Online legal services and online forms are growing in popularity. Today we rely on the internet to do many of the functions of every day life. We shop online. We connect with our friends. We make dinner reservations online. So, why not handle our legal affairs online? There are still valid reasons you may have to go to a law office and hire a lawyer the traditional way. How do you know whether you can address your legal needs online? Perhaps you can visit a
Who’s your favorite Beatle?
Do you have a favorite Beatle? If so, you are showing your age. This was a question I would often ask girls on first dates. There was only one wrong answer: “I really don’t like The Beatles.” Ouch. O.K., you are not the woman for me. I have gone through phases. When I was an angry, young man, John was my favorite. He was sardonic. He had a razor-sharp wit. I embraced his peace and love mantra. Even Yoko did not dissuade me. I grew to
Do you know who prepared your online legal document?
How much do you really know about the person who prepared the deed, contract or will you purchased online? Perhaps you needed a separation agreement because you and your spouse were splitting up. Like many people these days, you went to the internet and started searching for legal services. Perhaps you found a form you could prepare yourself for a reasonable price. You answered the online questions and paid the fee. Now you have a form that you and your spouse can sign. Right? Do
The Parenting Coordinator
I recently completed my 24-hour Parenting Coordinator Training. So, what is a Parenting Coordinator? A Parenting Coordinator (sometimes called a “PC”) may be appointed by the court to help parents in carrying out the terms of their custody order. A PC may be appropriate if the parties agree or if the judge finds that the case is a high conflict custody case. If there is frequent litigation or the parents have difficulty communicating and agreeing on issues related to their children, a PC can help. Children exposed
You don’t have to go to court.
Going to court to settle your family disputes should be a last resort. It is a way to achieve a resolution, even if your adversary is unreasonable or refuses to cooperate. However, it is also the most inefficient, unfriendly and costly way to resolve any issue. The only people who really win in divorce litigation are the lawyers. You should look for an attorney who is dedicated to helping you resolve your problems, without creating new ones. Litigation turns private family issues and finances into a public
Does my spouse have to sign the deed?
“Why does my spouse have to sign the deed when I sell property I inherited from my parents? It’s in my name alone.” Domestic lawyers and real estate lawyers get this question often. The quick answer is that the bank financing the purchase of the property says so. A more precise answer involves an understanding of “marital property.” Finally, there is a law that requires it. Let’s start with the North Carolina General Statutes. One of those statutes (N.C.G.S. 39-7) says that in order for a married
Rights you lose upon divorce.
Divorce is not just the end of the marriage. Divorce cuts off several important marital and property rights. You may think that all you need is a simple uncontested divorce. However, before you get the judge to sign your divorce decree, you need to understand the rights that will end upon the entry of your divorce judgment. After you are divorced, you no longer have the right to request alimony. On the other hand, once you are divorced, your spouse cannot get alimony from you
Who gets the dog?
One of the potential casualties of separation and divorce is the family dog. Although I refer here to the family dog, these considerations also apply to other pets. While negotiating custody of the children and division of the marital assets, a couple may disagree over who will keep the family dog. Under North Carolina law, pets are considered personal property to be treated no differently than a table or chair. However, the pet lovers out there know the truth: these animals are beloved members of the family.
Why mediation works
The tools that mediators bring to a mediation are quite different than the tools of a litigator. Mediators must do more listening than talking. Mediators must emphasize the collaborative aspect of mediation rather than the adversarial nature of litigation. Mediators build bridges. Family law litigation is often difficult because of the emotions involved in splitting up a family and the things acquired during the marriage. These folks have memories and emotions attached to tangible things. That may be the table his parents gave them. She has all
Online legal services
On March 11 the South Carolina Supreme Court adopted the Report and Settlement Agreement of a Court-Appointed Special Referee which found that LegalZoom is not engaged in the unauthorized practice of law in South Carolina. The case is Medlock v. LegalZoom.com, Inc., (Case No. 2012-208067). Some of the factors that appear to have influenced the decision are: (1) LegalZoom’s website clearly indicates that it is not a law firm or a substitute for a lawyer; (2) LegalZoom does not provide legal advice to its customers; (3)