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Your Divorce Attorney Wants You to Stop Using ChatGPT: Family Law, AI, and the Privilege You’re Giving Away

April 1, 2026

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Written By Lauren Taylor Arnette Quinn and Angela P. Doughty, CIPP/US, AIGP, FIP
A recent federal court ruling out of New York has important implications for anyone involved in a family law matter, whether you are navigating…
Firm News

25 Ward and Smith Attorneys Recognized as 2026 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

February 18, 2026

Ward and Smith is pleased to announce that 25 of its attorneys were recognized in the 2026 North Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars…
Firm News

Melody King Earns Board Certification in Family Law

December 19, 2025

Ward and Smith, P.A. is pleased to announce that Melody King has become a Board Certified Specialist in Family Law by the North Carolina…
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Parental Alienation in North Carolina: What It Is and How to Combat It

November 14, 2025

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Written By Phillip H. Cowan and John “Jack” F. Presson
While adapting to all of the changes that come when parents split, the last thing a child needs is to be put in the…
Firm News

Ward and Smith Ranked by Best Law Firms® in 2026

November 6, 2025

Ward and Smith, P.A., has been recognized in the 2026 Edition of Best Law Firms®. The firm was ranked by Best Law Firms in 30 practice…
Firm News

68 Ward and Smith Attorneys Honored by Best Lawyers® for 2026

August 21, 2025

Ward and Smith is proud to share that 68 attorneys have been recognized by Best Lawyers in America®. Of those honored, 55 were named to…
Firm News

Raleigh Family Law Attorney Phillip Cowan Joins Ward and Smith

June 2, 2025

Ward and Smith is pleased to welcome family law litigator Phillip Cowan to the firm. Phillip brings his decades of experience to bear on…
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The Changing Landscape of Unmarried Parents

May 20, 2025

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Written By Mary Charles Amerson
One in four parents living with a child in the United States today are unmarried. Of these, 35% of all unmarried parents are living…
Firm News

Our November Focus: Family Matters

November 22, 2024

November focuses on “Family Matters,” covering crucial topics impacting families: closely held businesses, life changes, divorce, death, child custody, and estate planning. And A…
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When Co-Parenting Fails: How Courts Decide Legal Custody Disputes

November 15, 2024

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Written By Mary Charles Amerson
Ever make a decision by flipping a coin?  It seems like a reasonable option to decide where to have dinner or which movie to…
Firm News

Ward and Smith Ranked by Best Law Firms® in 2025

November 11, 2024

Ward and Smith has been honored in the 2025 edition of Best Law Firms®. The firm has made its mark in the legal field by being ranked…
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And a Partridge in a Pear Tree: Navigating the Holidays as a Blended Family

November 5, 2024

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Written By Lauren Taylor Arnette Quinn
When visions of the holidays danced in your head, I doubt that dream bubble floating above your head included a scene where you were…
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Understanding Grandparents’ Rights to Custody and Visitation of a Child in North Carolina

July 9, 2024

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Written By Melody J. King
Grandparents may seek custody of, or visitation with, a minor child. However, custody and visitation, although often used interchangeably, are not synonyms under North…
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Working with Your Family Law Attorney: Practical Tips for Surviving the Stress of Separation and Divorce

May 31, 2024

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Written By William S. Durr
Multiple studies and respected authors agree – divorce is one of the most stressful life events any person can experience.  After 34 years of…
Firm News

Ward and Smith Welcomes New Family Law Attorney Mary Charles Amerson

May 17, 2024

Ward and Smith is pleased to announce the addition of Mary Charles Amerson to our Wilmington office. Mary Charles is a dedicated family law…
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Premarital Agreements and the “Voluntary” Signature

February 13, 2024

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Written By J. Albert Clyburn
Premarital agreements offer persons contemplating marriage the ability to plan for the distribution of their assets and liabilities in the event of separation and/or…
Firm News

52 Ward and Smith Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America® for 2024

August 17, 2023

Ward and Smith proudly celebrates an incredible achievement—over half of our esteemed attorneys have gained recognition from one of the nation’s most respected legal…
Firm News

Ward and Smith Welcomes Business and Tax Attorney John Perry

August 25, 2022

Ward and Smith is pleased to announce the arrival of business and tax attorney John Perry. He will help clients with a broad range…
Firm News

Ward and Smith Attorneys Named to 2022 Business North Carolina Legal Elite

January 4, 2022

Business North Carolina has selected several Ward and Smith attorneys for inclusion in its 2022 Legal Elite edition.  The annual publication lists the state’s top lawyers…
Firm News

Ward and Smith Wins Case of First Impression Addressing the Role a Parent’s Deployment Status May Play in Child Custody Disputes

December 30, 2021

Ward and Smith attorneys Chris Edwards and Alex Dale scored a victory in an appeals case that has greater implications for military members in…
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Troubled Waters: Leading Through a Pandemic

January 15, 2021

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Written By Lynwood P. Evans
  We’ve weathered literal storms, such as Hurricane Florence, but nothing quite like the speed and scope of the coronavirus pandemic. Through it all,…
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Year in Review: Ward and Smith’s Top Articles of 2020

December 30, 2020

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Written By Laura V. Hudson
Over the past tumultuous year, Ward and Smith attorneys authored more than 190 articles to help our clients stay abreast of ever-changing COVID-19 impacts. That…
Firm News

Family Matters: The Importance of Selecting an NC Board Certified Family Law Attorney

June 25, 2020

John Martin, a family law attorney in our Greenville office, recently recorded a video on why you should hire a North Carolina State Bar…
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Courts, Custody, & Choices: How to Address New or Existing Issues

April 23, 2020

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Written By Lauren Taylor Arnette Quinn
As most people are well aware, the COVID-19 crisis has completely changed how we operate in our daily lives.  One place that has felt…
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7 Guidelines for Parents Sharing Custody of Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic

March 18, 2020

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Written By Lauren Taylor Arnette Quinn
With the Governor’s proclamation to close schools and restaurants to dine-in customers, now, more than ever, our children are a primary focus during these…
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Do You Hear What I Hear? A Child’s Perspective

June 19, 2015

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Written By Lauren Taylor Arnette Quinn
Custody cases are often the most emotionally charged and difficult legal cases to resolve.  In North Carolina, a court’s focus in custody issues must…

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