For a general overview of custody mediation statewide, see What to Expect in Private Family Financial Mediation in North Carolina. The answer is sometimes. When people first hear about mediation, they often picture everyone sitting around a conference table working through issues together. Sometimes that happens. But in many family financial mediations, the parties are in separate rooms with their attorney, if they have one. For people going through a separation or divorce, separate rooms are often more comfortable and the mediation is then more productive. Why Separate Rooms Are Often Used Financial issues tied to separation or divorce can be … Continue reading
Category Archives: Family Law
What to Expect at a Court-Ordered Custody Mediation in Guilford County
While the basic process of custody mediation is similar across North Carolina, each county has its own procedures and scheduling rules. (For a general overview of custody mediation statewide, see What to Expect at a Court Ordered Custody Mediation in North Carolina.) If you or the other parent or guardian files a child custody lawsuit in North Carolina, you will both be required to attend court-ordered custody mediation in the county where the lawsuit was filed before trial, except in the case of emergencies and a few other exceptions. Understanding the process can help you feel more prepared, confident, and … Continue reading
Carole Albright Certified as North Carolina Family Financial Mediator
Law Firm Carolinas is proud to share that partner Carole Albright has been certified as a Family Financial Mediator by the NC Dispute Resolution Commission through the North Carolina Judicial Branch. This certification authorizes her to mediate financial disputes in family law cases, including equitable distribution, post-separation support, alimony, child support, and related matters. Certified mediators must complete approved training and meet professional and ethical standards set by the Commission. Carole brings 30 years of family law experience in Guilford County and surrounding counties to this role. She is also a Board Certified Family Law Specialist and a Certified Parenting … Continue reading
What to Expect at a Court Ordered Custody Mediation in North Carolina
1. Mediation Is Mandatory (Unless Waived) 2. Orientation Comes First 3. The Mediation Session 4. What Happens in Mediation Expect the mediator to: 5. If You Reach an Agreement 6. If You Don’t Reach an Agreement 7. Other Things to Know It is recommended (though not required) to consult an attorney beforehand, or ask an attorney to review any agreement before it becomes a court order. Final Tip Go into mediation prepared to negotiate and listen. Bring a written list of what’s important to you, but stay focused on what’s best for the child(ren). Reaching an agreement at mediation can … Continue reading
What to Expect in Private Family Financial Mediation in North Carolina
Divorce and separation can be emotionally and financially overwhelming enough without addressing all of your family financial issues in an open courtroom. Private family financial mediation in North Carolina offers a structured, confidential alternative to courtroom litigation and allows you to participate in reaching an agreement that allows you to move forward with your life. What Is Family Financial Mediation? In North Carolina, many financial disputes connected to divorce are handled through mediation, either voluntarily or through the court’s Family Financial Settlement (FFS) Program administered by the North Carolina Judicial Branch. In private mediation, you and your spouse select a … Continue reading
Jonathon Woodruff Named Partner at Law Firm Carolinas
Jonathon Woodruff has been named a partner at Law Firm Carolinas, which has five offices in North and South Carolina. A graduate of North Carolina Central University and Campbell University School of Law, Jonathon has experience in both civil and criminal law. He now focuses on representing community associations (HOAs and condominium associations) and supervises the firm’s association assessment collections practice. Congratulations, Jonathon!
Domestic Violence Protective Orders (DVPOs) on Behalf of Children
Imagine a mother, Jane, and her 10-year-old son, Alex. Alex’s father, who shares custody, has been physically abusive toward Alex during visits. Jane is frightened for Alex’s safety and wants a domestic violence protective order (DVPO) to protect herself and her child. Jane contacts her local domestic violence clinic, asks the personnel at her local courthouse and consults the internet for how to proceed. She learns that she has two options. (1) She can file a DVPO as Alex’s Guardian Ad Litem (GAL), which means the case would list Alex as the plaintiff and Jane would be appointed to speak … Continue reading
Carole Albright Recognized as Leader in the Law
Carole Albright, Managing Partner of Law Firm Carolinas, has been recognized by NC Lawyers Weekly as a 2024 Leaders in the Law Honoree. The award recognizes legal professionals who have gone above and beyond in their profession through contributions to the practice of law as well as service to the broader community. Carole is a Board Certified Specialist in Family Law as well as a Certified Parenting Counselor and is past Chair of the Family Law Section of the Greensboro Bar Association. She co-chaired and helped organize and lead the Course Planning Committee of the NC Family Law Specialists for … Continue reading
Divorce for Seniors
Recent studies have revealed that divorce is no longer for the young. Couples that are over the age of 50, even over 60 and beyond, are now divorcing at an ever-increasing rate. Issues that arise in a separation and divorce for those that have been married for over 30 sometimes 40 years are often times different than the issues for people that have been married for less than 20 years. Depending on the stage of the marriage, at Law Firm Carolinas our board-certified family law attorneys, Carole R. Albright and T. Keith Black, and our associate attorneys, John Boschini and … Continue reading
Why Do I Have to Pay Child Support if I Can’t See My Child?
