Open and Closed Adoptions in North Carolina

A favorite holiday family movie is “Elf,” starring Will Ferrell, as Buddy, and Bob Newhart, as Papa Elf. Buddy is an orphaned human infant who stows away in Santa’s sack. Then, when he is discovered at the North Pole, he is adopted by Papa Elf and raised at the North Pole. Buddy grows up at […]

New North Carolina Statute Allows Lifetime No-Contact Order in Special Circumstances

Until October 1, 2015, North Carolina had only two statutes that allow the Civil District Court to enter restraining orders.  Our state is now adding a third statute that provides special protection for victims of sexual crimes.  An examination of each of the statutes shows why this new statute offers a unique, additional layer of […]

Is a HandWritten Agreement for Alimony Valid?

The 2009 Court of Appeals case Sluder v. Sluder addresses this very issue. Husband signed a statement that was handwritten promising to pay Wife $1,000.00 per month in spousal support.  The handwritten statement was as follows: “I Gary M. Sluder pay to my wife Christina, the sum of One Thousand Dollars a month in spousal support.” The trial court found […]

Changes to Child Custody Orders

Child Custody Orders may be modified based on a substantial change in circumstances which warrant a modification of the existing child custody order.  The substantial change of circumstances must affect the welfare of the minor child.  To many, this standard may seem vague and confusing.  A recent Court of Appeals case Patten v. Werner discusses the issue of modifying custody. […]