The North Carolina family lawyers of Gailor, Wallis and Hunt explain that the likelihood of a marriage of long duration ending in divorce is relatively small, citing a recently released report from The Pew Research Center, "At Long Last, Divorce." The report provides divorce statistics among those who have remained in long-term marriages and concludes that the probability of divorce after 40 years of marriage is slim.

In 2008, a Census Bureau survey found that only half a percent or less of couples who had been married for 40 years or more obtained a divorce in the previous 12 months. In other words, only one-half percent of all married couples, who had been married for four decades or more, sought a divorce between 2007 and 2008. For those who had been married only 25 years (while still a feat for many); the divorce rate jumped a half percent.

However, the report also points out that the likelihood of a marriage lasting deteriorates as the years pass.  Among men who got married for the first time between 1970 (the Gore's wedding date) and 1974, 89 percent were still married to the same woman on their fifth anniversary. The percentage of those men who were still married ten years later dropped to 74 percent. Only 65 percent of men married between 1970 and 1974 were still married to their first spouse 15 years later. The percentage of men who remained married after 25 years was 54 percent. In other words, only 46 percent of the marriages made it to the 25-year mark. The report stated that trends for women were approximately the same.

The report also asserts that although adults in the Gores' age group, (Al is 62) comprise a small share of people who divorce in any given year, their cumulative likelihood of ever having gone through a divorce is higher than that for most others age groups. In 2004, 38 percent of men in their fifties had gone through the divorce process. For those in their sixties, the percentage was 34. The rates for women were close to the same. Some 41 percent of women in their fifties had been divorced in 2004. For women in their sixties, 32 percent had been divorced.

Like wisdom and grace which grow with time, the odds of a divorce occurring also ripens. The divorce lawyers of Gailor, Wallis and Hunt have used their 80 plus combined years of family law litigation experience and  skills to help men and women dissolve their marriages in as non-adversarial a manner as possible so that they can move on with their lives.

If the time comes when wounds cannot be healed, seek the counsel of an experienced attorney. The North Carolina family lawyers of Gailor, Wallis and Hunt are dedicated to helping those seeking divorce get through the process as smoothly  and equitably as possible.

While some people just cannot afford to get a divorce, citing lawyer costs and accountant fees, many analysts and attorneys expect divorces to resume at their previous pace as the economy improves. While money problems may be keeping unhappy couples together, it still remains one of the main causes of dissolutions. A recent article from TheStreet.com titled "When Fights over Money Ruin Marriages" listed seven common financial issues that may lead to divorce and highlighted subjects that often spark controversy between couples. Some of the issues are as follows:

Debt:

GW&H previously cited a 2009 study by Utah State University titled "Bank on It: Thrifty Couples are the Happiest"  (http://www.stateofourunions.org/2009/bank_on_it.php) that found couples who argue over money one or more times a week are 30 percent more likely to divorce than those who argue occasionally. To further add to the weight of money woes, couples who do not hold assets are 70 percent more likely to divorce than those who hold $10,000.

The Federal Reserve recently reported that Americans accumulated $988 billion in revolving debt in 2008. While Americans paid off almost $90 billion of that sum in 2009, there is still a lot of debt to argue over.

Bills

Fidelity Investments released a report in 2009 titled "Fidelity Research Finds Couples Make No Progress in Joint Planning and Management of Retirement Finances Despite Historic Market Volatility", stating 55 percent of couples do not jointly make day-to-day financial decisions such as budgeting and bill paying. The report was based on an online survey in April 2009, consisting of a national sample of 502 couples.

The survey found that one person within the relationship typically paid the bills early, while the other procrastinated. Furthermore, many couples reported added stress at bill paying time due to an unnecessary purchase or shopping spree by the other party.

Paycheck Envy

According to statistics provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one in three married women out-earns her husband. This ratio was reported in the article "Wives earning more than their husbands, 1987 - 2006." While not all may feel threatened whenone spouse earns more than the other, differences in pay can definitely lead to conflict. As women enter marriage with assets and incomes they also enter the marriage with their own ideas on how money should be spent. If each party holds different spending interests for the money, it becomes increasingly harder to resolve the conflict, as there are two contributors to the budget.

Investing

Investment decisions also provide potential for spousal conflict. With both parties contributing to investments, issues such as general goals and risk tolerance are increasingly difficult. If one partner is more conservative than the other, it may become impossible to agree on an investment portfolio that includes riskier investments like emerging market funds.

Secret Stashes

Financial infidelity is a relatively new situation to ise. It relates to situations where a spouse hides money (of any type) from their spouse. It can include dishonest spending or unmentioned debt.

