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50B v. 50C – Know Your Options

by Samantha S. Erks, JD

If you’ve been a victim of domestic violence, stalking, harassment, or some other abuse, the courts can help provide you some protection from the perpetrator. The following are two options available, depending on your situation. A 50B refers to a Domestic Violence Protection Order, while a 50C refers to a…

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Meet Princess Lilly Latte – A Mackerel Tabby Cat

By: Carolyn J. Woodruff, JD, CPA, CVA

Her name could be Ms. Finicky, but she is our new rescue kitty, and we love her. We adopted Lilly on January 11, 2022. She is six, and her last Mommy had to surrender her because the assisted living facility would not allow Lilly. On December 29, 2021, she was…

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From Stamps to Coin: A Tribute to Maya Angelou

In Honor of Black History Month - by Carolyn J. Woodruff, JD, CPA, CVA

She was the girl from Stamps, Arkansas, long before she was from Winston Salem, North Carolina, where she died on May 28, 2014. Being featured on the first United States coin – a quarter – was in Maya’s future. The American Women Quarters Program is the program, and Maya is…

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Goodbye Cheslie Kryst – A Wakeup Call to Suicide Symptoms Sensitivity

By Carolyn Woodruff, North Carolina Family Law Specialist It is cause to pause for a sober moment over the apparent suicide death of fellow North Carolina lawyer Cheslie Kryst. She was the director of diversity for Poyner Spruill LLP law firm in Charlotte, North Carolina. At age 30, she had…

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Mediation Fashion, Accessories, Planning, and Food

By Carolyn Woodruff, JD, CPA, CVA Here are some tips based upon frequently asked questions. There are two types of Mediation: in-person and Zoom (or other remote protocol). With Covid, we have had the advent of Zoom, Teams, and WebEx. So here goes: Dress. Dress to be comfortable but professional.…

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Holiday Traditions – New Ideas

By: Carolyn J. Woodruff, JD, CPA, CVA

Creating a new family tradition can be a way to bring cheer to the holidays for both children and adults, especially when the family structure is changing due to divorce. One way to bond in a new family dynamic is to incorporate ‘matching outfits’, such as holiday themed pajamas or…

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Single Parents and Poverty – Will the American Rescue Plan Help?

By: Carolyn J. Woodruff, JD, CPA, CVA

Greetings, Ask Carolyn readers. September is Hunger Awareness Month. Today’s blog explores the topic of single-parent poverty related to hunger issues and whether the American Rescue Plan will help reduce poverty. See the end of this blog for more information and links to resources. Single parent poverty is a harsh…

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Afghanistan: What I Worry About

By: Carolyn J. Woodruff, JD, CPA, CVA, Domestic Violence Activist

Greetings Ask Carolyn readers, as we prepare for Domestic Violence Awareness next month, I write to express concern for violence against women and children remaining in Afghanistan. I have researched the topic, and I share my references at the end of this blog. So many of the themes of domestic…

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Creating Healthy Routines During and After Divorce

By: Carolyn J. Woodruff, JD, CPA, CVA

  Self-care can make it to the bottom of the list some days, especially during a divorce. Between the demands of work and home and possibly caring for children, other family members, or even pets, it can be difficult to make time for yourself.   Mental health is just as…

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