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What Is Overdose Immunity In North Carolina?
Throughout North Carolina, opioid abuse has risen to an epidemic level. Coupled with this epidemic is a drastic increase in drug-related overdoses. All too often, people delay or never call emergency services for an overdose victim from fear of arrest. In response,...
read moreHow Much Can I Charge a Tenant For a Security Deposit?
The amount a landlord can charge a tenant for a security deposit depends solely on the length of the lease term. If the length of the lease is week to week, the security deposit cannot exceed the amount of two weeks’ rent. If the length of the lease is month to month,...
read moreNorth Carolina Criminal Record Expunction Updates
Late last year, NC updated a few laws concerning expunction. What is an expunction? Every time a person is charged with a crime, the information about the charge is stored by the court system. Even if a criminal charge is dismissed, the record of the arrest is still...
read moreHow Do I Prepare For My Estate Planning Meeting?
Who should attend the meeting? Everyone who is seeking to have estate documents drafted should attend in person. Everyone who is affected by the outcome of the estate plan is encouraged to attend or be available for a phone conference. It is almost always a good idea...
read moreHow Much Does A Divorce Cost In North Carolina?
Clients often ask me: “how much does a absolute divorce cost?” Although there may be other issues associated with a separation and divorce, such as child support, child custody, alimony, etc., the divorce process itself can occur independent of these other issues. The...
read moreLiving With a Partner and How That Affects Alimony
A common question associated with post-separation support and alimony is whether having a partner live with you affects your ability to continue to collect alimony. The answer is yes. According to North Carolina law (§ 50-16.9), if you are a dependent spouse and...
read moreShould My Child Testify At Trial?
Family law attorneys often get asked: “can my child testify during the hearing?” In North Carolina, the statute (N.C.G.S. 50-13.2(a)) only states that every decision by the judge shall “best promote the interest and welfare of the child.” Therefore, family law...
read moreWhat is an “Open Container” Crime in North Carolina?
Did you know that you may be charged with an “open container” crime if a bottle or can of alcohol is in the “passenger area”? You could potentially be charged, even if you are not drinking alcohol. Additionally, both the driver and passengers in the vehicle can be...
read moreLegal Separation in Family Law
When is the date of separation? A separation between a married couple occurs when you no longer reside at the same address with the intent to remain permanently separated. Living in separate areas of the marital home or property does not meet the requirement for...
read moreDo Dismissed Cases Show Up on a Background Check?
Many times, lower level criminal charges (such as possession of marijuana, shoplifting, or open container tickets) are eligible to be dismissed. However, the dismissal of the charge does not end the consequences of the arrest. Dismissals In the North Carolina Courts,...
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