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…

Protective orders, sometimes called restraining orders, are common after a divorce, domestic violence call, or conviction for abuse or stalking. A protection order may direct a party to refrain from contacting the other; prohibit a party from going within a certain distance of the other; grant to a party possession of the residence or household and exclude…

With the stress of a worldwide pandemic, confusion over when this will all be over, and spending so much time in close quarters, many families are struggling to keep it together. Normally, a spouse may have time to go fishing, watch sports with friends, or escape in their jobs. Now, many spouses are spending 24…

With travel restrictions, kids home from school, and stay-at-home orders in North Carolina, families may be feeling increased tension in the home. Many couples are separated during long stretches of the day when at work, out with friends, or spending time exercising. Such a dramatic change in day-to-day life can be challenging and may lead…

The North Carolina Court System is “largely closed,” but will remain open for limited activity in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Like many other businesses and government agencies, the courts have taken action to slow the spread of COVID-19 among the public and employees. Chief Justice Beasley entered emergency orders that will keep the…

There is a lot of confusion surrounding the coronavirus or COVID-19 and the situation is changing every day. Parents with children may be dealing with a lot between having children home from school, arranging child care, or trying to work from home. Parents sharing custody may have additional hurdles as parents have to deal with quarantine…

Historically, there tends to be an increase in impaired driving over St. Paddy’s Day. The police are out in force looking for impaired drivers so make sure that if you plan to go out drinking, you have a way to get home safe. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers a number of suggestions for drivers…

Many parents know that their relationship is essentially over but still stay together for the sake of their children. Divorce can be difficult for children, especially when they are younger. Many parents wait until their children go off to college to finally separate. However, it may not be much easier for kids to accept their…

The court should treat both spouses fairly and equally in a divorce. However, the spouse who files first in a divorce may have some benefits at the responding spouse’s expense. Filing for divorce is a serious step and a spouse may have reasons to reconsider or put off filing. Even after talking about a divorce,…

It can be difficult being a teenager who feels independent in most of their day-to-day life but is still subject to the rules of living in their parents’ household. Until an individual turns 18 years old, they are generally under their parent’s legal and physical custody. Similarly, the parents are legally and financially responsible for…