News + Insights

When Co-Parenting Fails: How Courts Decide Legal Custody Disputes

Written By Mary Charles Amerson

November 15, 2024

Ever make a decision by flipping a coin? It seems like a reasonable option to decide where to have dinner or which movie to see, but not so pragmatic in major decisions involving your minor children. In a fami…

And a Partridge in a Pear Tree: Navigating the Holidays as a Blended Family

Written By Lauren Taylor Arnette Quinn

November 5, 2024

When visions of the holidays danced in your head, I doubt that dream bubble floating above your head included a scene where you were sipping cider by the fire with the former spouse of your current spouse or a scene where …

Cropped image of boy and grandfather holding hands

Understanding Grandparents' Rights to Custody and Visitation of a Child in North Carolina

Written By Melody J. King

July 9, 2024

Grandparents may seek custody of, or visitation with, a minor child. However, custody and visitation, although often used interchangeably, are not synonyms under North Carolina law. The distinction is important, especiall…

destoryed wedding cake with bride and groom topper

Working with Your Family Law Attorney: Practical Tips for Surviving the Stress of Separation and Divorce

Written By William S. Durr

May 31, 2024

Multiple studies and respected authors agree – divorce is one of the most stressful life events any person can experience. After 34 years of practice in the family law field, I have represented many individual…

Premarital Agreements and the "Voluntary" Signature

Written By J. Albert Clyburn

February 13, 2024

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 divorce. While the concept of planning for divorce may …

Troubled Waters: Leading Through a Pandemic

Written By Lynwood P. Evans

January 15, 2021

We've weathered literal storms, such as Hurricane Florence, but nothing quite like the speed and scope of the coronavirus pandemic. Through it all, we have been honored to help our clients, businesses, and communities nav…

Smiley face drawn in the fog of a mirror

Year in Review: Ward and Smith's Top Articles of 2020

Written By Laura V. Hudson

December 30, 2020

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 quantity of writing is unprecedented, and led to an inc…

Courts, Custody, & Choices: How to Address New or Existing Issues

Written By Lauren Taylor Arnette Quinn

April 23, 2020

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 a tremendous effect as a result of this crisis is our court system. Originall…

Wooden Parents on the opposite ends of a seesaw with kids in middle

7 Guidelines for Parents Sharing Custody of Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Written By Lauren Taylor Arnette Quinn

March 18, 2020

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 trying times. All parents are faced with the challenges of e…

Do You Hear What I Hear? A Child's Perspective

Written By Lauren Taylor Arnette Quinn

June 19, 2015

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 be determining what result will serve "the best interest" of the mi…