If one or more of these situations affect your marriage and becomes a reason for ending the relationship, it is important to seek counsel from an attorney experienced in family law and divorce. A key issue in divorce is economic survival and expertise in handling financial issues that arose during the marriage  is  very important to a successful settlement or litigated outcome

The family lawyers of Gailor, Wallis and Hunt help people work through the emotional and financial entanglements that occur when a marriage or committed relationship does not work out. With more than 80 years of combined experience, they offer highly competent and dedicated representation in the following matters; mediation, arbitration, separation and property settlement agreements, divorce, alimony and child support and equitable distribution of property. For a confidential and personal review of your case, contact Gailor, Wallis & Hunt at 1-866-362-7586 or visit them online at http://www.gailorwallishunt.com

According to Realty Trac, the leading online marketplace for foreclosed properties and source for statistics used by CNN, MSNBC, FOX and Yahoo, one in every 400 U.S. housing units received a foreclosure filing during May, 2010. The data was presented via press release from the firm on June 10, 2010.

According to the release, a total of 96,462 homes received a default notice in May, which amounts to a seven percent decrease from the previous month and a 22 percent decrease from May 2009. While the decrease represents a positive step for those battling the suffering housing market, the number is still significant.

Bloomberg printed an article Monday, June 30, titled "Foreclosed Homes Sell at 27% Discount as Supply Grows," explaining that the discount on foreclosed homes will likely remain between 25 and 30 percent as banks attempt to manage the housing market. The article quotes Realty Trac when it states, "About 31 percent of all U.S. sales in the quarter were of homes in some stage of foreclosure."

These discounts may be good for a buyer, but exemplify a common problem that has been plaguing homeowners. When a home mortgage goes into distress, the property that was once an asset becomes a liability. For those in the midst of a divorce, the task of separating assets turns into the task of separating debts, liabilities and bad credit.

Fadi Baradihi, president of the Institute of Divorce Financial Analysts, was quoted in an article titled, "Recession, Divorce and Home: They Don't Mix," saying "It used to be that couples fought over the house because of continuity and stability for the children...That's not happening anymore. Now everybody wants to run from it."

As divorce is always a matter of finances, it is in the best interest of both parties not to let a jointly owned home go into foreclosure. While spite, ongoing legal fees or other financial issues may be a reason for not making a house payment, it is important to remember as long as both names are on the mortgage, both parties are responsible for payments.

The same article that reported Baradihi's thoughts on homes and divorce also offered some options to consider when a home that neither party can afford alone is part of a divorce. The North Carolina divorce lawyers of Gailor, Wallis and Hunt explain what is meant and what may happen if these options are chosen:

Wait it Out

If both parties can agree to hold onto the home for a few years after the divorce, they can avoid selling the house in a market where the majority of homes are selling for much less than their worth. In this situation, one spouse typically leaves the home and rents a place to live while the other remains in the marital residence until the house sells Payment of the existing mortgage, taxes and insurance  while "waiting it out" are typically taken into account in determining any child support or alimony obligation.

If a couple waits until a pre-determined date to sell the home, they can then split the proceeds at the time of the sale rather than the time of the divorce. Under this option both parties should check with their accountants to determine what, if any tax ramifications will occur from the delayed sale.

Renting the House

Another option for divorcing couples that may not want to sell yet is to rent the home. In this situation, the husband and wife move into separate rentals or purchase new homes and rent the marital residence to someone else. This is only beneficial if  the debt and other expenses of carrying the house are covered by the rent and the parties collectively pay less for rent on new residences than they would on their  home mortgages.

Both options have a few downfalls. As long as both parties are liable jointly on the mortgage loan on the property, it will be nearly impossible to finance another house until the current mortgage is paid off or assumed by another party. Banks are more cautious than ever about financing someone with existing mortgage commitments. Also, it keeps each party wrapped up in the divorce for longer than may have been anticipated. As divorces are not the prettiest of transactions, separated or divorced spouses may not want to remain financially tied together for any longer than necessary.

Selling the House

Sometimes, selling the house is the only option either caused by the necessity to generate cash and reduce debt or by a court order. In these circumstances it is likely that the sale will be a "short sale." In a short sale, the couple negotiates with the lender to pay the difference between the sale price and the amount they owe or a lesser amount. A short sale is likely to hurt the couple's individual credit scores.

Obtaining a divorce lawyer experienced in the aspects of home sales in the context of divorce and as well as complex business valuations in a divorce is always a worthwhile decision. The lawyers of Gailor, Wallis and Hunt are dedicated to the areas of family law and the complex business transactions that accompany divorce.

