Blogs
Automation Is Not Advocacy: The Risks of AI-Drafted Separation Agreements
By: Senior Attorney Kelsey J. Queen Artificial intelligence has become remarkably good at producing polished, confident-sounding writing. It can draft emails, summarize documents, and generate “legal-looking” agreements in seconds. It can write polished sentences, make “legal” arguments, organize information logically, and generate documents that look professional at first glance. For many tasks, that’s incredibly useful. […]
How Child Support Is Calculated in North Carolina
Child support in North Carolina is often viewed as a fixed number, but in reality it is the result of a structured legal process designed to balance income, parenting time, and a child’s day-to-day needs. What many parents do not realize is that small details—like how overnights are counted or how irregular income is reported—can […]
You’ve Separated. Now What? A Practical Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Future
By: Sodoma Law Raleigh Attorney Annelisse Velazquez A Legal Separation is one of the most emotionally and legally complex experiences a person can go through. Whether it came as a shock or had been building for years, the moment you and your spouse decide to live separately marks the beginning of a process that will […]
Hidden Assets in Divorce in North Carolina: How to Protect Your Financial Future
By: Sodoma Law Raleigh Attorney Annelisse Velazquez Financial transparency is the foundation of a fair divorce—but what happens when you suspect your spouse is not being transparent? Under North Carolina’s laws of equitable distribution, marital property must be identified, valued, and divided fairly. That process depends on accurate financial disclosure. As such, hidden assets can […]
Divorcing a High-Conflict Spouse in North Carolina: What to Expect When a Partner Will Not Compromise
By: Sodoma Law Raleigh Attorney Annelisse Velazquez When people describe their spouse as a “narcissist,” they are usually referring to a pattern of behavior—not a clinical diagnosis. The term often reflects experiences of control, manipulation, refusal to compromise, or an intense need to “win” disputes. While North Carolina courts don’t decide cases based on personality […]
Motions for Psychological Evaluation in North Carolina Custody Cases: When They Are Necessary and Why They Matter
By: Sodoma Law Raleigh Attorney Annelisse Velazquez One of the most impactful—and most misunderstood—tools in a custody case is a motion for psychological evaluation. Because mental health can directly affect parenting capacity, North Carolina courts have the authority to order evaluations when a parent’s psychological condition is genuinely relevant to the child’s well-being. Courts only […]
Bath Time, Bedtime, and Boundaries: When Courts Step Into Parenting Choices
By: Managing Attorney and Principal Sarah Bennett (SLN) A recent celebrity custody dispute involving Rumer Willis and her ex-boyfriend, Derek Richard Thomas, raised a question that comes up more often than many parents expect: how specific can a custody order be about what happens inside a parent’s home during that parent’s custodial time? According to […]
Tips for Successful Co-Parenting After Divorce
Co-parenting after divorce is often treated as a set of rules, but in reality it is an ongoing system of shared decision-making that shapes a child’s daily emotional environment. In North and South Carolina custody cases, success is not defined by agreement alone, but by how consistently both homes reduce uncertainty for the child. The […]
Common Financial Mistakes to Avoid During Divorce
Divorce does not just divide property—it often reshapes a person’s financial instincts for years afterward. Many of the most damaging financial mistakes during divorce are not dramatic decisions, but small overlooked choices made under stress, uncertainty, or emotional exhaustion. In North Carolina, where equitable distribution laws can significantly impact long-term financial stability, understanding how divorce […]
Talking to Your Kids About Divorce: What to Say (and What Not To)
Divorce can be a confusing and emotionally charged experience for children, yet how parents communicate about it often shapes a child’s long-term well-being. Many guides focus on what to say—but few address the subtle ways parents’ words, tone, or timing can unintentionally create stress, guilt, or divided loyalties. This article explores practical strategies for talking […]
What Happens If Someone Doesn’t Pay Child Support?
Child support is not just a financial obligation—it is a legal and emotional lifeline for children. When payments are missed, the impact goes beyond numbers, affecting a child’s stability, daily needs, and long-term well-being. North Carolina law provides multiple enforcement tools, but many parents are unaware of the range of consequences or how quickly arrears […]
Hidden Assets in Divorce: Red Flags to Watch For
Divorce is not just an emotional process—it’s a financial one, and hidden assets can dramatically affect outcomes. Many spouses conceal accounts, investments, or property in ways that are subtle and hard to detect. Understanding the warning signs and methods used to hide wealth is critical for protecting your interests. In North Carolina, uncovering these assets […]