By that point, most boards and managers had already experienced electronic meetings out of necessity. What remained unsettled was not whether meetings could be held online, but whether they were being conducted in a way that was legal, defensible, and effective. The questions we heard were consistent. Can we meet virtually at all? Does it matter whether the meeting is for the board, the members, or a committee? What … Continue reading
Involved With HOAs or Condominium Associations? Make Sure You Have the Correct Copy of Robert’s Rules of Order
For homeowner and condominium associations, membership and board meetings are not routine gatherings. Membership meetings tend to be where directors are elected and governing documents amended. Boards govern the association throughout the year, exercising authority that directly affects owners’ property rights and financial obligations. Because of that, how meetings are conducted matters, both legally and practically. In many states, and in many association governing documents, meetings are required to be conducted in accordance with the most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order (sometimes described as the “current” or “latest” edition). When that is the case, having the correct and … Continue reading
Why I Write Parliamentary Books: Reflections from an Author Chat with the American College of Parliamentary Lawyers
This article is adapted from remarks I delivered during an “Author Chat” with the American College of Parliamentary Lawyers on February 7, 2023. It reflects an edited written version of that presentation, focusing on why I write parliamentary books, how my books differ, and trends I see in modern meetings and parliamentary practice. Why I Write About Parliamentary Procedure Anyone who wants to write about parliamentary procedure should keep their day job. That is not why we write. We write because we find this subject genuinely interesting, because we enjoy teaching it, and because we were taught by others to … Continue reading
Law Firm Carolinas Announces New Shareholders and Partner
Law Firm Carolinas announces the advancement of three attorneys within the firm. Jon Raymer, who practices in the Greensboro office, has been named a Shareholder. Jon focuses on commercial and residential real estate and represents builders, developers, investors, and property owners in complex transactions, including financings and title matters. He also supervises the Greensboro office real estate practice. David Wilson, from the Charlotte office, has been named a Shareholder. David practices North and South Carolina community association (HOA and condominium) law and advises boards and managers on governance and enforcement matters. He heads the firm’s South Carolina HOA and condominium … Continue reading
You Need the Correct Copy of Robert’s Rules of Order
In most associations, significant decisions are made at board, committee, and membership meetings. Budgets are adopted. Directors are elected. Budgets are adopted. Directors are elected. Governing document amendments and policies are approved. When an organization says it follows Robert’s Rules of Order, it is committing to run its meetings under a recognized, structured system designed to promote fairness, order, and clear decision making. Because of that, how meetings are conducted matters, both legally and practically. Many association governing documents require that meetings be conducted in accordance with the “current edition” of Robert’s Rules of Order. When that is the case, … Continue reading
Let’s Focus on the “Community” in Community Associations in 2026
It is no surprise to anyone that we are living in polarized times. We are increasingly isolating ourselves in bubbles catering to our already held beliefs. We are getting news and information from “news” outlets designed to cater to specific audiences. Getting objective information from objective sources is becoming harder by the day. And with the rise of social media, the rules and norms of decorum seem to have eroded. The concept of “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all” that was taught by most of our mothers, seems to be a thing of … Continue reading
A New HOA Warranty Option for North Carolina Buyers
A new product has recently become available to some North Carolina purchasers buying homes or condos in community associations. Known as “HOA Warranty,” this is a private, optional product offered at closing and is not governmental or legislative in any way. Because it is new to the North Carolina market, we want to make readers aware that it exists, not to recommend for or against its use. You can learn more about the product directly from the provider at HOA Warranty: Special Assessment Protection. What the Product Is Intended to Do The general purpose of the HOA Warranty product is … Continue reading
Points and Requests: The Parliamentary Tools We Use the Most and Understand the Least
This article is adapted from a presentation I gave to the Virtual Parliamentarians Toastmasters Club on December 21, 2025. The session focused on several parliamentary tools that are frequently used but often misunderstood, including Questions of Privilege, Parliamentary Inquiry, Requests for Information, and Points of Order. While these motions rarely get much attention, they play an outsized role in how meetings actually function. What follows is a edited written version of that presentation. Points and Requests: The Parliamentary Tools We Use the Most and Understand the Least It humbles me, especially during the week of Christmas, that people would take … Continue reading
Community Associations in 2025: Bigger, Busier, and Still Strongly Supported
As we wrap up 2025, it’s clear that community associations continue to play a major role in how Americans live. It is also true that not every association gets everything right. There can be disagreements over rules, budgets, and decisions, and some communities face serious challenges. Even so, the most recent statistics nationally and in North Carolina show that the association model remains very popular. Most owners who live in homeowner or condominium associations say they see real value in the system and believe their communities help protect their homes and home values. I recently saw the latest data on … Continue reading
Winter Is Here: Test Your Knowledge on Winterizing Your HOA or Condominium
Winter is here, and many HOAs and condominiums are already dealing with cold weather problems. Yesterday I spoke at the NC Community Associations Institute’s “Holiday Trivia Event” about legal concerns when associations prepare for winter. As a follow-up that talk, here’s a short quiz to see how ready your association is. Only one answer is correct for each question. Now that you have seen the questions, here’s why the correct answers matter. #1 = B. The board must approve winter service contracts at a properly noticed meeting. Boards should not automatically choose the lowest bid. Their job is to choose … Continue reading
Tenancy in Common Codified in North Carolina
Tenancy in common has long been one of the three types of joint ownership in real property recognized by North Carolina. Until recently, it was governed by common law principles and not codified by statute. However, on September 9, 2024, Article 7 of Chapter 41 of the North Carolina General Statutes was officially signed into law to clarify and consolidate the general principles of tenancy in common. This is good news for attorneys and the public, as tenancy in common, pun very much intended, is quite common. It is the default form of ownership when two or more individuals jointly … Continue reading
The Complexities of an Insolvent Estate
Ironically, insolvent estates are often more time-consuming, nuanced, and complex than solvent estates. This increased complexity stems from two primary factors. First, the procedural intricacies involved in providing notice to creditors under Article 14 of Chapter 28A and navigating the rules for presentation and payment of claims under Article 19 of Chapter 28A are nuanced. Additionally, the legal framework surrounding which assets are readily available to the personal representative, which assets require court intervention to access, and which are entirely exempt from claims is complex. Understanding Estate Insolvency Typically, insolvency refers to a situation where liabilities exceed assets or cash … Continue reading
The Significance of Disinheriting a Child – Alternatives and Protections
Clients choose to disinherit a child for many reasons. As an estate planning attorney, I often find that clients feel the need to justify this decision to me. While it’s helpful for an attorney to understand family history and dynamics, it is not our role to judge or attempt to influence the decision. However, it is the role of the attorney to advise on alternatives and ensure it is an informed decision. I emphasize to clients that disinheriting a child is a significant decision. I also ensure clients are aware of alternatives, such as leaving assets in a trust or … Continue reading
Should My Will or Trust Contain a “No Contest Clause” or a One Dollar Bequest?
