Today’s Ask Carolyn answers two questions about summer vacation. Our first reader wants to know what the ground rules should be for a multi-generational beach trip. Our second reader is taking the family cat for a sail. Dear Carolyn, I just turned in the dates for my summer vacation weeks…
Articles Posted in advice column
My Abusive Ex Wants Visitation. What do I do?
Carolyn WoodruffDear Carolyn, I am a 35-year-old woman with two small children (a daughter and a son), a puppy, and a cat. I am now separated. My “ex-husband” kicks and tortures the puppy, and I do not know why. The puppy cries and then the children, who witness the violence, cry. …
My Grandson’s Father Won’t Let Me See Him
Carolyn WoodruffToday’s Ask Carolyn includes the questions about broken separation agreements that I answered Tuesday, as well as an additional question about grandparent visitation. Dear Carolyn, My grandson is 7, and a tragedy has occurred. His mother (my daughter) died in a car accident. My grandson lived with me for the…
My Ex Isn’t Following Our Separation Agreement!
Carolyn WoodruffDear Carolyn, I live in Raleigh, NC and was divorced in 2009. Our separation agreement (signed and notarized) states that each parent is to pay one-half of all college expenses. My son is now 18 and daughter 16. My ex is now balking at paying one-fifth of the college expenses…
Areas of Concern in Child Custody and Support
Carolyn WoodruffDear Carolyn, I am divorcing, and I have three children. I want joint custody. I expect to have half the time, and I think the mother will agree. While I know we need to have the schedule of when the children will be with each parent, I am looking for…
Ask Carolyn: Dealing with Deceit
Carolyn WoodruffThis week’s Ask Carolyn is all about lies and deceit. Our first reader is writing in about her cheating husband, and wants to know if a lie detector test will help her get justice and closure. Our second reader thought her daughter was at a Grasshoppers game with her father,…
Cyberstalked by the Ex-Spouse
Carolyn WoodruffDear Carolyn: My ex-spouse is harassing me with emails and text messages. This ex is saying very mean, nasty things and calling me names. It just won’t stop. I hate to give up my cell phone number and my email address, as it would be quite complicated to change. I…
My "husband" lied about being divorced! What do I do?
Carolyn WoodruffDear Carolyn, Hello. Can you help me? I am a 51-year-old woman who got into a wedded relationship (though celibate and platonic) with this 73-year-old man who needed my financial help with his social security. It turns out he never divorced his previous wife nor did she divorce him. Mine…
Rent, Real Estate, and Alimony
Carolyn WoodruffToday’s Ask Carolyn addresses two questions about money and real estate. Our first reader asks if his daughter’s rent can be awarded to her as part of her alimony, as she is financially unable to move back out after divorce. Our second reader wants to know if he’s required to…
I Think My Husband Is Having an Affair. What Do I Do?
Carolyn WoodruffDear Carolyn, I am pretty sure my husband is having an affair. We are not separated. I saw a text message where she texted him that she loved him. I checked his phone while he was in the shower. Should I confront him? What should I do? – Bewildered by…