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 →

In North Carolina, homeowner and condominium associations often have rules requiring owners to maintain attractive landscaping, which may include watering lawns, trees, or shrubbery. But what happens when the state is facing a severe drought and water restrictions are imposed? As temperatures are getting warmer in North Carolina, this is always a possibility. North Carolina General Statutes § 47F/C-3-122, offers guidance and important limitations for both associations and homeowners during periods of drought. Here’s what community associations need to know: Key Takeaway: Irrigation Requirements Cannot Override Drought Restrictions These statutes were designed to prevent associations from enforcing irrigation requirements during … Continue reading →

There’s a well-known quote that says, “Laws are like sausages. It’s better not to see them being made.” It’s credited to Otto von Bismarck and means that the legislative process can be messy and confusing. That idea came to life this week in the North Carolina Senate. As a reminder, Senate Bill 378 (“HOA Revisions”) was passed by the NC Senate in May. It is now being looked at by the North Carolina House. The bill includes too many provisions to list here and would be the most radical change to the NC Planned Community Act and NC Condominium Act … Continue reading →

SB 378 Passes Senate Senate Bill 378 (“HOA Revisions”) passed its third reading in the North Carolina Senate today. However, this does not mean its provisions are now law. For any bill to become law, it must be approved by both the Senate and the House in identical form. SB 378 now moves to the North Carolina House for further consideration. Here’s a summary of key provisions: The full bill can be found at Senate Bill 378.

Last week, we shared an update (Corporate Transparency Act Blocked Nationwide by Texas Federal Court) on Judge Mazzant of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issuing a preliminary nationwide injunction against the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), effectively halting its enforcement nationwide. Naturally, this decision has raised many questions, including, “What does this mean for our community?” In response, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), which oversees Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting, has issued a formal statement addressing the matter. While the statement is available on the FinCEN website at https://fincen.gov/boi, it may be challenging to locate. … Continue reading →

As someone who has been a lawyer for 25 years I can tell you that law school can be one of the best decisions you make because of the wide variety of opportunities it can create for you. If you have looked into law school and are on the fence, I would suggest you go for it. The skills you’ll acquire like critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to communicate effectively will serve you well in any career. A law degree opens doors to more than just traditional legal practice. Many lawyers transition into business roles and become executives, entrepreneurs, … Continue reading →

Adoption, for most people, is a time of celebration.  A time to welcome a child into their home and a time to expand their family.  It is a wonderful avenue to establish and solidify rights to a child outside of a child custody proceeding.  But what happens if a biological father, who would have wanted the child, did not know of a child’s existence prior to an adoption proceeding?  The answer is, as it is in most cases, it depends. North Carolina adoption statutes set out the mechanism regarding how adoptions take place, who can adopt, and most importantly, whose … Continue reading →

Attorney Adam Marshal has been named a partner at Law Firm Carolinas, which has six offices throughout North and South Carolina. His practice includes community association (HOA and condo) law as well as land use, zoning and planning issues before the Board of Adjustment and Zoning Commission.