When clients choose to disinherit or reduce an inheritance for a child, I am often asked whether they should include a “no contest” provision in their estate documents or if they should leave the child one dollar. In this blog, I will address these common questions. No Contest Clauses No contest clauses, also known as in terrorem or forfeiture clauses, are generally enforceable in North Carolina, but their effectiveness is subject to significant limitations. What is a no contest clause? It is a provision in a will, trust, or other testamentary instrument that threatens to disinherit anyone who challenges the … Continue reading
Voting by Written Ballot
In North Carolina, written ballots play a critical role in the decision-making processes of homeowner, property and condominium associations. It can be difficult to establish quorum at a meeting, much less to get the higher thresholds needed for votes on amendments to governing documents. Most of the associations we work with use written ballots or written agreements when they wish to conduct important votes on amendments or votes to approve special assessments. This blog addresses the written ballot process; other blogs address the written agreement process. The vast majority of community associations in North Carolina are nonprofits incorporated under Chapter … Continue reading
Adam Marshall Elected to Greensboro City Council
Congratulations to Law Firm Carolinas partner Adam Marshall, who has been elected to the Greensboro City Council. A lifelong Greensboro resident and experienced attorney, Adam has long served the city through leadership (often as Chair) on key commissions and boards, including the: He ran a positive campaign and secured a commanding victory, by capturing 67% to 33% of the votes—an impressive achievement in these divisive times. Adam’s solid understanding of city government, steady temperament, and interest in working with others to find practical solutions will make him an excellent member of the Greensboro City Council. Congratulations, Adam!
Harmony Taylor Elected to National Board of Community Association Lawyers
While I don’t know how the national elections will go today, here’s one I can call— Congratulations to Law Firm Carolinas partner Harmony Taylor, who has been elected to the Board of Governors for CAI’s College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL)! Given that there are only seven members of the CCAL Board nationwide, Harmony’s election signifies the respect in which she is held by community association attorneys across the country. The College, established in 1994, recognizes excellence in the practice of community association law. Of the thousands of attorneys who work with homeowner and condominium associations in the United States, … Continue reading
Attorneys Charles Meier and Bonnie Braudway Join Law Firm Carolinas
Law Firm Carolinas is pleased to announce that the attorneys from Marshall Williams & Gorham, one of Wilmington’s oldest law firms, will join the firm on November 1. For more than 60 years, Marshall Williams & Gorham has served clients throughout southeastern North Carolina in civil litigation, real estate, business, community association (HOA/condo), and estate matters. Joining Law Firm Carolinas’ statewide community association practice are Charles Meier and Bonnie Braudway. Charles Meier brings more than 40 years of legal experience representing community associations, real estate, construction, foreclosure, and commercial clients. He has appeared before state and federal courts, including the … Continue reading
Is Your Dislike of Another Board Member a Breach of Your Fiduciary Duty?
These are trying times. Whether because of the political climate, social media, or the stresses of modern life, poor conduct at meetings has become common. As attorneys and experienced professional parliamentarians, Carole Albright and I assist with many meetings of every size each year. Members, and even directors, seem shorter and snappier than ever. We increasingly hear directors say things like: “I can’t work with that board member.” “I won’t be in the same room as that director.” “Can’t we handle everything by email?” The answer to that last one is no, but the real issue runs deeper. Directors don’t … Continue reading
NC Community Association Legislative Update – October 23, 2025
Senate Bill 378 Update: HOA Provisions Removed—But Likely to Reappear Senate Bill 378 was originally entitled “HOA Revisions” and would have significantly impacted North Carolina’s 15,000 HOAs and condominiums. (See our prior post: Senate Bill 378 Could Devastate North Carolina’s Community Associations—And Burden Responsible Homeowners, for details on the original proposal. As of October 22, the bill has been completely rewritten. It is now titled “Align Medicaid Eligibility with Federal Law” and contains no HOA or condominium provisions. You can view the new version here. For those less familiar with the legislative process, this may seem an odd development. However, … Continue reading