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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…
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How to Contest a Will in North Carolina: The Basics

January 20, 2026

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Written By E. Bradley Evans and Payton Collier Bullard
We all know that a person can control who will own his or her property after death by signing a will. But when questions…
Firm News

Ward and Smith Attorneys Return as Speakers for Second Session of Advanced Family Law CLE

January 15, 2026

Ward and Smith attorneys Bill Durr and Erica Rogers will be featured speakers at the second session of the North Carolina Bar Association’s Family Law Intensive Program, Human…
Firm News

38 Ward and Smith Attorneys Recognized as 2026 Business North Carolina Legal Elites

January 9, 2026

Ward and Smith is pleased to announce that 38 of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 Legal Elite by Business North…
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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Ward and Smith’s Top 10 Most Popular Articles of 2025

December 19, 2025

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Written By Madeline Lipe Williams and John “Jack” F. Presson
As we reflect on 2025, it’s time to highlight the articles that have most resonated with readers throughout the year. Ward and Smith attorneys…
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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

Lauren Quinn & Erica Rogers to Speak to NCBA Family Law Section

October 14, 2025

Ward and Smith attorneys Lauren Quinn and Erica Rogers will present at the North Carolina Bar Association Family Law Section Intensive Program, “Human Intelligence: The Algorithm…
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…
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The Dollars and Cents of Separation and Divorce: Understanding Post-Separation Support and Alimony in North Carolina

February 28, 2025

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Written By William S. Durr and Melody J. King
Before we dive into ways to prepare for your post-separation support and alimony case, it’s important to understand what these terms mean and your…
Firm News

25 Ward and Smith Attorneys Shine in 2025 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists

February 18, 2025

Ward and Smith is thrilled to announce that 25 of its attorneys have earned spots on the prestigious North Carolina Super Lawyers and North…
Firm News

Save the Date: Ward and Smith Executive Breakfast on Business Succession Planning

February 12, 2025

Business owners and executives looking to secure the future of their companies won’t want to miss an exclusive opportunity to gain expert insights over…
Firm News

Ward and Smith Attorneys Honored as 2025 Business North Carolina Legal Elites

January 6, 2025

Ward and Smith is proud to announce that 38 of its attorneys have been named to Business North Carolina’s 2025 Legal Elite, a testament to…
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A Year in Review: Ward and Smith’s Most Read Legal Insights in 2024

December 23, 2024

As we prepare to close out 2024, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the articles that captured the attention of our readers this…
Firm News

Ward and Smith’s Year in Review: Celebrating Excellence, Resilience, and Growth in 2024

December 20, 2024

As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on a year defined by Hurricane Helene, many new faces, and industry recognition for our attorneys.…
Firm News

Media Mention: Jenny Boyer and Matt Thompson Share Estate Planning Insights in Business North Carolina

November 26, 2024

Trusts and estates attorneys Jenny Boyer and Matt Thompson are featured in the November issue of Business North Carolina with their insightful article, “Death…
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Securing Your Legacy: How Marital Estate Rights and Divorce Impact Your Estate Plan

November 25, 2024

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Written By William S. Durr and Melody J. King and Zachary F. Lamb
Once married, spouses acquire a number of rights in and to the estate of the other spouse.  Marital estate rights create the potential for…
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…
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Weathering the Storm: How to Get Your Affairs in Order

November 12, 2024

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Written By Eldridge D. Dodson
In the aftermath of Hurricane Florence in 2018, I wrote this article to help individuals and families navigate the legal and financial issues that…
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…
Firm News

Ward and Smith Welcomes New Additions Across Key Practice Areas

October 7, 2024

Ward and Smith is excited to announce new talented additions to our team. These promising individuals bring fresh perspectives and skills to enhance our…
Firm News

Media Mention: Family Law Attorneys Bill Durr and Melody King Featured in Business North Carolina

September 30, 2024

Family law attorneys Bill Durr and Melody King have been featured in the September 2024 issue of Business North Carolina. Their article, “Protecting Family…
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Marriage, Divorce & the Family Business: Protecting the Family Business from Divorce

September 27, 2024

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Written By William S. Durr and Melody J. King
One’s ownership in a closely held business (often a family business) may be affected by a separation or divorce. In many situations, the business…
Firm News

Our September Focus: The Power of Preparedness

September 23, 2024

September is all about “The Power of Preparedness.” All month long, we’re focusing on the importance of being proactive and prepared in various aspects…
Firm News