One of the most common questions I receive as a family law attorney is: “The mother/father of my child isn’t letting me see them, so why do I have to pay child support?” In North Carolina, as in many other states, child support is a separate issue from custody arrangements. It’s not uncommon for one parent to withhold custody from the other, leaving many wondering why child support payments are still required in such circumstances. In this blog post, I will explore the legal perspective in North Carolina and shed light on why child support obligations persist even when custody … Continue reading
Understanding Emergency Ex Parte Child Custody Claims
Child custody matters can be complex and emotionally charged. In some situations, immediate action may be required to protect the best interests of a child. When faced with emergencies, a legal avenue available to parents or guardians in North Carolina is the Emergency Ex Parte Child Custody Claim. What is an emergency ex parte child custody claim, when it can be filed, and how does the process work to help you understand your legal rights and options? What Is an Emergency Ex Parte Child Custody Claim? An Emergency Ex Parte Child Custody Claim is a legal request made to the … Continue reading
Does My Spouse Have to Pay for Half of My Student Loans in North Carolina?
It should come as no surprise that more and more people are going to college. According to the Education Data Initiative (EDI), 40% of 18-24 year olds attend at least some kind of post-high school education. And with higher enrollment rates comes more and more student loan debt, and North Carolina is no exception. Also according to the EDI, borrowers in North Carolina borrow an average of $38,134 to attend college, and the number is even higher for advanced degrees such as law, medical and graduate programs. These ever-increasing student loans are carried into, or taken out during, marriage. One … Continue reading
5 Law Firm Carolinas Attorneys Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America
Five attorneys at Law Firm Carolinas have been named to the 2024 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Carole Albright, who is a Board Certified Specialist in Family Law, has been recognized in the practice of Family Law. Keith Black, who is a Board Certified Specialist in Family Law, has been recognized in the practices of Family Law and Family Law Mediation. Steven Black, who is a Board Certified Specialist in Residential Real Estate, has been recognized in the practice of Real Estate Law and Community Association (HOA and condo) Law. Jim Slaughter has been recognized in the practices … Continue reading
What Happens to the House in a Divorce or Separation
In many marriages, the largest asset is the marital home. Not only does it have significant financial value, it usually has great sentimental value for the owners. If you are separating and looking towards divorce, one of the first decisions separating you will have to make is who is moving out of the home. In North Carolina, neither party can “kick out” or “lock out” the other party absent a court order or agreement so sometimes the hardest part of separating is actually getting separated. Before or after separation, however, you and your spouse can settle some or all of their marital … Continue reading
Law Firm Carolinas Named to Fast 50 List
Law Firm Carolinas has been named by the Triad Business Journal to its “Fast 50 List,” which consists of the 50 fastest growing businesses in the Triad. It is the firm’s third recognition on the Fast 50 list. Managing Partner Carole Albright points to several examples of the firm’s growth over the past three years, including the purchase of a larger Charlotte office, renovations in the Greensboro office, and the opening of several new offices, for six total—Greensboro, Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington, Columbia (SC), and Greenville (SC). Partner Jon Raymer accepted the firm’s Fast 50 recognition at the Business Journal’s recognition … Continue reading
Avoiding (or Enforcing) a Postnuptial Agreement
Did you sign a postnuptial or postmarital agreement at some point during your marriage and do not believe the terms are fair? Are you and your spouse getting separated or divorced and you want to understand the effects of a postnuptial agreement? Although post marital agreements are difficult to set aside, there are ways to attack them in family court if you were pressured to sign, or the terms are wholly unfair, or you waived certain marital rights. Similarly if your spouse is refusing to comply with a postnuptial agreement that you believe is fair, there are ways to enforce … Continue reading
Law Firm Carolinas: New Shareholder, Partners, Offices and Lawyers
Law Firm Carolinas announces the following changes: Harmony Taylor, who is in the Charlotte office and practices community association (HOA and condo) law and civil litigation, has been named a Shareholder. Three attorneys have been named Partners: Joe Thompson, who practices residential and commercial real estate, and David Wilson, who practices North and South Carolina community association (HOA and condo) law, both from the Charlotte office; and Jon Raymer, who practices commercial and residential real estate, from the Greensboro office. There have also been several recent additions to the firm: Nancy Guyton and Hunt Harris have joined the Wilmington office. … Continue reading
New Firm Name & Partners
New Firm Name The law firm of Black, Slaughter & Black, PA will now be doing business as Law Firm Carolinas. The firm, which practices in North and South Carolina, has four offices: Greensboro, Charlotte, Triangle (Garner) and Coastal (Wilmington). New Partners In addition, three attorneys have been named partners in the firm: Jennifer Ruby, who does general civil litigation, business litigation and appeals. Ruby is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2006) and Elon University School of Law (2010) and is based in the Greensboro office. Michael Taliercio, who manages the firm’s HOA/condo assessment … Continue reading
Can You Help Your Attorney Get Ready for Your Child Custody Trial?
Yes! Having a well-respected family law attorney represent you in a custody case is an important step but your children are the most important people in your life so hiring an attorney should not be your last step. First, discuss all of your goals and concerns with your attorney. Second, provide your attorney with as many facts regarding your history with the children as possible. Third, provide your attorney with a list of witnesses who can testify about your positive relationship with your children. Good witnesses are teachers, coaches, neighbors and friends you spend a lot of time with, and … Continue reading
What Does it Mean to “Serve” Divorce Papers?
To get divorced in North Carolina a lawsuit has to be filed with the courts and served (meaning formally delivered) to your spouse. There are three (3) primary ways to serve someone with divorce papers: by sheriff, certified mail or acceptance of service. If you do not know where your spouse is staying or working or you have tried all possible leads and you have been unable to get them served, you will need to publish a notice in the local newspaper where your spouse was last known to be living. This process is called Notice by Publication. Once you … Continue reading