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Retirement benefits are a unique asset in North Carolina divorce cases. Retirement benefits may consist of Social Security benefits, 401(k) savings, IRAs, a pension, or other types of retirement savings. These may have accumulated before and during the marriage. For people under the age of retirement, it may still be a number of years before…
An article in the New York Times is telling readers what North Carolina criminal defense lawyers have known for years about breath testing for drunk driving: “These Machines Can Put You in Jail. Don’t Trust Them.” Unfortunately, many drivers rely on these faulty tests and the claims of the prosecutor to plead guilty to driving while impaired (DWI),…
North Carolina is the last state to adopt a “raise the age” law. Under the new law, teenagers under the age of 18 will no longer be automatically tried as adults in court. Session Law 2019-186 was enacted on August 1, 2019, and will go into effect on December 1, 2019. Changes Under the Raise the Age…
Divorce can be a time for major upheaval in your life. A divorce can result in changes to your living situation, support system, time with your children, and financial status. However, major life changes can also be the catalyst for deciding to get separated or divorced. Major life events, like suffering a terminal illness, recovering…
Alimony can represent a significant post-divorce expense, possibly for decades into the future. In the past, alimony payments were deductible for the supporting spouse and helped offset the expense of providing monthly payments to the dependent spouse. However, after a change to the tax law, alimony payments will no longer be tax-deductible for divorce agreements…
A proposed bill would make it illegal to use a phone or other mobile device while driving. The Hands-Free NC Act, House Bill (HB) 144 has passed the House and now awaits approval in the senate. Using a phone while driving could lead to getting pulled over by the police. As with any traffic stop,…
Whether because of life circumstances, financial hardship, or simply growing apart, many couples decide that separation is the best option to move forward. While many people feel alone when facing a divorce, it is a common part of life for people across the country. According to a recent survey, while the rate of divorce varies by state,…
According to one survey, women who get married for the first time when they are aged 15 to 20 are more likely to be divorced. People who get married between the ages of 28 and 32 are more likely to be married for longer. However, people can get divorced at any age, and it does not…
When most couples are negotiating child custody and visitation schedules, they focus on family-oriented holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. However, other holidays can be just as important for children and Halloween is a favorite holiday of many kids. Kids (and some adults) get excited about the one day where they can dress up as a…
One of the expensive consequences of a drunk driving conviction in North Carolina is the increase in auto insurance. Drivers with a DWI may end up with a car insurance premium that is three times their rate before a DWI. Other drivers may be dropped from their insurance company and be left searching for expensive insurance coverage…