67 Ward and Smith Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers® in America for 2025

August 15, 2024

  Ward and Smith is pleased to announce that 67 attorneys have been recognized by Best Lawyers®. Fifty-four attorneys were chosen for inclusion in…
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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

Our May Focus: Working Through Difficult Times

May 31, 2024

  The May theme, “Working Through Difficult Times,” revolves around acknowledging and addressing the challenges individuals and businesses face during challenging times. Easing the Burden:…
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…
Firm News

Ward and Smith to Host Family Law CLE

April 17, 2024

Get ready for an engaging and informative afternoon on Wednesday, April 24, starting at 2:00 p.m. as we host a CLE event tailor-made for family law attorneys.…
Firm News

Media Mention: Melody King’s Article Featured in the 2024 Best Lawyers Family Law Legal Guide

February 27, 2024

Family law attorney Melody King is sharing insights with Best Lawyers® , one of the most respected and trusted attorney rating services in the country.  Her…
Firm News

Our February Focus: Love, Relationships, and the Law

February 27, 2024

This month’s theme explores the intersection of love, relationships, and the legal frameworks that govern them. Protecting Your Family Business for When Marriages End By…
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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…
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How to File for Divorce

February 6, 2024

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Written By Melody J. King
Marriages may be dissolved by either party when the parties have continuously lived separately and apart for at least one year. However, you are…
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Protecting Your Family Business for When Marriages End

February 2, 2024

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Written By Merrill G. Jones, II and Zachary F. Lamb
Love may be eternal, but all relationships on this earth are guaranteed to end at some point. In fact, we know with certainty that…
Firm News

21 Ward and Smith Attorneys Honored by North Carolina Super Lawyers in 2024

January 16, 2024

North Carolina boasts an impressive array of legal talent, and this year, we’re thrilled to announce that 21 of our attorneys have been recognized…
Firm News

36 Ward and Smith Attorneys Honored in Business North Carolina’s 2024 Legal Elite

January 4, 2024

Ward and Smith proudly announced that 36 attorneys have been honored in Business North Carolina’s 2024 Legal Elite. Five legal luminaries stand out as shining…
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Ward and Smith: Our Highlights of 2023

December 27, 2023

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Written By Laura V. Hudson
As we reflect on the past year, it’s evident that 2023 has been remarkable for Ward and Smith. We’ve welcomed new team members, launched…
Firm News

Ward and Smith Ranked in 2024 “Best Law Firms”

November 2, 2023

Ward and Smith has been ranked in the Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” list regionally in 27 practice areas. Firms included in the 2024 “Best Law Firms”…
Firm News

Media Mention: Melody King Addresses Student Loans & Divorce in Interview with Yahoo Finance

October 31, 2023

Family law attorney Melody King was recently featured by Yahoo Finance in an article exploring the intricate ramifications of student loan debt in divorce.…
Firm News

Ward and Smith to host CLE with New Hanover Family Court Division

October 12, 2023

Ward and Smith is thrilled to collaborate with the New Hanover Family Court Division to present a complimentary CLE program for bar members on…
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…
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Student Loan Woes: How Marriage and Divorce Affect Student Loans

June 14, 2023

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Written By Melody J. King
Student loans have become a familiar discussion among families and, more recently, a subject for debate between the federal government and the Courts. Knowing…
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Whose Business is it Anyway? A Business Succession Case Study

February 3, 2023

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Written By Zachary F. Lamb and Lauren Taylor Arnette Quinn
Three Ward and Smith attorneys provided an overview of succession planning, estate planning, divorce, and the separation of assets. The seminar — A Business…
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Marriage, Divorce & The Family Business: Is What Is Mine Really Yours Too?

January 6, 2023

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Written By William S. Durr
North Carolina’s equitable distribution laws provide the framework for determining how property will be valued and divided when one or both partners in a…
Firm News

Ward and Smith Celebrated in 2023 Edition of Best Law Firms

November 3, 2022

Ward and Smith shines bright in the 2023 edition of “Best Law Firms.” U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers® released their annual rankings that recognize…
Firm News

Lauren Quinn to Speak at the 2022 Essentials of Family Law Post-Pandemic

October 24, 2022

Attorney Lauren Quinn will speak at the 2022 Essentials of Family Law Post-Pandemic. The two-day event, hosted by the North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA) Family…
Firm News

7 Ward and Smith Attorneys Named to 2023 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch

September 12, 2022

Best Lawyers® has selected seven Ward and Smith attorneys for inclusion in the 2023 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch. This honor recognizes some…
Firm News

