Published on:

Carolyn Woodruff

Dear Readers,

Today’s Ask Carolyn addresses aging pet owners who must give up a pet. Just a reminder—as the summer heats up DO NOT leave pets or children in automobiles; remember the heat is magnified by the glass and is dangerous.

Dear Carolyn,

Published on:

Carolyn Woodruff
Dear Readers,

Today’s first Ask Carolyn addresses dreading Mother’s Day. Happy Mother’s Day to all of you who have a great situation, but realize there are those around you for which Mother’s Day may be most stressful. The second question addresses getting on with your life after a relationship break-up.
Continue reading

Published on:

Kam Hardy

This Mother’s Day give your Mom a gift that lets her know just how loved she is!

A string of pearls is nice. A boutique of flowers is beautiful. Give you mother a gift from the heart, something homemade, something no one else can give her! Give your mom a gift you made with your hands; she will treasure this forever!

Not creative? Need some ideas on what homemade gift would be perfect for your mom? Look no further, here are a few of the best homemade mother’s gifts to surely make your mom, wife or grandmother feel special on their day.

Published on:

Kam Hardy

I think it goes without saying that mothers have the most rewarding job there is. Ask almost any mother, and they will tell you, motherhood is exhausting, challenging, and messy and, the most beautiful journey of life.

There are so many different kinds of moms out there, the working mom, the stay-at-home mom, the single mom, the yoga mom, the blogging mom, and the mom that will do anything to provide for her children.

Mothers are all different and all the same. Mothers have the most dedicated work ethic. Mother’s dedicate their life to create, teach, love and support all of your dreams and all your journeys. They may never show you they struggle or are in pain. A mother’s compassion for the well-being of their children is astounding.

Published on:

Carolyn Woodruff

The most common questions I get asked as a North Carolina family law specialist are the following: What is child support? How do they determine the amount? What is the process of obtaining child support? Should I or should I not petition to receive child support?

Generally, the noncustodial parent will be court ordered to provide child support to the custodial parent. The child support is usually determined by the income of the two parents. Then the court applies the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines and comes to the obligated amount. The judge or your attorney will give a breakdown of how the court came to the amount conclusion on Worksheet A or Worksheet B or Worksheet C.

The amount of provided child support continues until the child is 18 years old or finishes high school, whichever one happens last.

Published on:

Carolyn Woodruff

Divorce Recovery–this is a topic that is so dear to my heart, and one I have personally experienced. I am empathic to the unsettled souls that walk into my office. My advice–You will be okay after divorce, even if you feel like you won’t be. You could be happier than ever; I am.

 One important thing to understand is that divorce, like any loss, is a grieving process. You will go through all the stages–denial, anger, maybe depression, complacency and then back to normalcy. Unfortunately, you and your ex-spouse are usually at different stages; this often makes the process that much harder.

During this recovery process would be an excellent time to seek mental health counseling. Counseling can help ensure you don’t get stuck in any one stage too long. Talking with a counselor can help with things such as finding a new hobby or getting you out of the house. Hobbies are fun and are a great way to keep your mind off your current pain.  Plus you now have the time!

Published on:

Carolyn Woodruff

In the best interest of the child–these are the magic words in North Carolina and part of our Mission Statement at Woodruff Family Law Group.

It is always best if the parents can agree in either negotiation or mediation; however, that is not always the case. My suggestion is that the parents get on a schedule!

Getting on a schedule is especially important when your child or children are young. If two parents can simply not agree on a schedule and exchanges are becoming unbearable, I would suggest professional and legal help.

Published on:

Kam Hardy

Today, April 26th is Denim Day. This is the day to show your support for Peace Over Violence and protest against the negative attitudes toward rape.

In honor of sexual violence month this Denim Day Campaign runs to promote awareness. This campaign started when the Italian Parliament overturned a rape conviction. Their reasoning was since the victim was wearing “tight” jeans, she must have helped her rapist get the jeans off which they are saying implies consent. Later that day after the ruling, a women came into Parliament wearing jeans to show her support and stand with the victim.

Since then, Peace Over Violence has started this campaign and to protest. There is no excuse and there is NEVER an invitation to rape. Rape is not a joke and wearing your jeans today shows your support.

Published on:

Carolyn Woodruff

Our beloved choreographer, Taliat Tarsinov, who is sought after worldwide, is Stellar Duo’s artistic director. His career in dance in 1974, turned professional in ’88, and began choreographing after his retirement in ‘95. Tarsinov has chosen Mystery of Masquerade as our theme.

This theme has quite the history lesson. It dates back to the Roman Catholic’s Pre-Lent Festival, known as Mardi Gras. For the 1700 and 1800’s the only people in attendance to these festivals and galas were the rich social elites. Although, in the 21st century all are welcome to these gatherings, the secrecy of who lies under the mask is still part of the excitement. The mask’s origin is however, the premise of being unknown, being equal, dancing and living without judgement. The masks’ will set you free and let you create your own identity; let you reestablish yourself. It allows you to let go, become unified, and live without fear- or judgement.

THIS DANCE IS GOING TO BE VERY POWERFUL. IT TELLS A STORY OF A BEAUTIFUL WOMEN WHO HAS A CHANCE MEETING WITH A RUSSIAN OFFICER. WHEN IT STARTS,  I AM VERY TIMID AND DON’T REALLY WANT TO GET TO KNOW THE OFFICER, BECAUSE I AM ALREADY IN LOVE WITH SOMEONE.BY THE END I RUN AWAY BECAUSE THE OFFICER TOOK OFF MY MASK AND EXPOSED ME TO THE WORLD.

Contact Information