As a parent in North Carolina, you’re no doubt familiar with the concept of child custody. But did you know there are two distinct forms of custody, which can involve various arrangements?  The key difference between legal and physical custody lies in the rights they grant to parents. Custody doesn’t simply define who a child…

Debt often complicates divorce in ways that catch people off guard. After years of joint accounts, shared loans, and intertwined finances, sorting out who owes what is rarely simple.  The question of who is responsible for marriage debt in North Carolina doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. Here’s what you need to know about how divorce…

Attorneys Josh Valentine and Jonathan Kidd are recognized for their exceptional legal advocacy in North Carolina Caulder & Valentine Law Firm, PLLC, is proud to announce that Attorneys Josh Valentine and Jonathan Kidd have been selected to the 2026 North Carolina Rising Stars list. Attorney Josh Valentine was named to the list for the third…

Life rarely stays the same forever after a child support order is entered. A parent may lose a job, get a new position, or have to meet a child’s new needs. When the current order no longer matches the facts, the court can review the numbers and decide if a change is fair. In North…

If your marriage is in trouble, you may be wondering whether to pursue a legal separation or a divorce. First of all, know that a divorce is the legal ending of a marriage, while a separation — although it can feel like a divorce in many ways — does not legally end a marriage. Because…

Choosing to give a child a home with you through adoption is a beautiful thing. While adoption could be the most rewarding thing you ever do, you must recognize the gravity of the commitment you are making and how it can change your marriage. Deciding to adopt Couples reach the decision to adopt in different…

In 2014, Matt Shaer wrote an infamous article in GQ magazine about a controversial rabbi who attempted to coerce Orthodox men into giving their wives religious divorces through questionable means. These means included kidnapping, beating, and torture. He also charged the women attempting to obtain these divorces a fee of up to $60,000. That rabbi is…

Marriage is a common experience among adults in western cultures. It is estimated that by age 50, more than 90% of us will marry at least once. According to the American Psychological Association, this is excellent news because marriage is good for a person’s mental and physical health. It is also good for children who thrive…

Going through a divorce is never easy, but splitting up a lifetime of memories can be even more challenging. In many cases, dividing your real estate, retirement, and investment accounts, or bank balances is so much easier. After all, splitting a bank balance down the middle is straightforward and unemotional. But divvying up all of…

Are you considering international adoption? You probably have a laundry list of questions. Adoption is a process that’s filled with many roadblocks, especially when it involves multiple countries. International adoption may be complicated, but it’s also rewarding for parents and children around the globe. Here’s what you need to know before getting started. International Adoption…