Ward and Smith Welcomes Family Law Attorney Al Clyburn

September 9, 2022

Veteran family law attorney Al Clyburn has joined Ward and Smith in its Wilmington office. Al is certified by the North Carolina State Bar…
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Estate Planning Considerations That Apply to Nearly Everyone

July 29, 2022

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Written By Peter B. von Stein
Our attorneys field questions every day about the nuanced estate planning issues that arise due to a client’s unique circumstances, but there also are…
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…
Firm News

7 Ward and Smith Attorneys Recognized as “Ones to Watch” by Best Lawyers®

September 9, 2021

Best Lawyers® has named seven Ward and Smith attorneys as “Ones to Watch” in its 2022 edition of Best Lawyers in America®. This honor…
Firm News

Chris Edwards Wins Pro Bono Appeal at NC Supreme Court

April 27, 2021

Litigation attorney Chris Edwards won a family law appeal in the Supreme Court of North Carolina. The case centered on a Guilford County District…
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Yours, Mine, and Ours: Estate Planning for Blended Families

April 14, 2021

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Written By Virginia S. Carter and Eldridge D. Dodson
According to recent statistics, four out of every ten families are blended families.  As you might expect, estate planning for blended families is often…
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A Farewell to the Current Gift and Estate Tax Exemption?

March 29, 2021

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Written By John R. Sloan
We recently wrote about a window of opportunity to take advantage of the rising estate and gift tax exemption before it sets. It is becoming…
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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…
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Estate Planning Resolutions for 2021

December 29, 2020

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Written By Peter B. von Stein
The holiday season soon will have come and gone, and many of us will be glad to begin turning the page on the unprecedented…
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Guardianship May or May Not Be an Answer

September 17, 2020

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Written By Jenna Fruechtenicht Butler
The COVID-19 situation has had many unwanted side effects.  Among them are increased occurrence of depression, substance abuse, and mental illness.  Additionally, our older…
Firm News

4 Ward and Smith Attorneys Recognized as ‘Ones to Watch’ by Best Lawyers®

September 3, 2020

Best Lawyers® has selected four Ward and Smith attorneys for inclusion into its inaugural “Ones to Watch” list for 2021. This honor recognizes some…
Firm News

41 Ward and Smith Attorneys Named to “Best Lawyers in America®” for 2021

August 20, 2020

Ward and Smith is proud to announce that nearly half of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by one of the most respected and trusted…
Firm News

John Martin Appointed to NC State Bar’s Family Law Specialty Committee

July 23, 2020

John Martin has been appointed to the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization Family Law Specialty Committee. He has been a board…
Firm News

Lauren Quinn Joins NCBA Family Law Section Council

July 7, 2020

Family law attorney Lauren Quinn has been elected to serve on the North Carolina Bar Association’s (NCBA) Family Law Section Council. She is the…
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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Happy 18th Birthday! Your College-Aged Child is an Adult. Now What?

May 22, 2020

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Written By Virginia S. Carter
Believe it or not, as of your child’s 18th birthday, your child is an “adult” in the eyes of the law.  Turning 18 years…
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New NC Law Relaxes Requirements for Execution of Estate Planning Documents

May 5, 2020

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Written By Zachary F. Lamb
Unusual times call for unusual measures.  On May 4, 2020, the North Carolina General Assembly passed Session Law 2020-3 to relax the legal requirements…
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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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Estate Planning Resolutions for 2020

January 2, 2020

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Written By Peter B. von Stein
The holiday season has come and gone, and it’s hard to believe that we are on the brink of a new year and decade. …
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Top 10 Estate Planning Mistakes & How to Avoid Making Them

June 12, 2019

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Written By Virginia S. Carter and Eldridge D. Dodson
As estate planners, we have seen it all over the years.  What we have learned is that people make some common mistakes.  Whether due…
Firm News

Media Mention: Eldridge Dodson’s Insightful Discussion on Wealth Management

February 25, 2019

Planning for a secure financial future should be a top priority for everyone. But proper wealth management involves the consideration of multiples factors that…
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Estate Planning Resolutions for 2019

December 20, 2018

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Written By Peter B. von Stein
The holiday season soon will have come and gone.  For many of us, the start of a new year can be a time of…
Firm News

Ward and Smith Expands, Adds Two New Attorneys to Wilmington Office

August 13, 2018

Tax and business attorney Richard Crow and family law and trusts and estates litigation attorney Paige Inman joined Ward and Smith on August 13,…
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Domicile for Public School Enrollment Under Joint Custody in NC

August 8, 2018

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Written By Lauren Taylor Arnette Quinn
It’s back to school season and our social media feeds are flooded with families posting photographs of bright-eyed children holding Pinterest inspired chalkboard signs. …
Firm News

Media Mention: John Sloan’s Insightful Discussion on Wealth Management

March 27, 2017

It’s always a great idea to have a back-up plan, even in uncertain times.  And one way to secure your future, at least financially,…
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Estate Planning Resolutions for the New Year

December 20, 2016

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Written By Peter B. von Stein
For many of us, the start of a new year can be a time of empty commitment to self-improvement.  Meaningful resolutions are infrequently made…
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Why Do You Need a Buy-Sell Agreement for Your Closely Held Company?

November 18, 2016

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Written By Merrill G. Jones, II
Why do you need a Buy-Sell Agreement for your closely held company?  In a nutshell, your business partner might die, become disagreeable, or just simply…
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Treating with the Enemy: Civil Collaborative Practice

August 30, 2016

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Written By E. Knox Proctor V
If you feel sure you have been cheated by a business partner, an employee, or a contractor, your first instinct may be to file…
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Can a Judge Force You to Pay Your Child’s Private School Tuition?

June 2, 2016

In some circumstances, the answer is “yes.” In North Carolina, a court considering a parent’s child support obligation initially consults the North Carolina Child…
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ACA Penalties: Tricky Navigation For a Parent Who is Not Required to Obtain Insurance Coverage

April 14, 2016

When separated or divorced parents share the responsibility for financial support of their minor children, the determination of which parent pays for the children’s…
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The Aftermath of Obergefell: Unsettled Times for Tenancy by the Entirety

March 31, 2016

Regardless of your politics, your religious beliefs, which side of the social divide you’re on, or how you feel about it, one thing is…
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Company-Paid Personal Expenses May Be Income For Determining Child Support Obligations

November 24, 2015

It is not uncommon for an employer or an owner of a closely-held business to provide an employee, company member, or corporate officer with…
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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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SCOTUS Action Clears the Path for Same-Sex Marriage — North Carolina Couples Should Prepare Now

October 9, 2014

This week the Supreme Court of the United States denied review of seven petitions from five different states in which state bans on same-sex…
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My Spouse Did What and I Owe How Much in Taxes?

November 6, 2013

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Written By Lauren Taylor Arnette Quinn
Filing a joint tax return seems like an innocuous and pre-determined action for most married couples.  It is important to understand what obligations come…
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Recent IRS Ruling That All Legal Marriages Are Equal For Federal Tax Purposes Impacts Same-Sex Couples And Employers

October 23, 2013

The June 2013 United States Supreme Court decision in United States v. Windsor invalidated the portion of the Defense of Marriage Act (“DOMA”) that…
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Social Media From A Litigator’s Perspective – Your Best Friend Or Worst Enemy?

July 31, 2013

Social media has become a big part of the lives of many in North Carolina and around the world.  With this rise in popularity…
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This, That, And The Kitchen Sink: Dividing It All Up After A Marriage Ends

December 19, 2012

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Written By Lauren Taylor Arnette Quinn
The end of a marriage is often filled with stress, tension, and clouded judgment.  What are your rights when it comes to dividing up…
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Technology’s Increasing Impact On The Practice Of Family Law

September 5, 2012

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Written By William S. Durr
It has been more than 20 years ago, but I distinctly remember meeting with a new family law client to discuss her recent discovery…
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Estate Planning Through Premarital Agreements

March 8, 2011

Planning for the end of a marriage before the marriage vows are exchanged can be disconcerting. However, with divorce rates topping 50% nationwide, the…
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Premarital Agreements – Hoping for the Best; Planning for the Worst

December 7, 2010

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Written By Lauren Taylor Arnette Quinn
Premarital agreements are commonly referred to as “prenups” and are often given a bad reputation based on misconceptions and lack of understanding.  You would…
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Divorce and Taxes

January 20, 2010

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Written By William S. Durr
Divorce is a painful process.  I know this because for the last 20 years, I have counseled hundreds of clients struggling through this very…
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Alienation of Affections and Criminal Conversation: Preserving the Sanctity of Marriage or Antiquated Law?

November 16, 2009

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Written By Lauren Taylor Arnette Quinn
North Carolina is one of only eight states which still recognize claims for alienation of affections and criminal conversation.  In fact, 45 states and…
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Privacy as we Know it Just Died, and the Internet Killed It

August 7, 2009

Millions of people know him as the “Star Wars Kid.”  However, his notoriety is not for a Nobel Prize-winning scientific discovery, a spectacular sports…

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