Founded in 1994, Gailor, Wallis and Hunt, PLLC is one of North Carolina's most accomplished firms practicing exclusively in the area of family law and domestic relations litigation. If divorce has left you with a house that, without some type of compromise, will fall into foreclosure, contacting an experienced lawyer will prove beneficial for more than just the finances. Hiring an attorney that will work towards your best interests will provide peace of mind in an otherwise stressful situation.

According to the study, "Young men are more vulnerable to relationship ups and downs than women,"  [and] unhappy relationships take a greater emotional toll on men than women. The reason this may have been previously overlooked is due to the means of expression men exhibit, according to Wake Forest Professor of Sociology Robin Simon and Florida State University Associate Professor, Anne E. Barrett. Science Daily reported the professors' study findings in a June 2010 article. Their research was published in the June issue of the Journal of Health and Social Behavior, Vol. 51, No. 2, 168-182 (2010).

Simon explains that the study, which consisted of a group of over 1,000 unmarried young adults between the ages of 18 and 23, "surprisingly...found young men are more reactive to the quality of ongoing relationships." She offered a possible explanation to the findings, stating that men typically look at their partners as their primary source of intimacy. In contrast, women tend to hold several people close to them, keeping close relationships with friends and family members. Another possible explanation, according to Simon, is that strain on a relationship may also threaten young men's feelings of self-worth.

The study also examined women's reactions to relationship conflicts, and found that women are typically more affected by whether they are in a relationship or not. Thus, women are more likely to experience depression when the crumbling relationship actually ends.

While these findings open new doors to thoughts on relationship models by explaining who is affected, when and by what, factors, it confirms the fact that young relationships are tricky, as partners may not be aware of one another's underlying emotional conditions.  Simon explains that the 18-23 year old age group is "characterized by identity exploration, a focus on the self and forging new relationships."

 In an October 2009 article titled The States of Marriage and Divorce, D'Vera Cohn of the Pew Research Center reported that a strong correlation exists between young age at first marriage for women and a high divorce rate for those women over a 12-month span.

As ongoing research is performed on young adults in the context of relationships and marriage and divorce it is likely that the results will be useful in counseling young adults in difficult relationships and early marriage to greater success by developing a realization of the gender differences in processing emotional issues and turmoil.  The family law attorneys of Gailor, Wallis and Hunt understand that the dissolution of a relationship proves a difficult time for both parties. They can provide caring service in all aspects of divorce and family law, including child support, child custody, alimony and asset distribution.

The Raleigh, North Carolina law firm of Gailor, Wallis and Hunt is dedicated to excellence in the practice of divorce law and commitment to their clients. If you are going through the difficult process of divorce, contacting a lawyer who can help you get through the emotional transition and complex business transaction that is divorce in today's world is in your best interest.

To contact the law offices of Gailor, Wallis and Hunt, PLLC:

Toll Free: 866.362.7586

While most understand that lying is detrimental to a relationship, studies over the past decade show both parties in relationships have trouble coming clean over spending. Financial infidelity does not consist solely of unaccounted for spending; it also consists of hidden debt.

Investopedia, an online financial information source owned by Forbes Digital, defines financial infidelity as a situation in which "couples with combined finances lie to each other about money." The lies may consist of hiding a $50 purchase or a $50,000 bonus. According to Psychologist Barry McCarthy of the Washington Psychological Center, "Men and women differ in the nature of their infidelity. Men tend to hide income, while women tend to hide excess spending."

Whatever the case, if financial infidelity occurs, emotional tolls are sure to follow. A 2008 study by GMAC concluded that one-third of the 2,800 couples surveyed admitted to hiding at least one purchase from their partner. Hiding finances from one another can lead to a snowball effect, requiring couple's therapy or financial help from specialists. It can even lead to divorce.

The Motley Fool recently reported the top four lies couples produce about money. The top four lies are as follows:

 1. How much is actually spent

2. Omitting past money mistakes, such as bankruptcy

3. How much money is actually owed, the actual amount of debt

4. Secret stash of cash - approximately one-third of married couples keep a secret supply of cash for individual purchases

The impacts of these lies can vary from hurt feelings to problems getting home loans.

A study conducted by Utah State University released in 2009 found couples who reported disagreeing about finances once a week were over 30 percent more likely to get divorced than those who argued only a few times a month.

If the issue becomes too large to battle, and a divorce seems to be the only option, it is important to obtain an attorney that you feel will meet your needs.

The North Carolina law firm of Gailor Wallis and Hunt is dedicated to helping men and women work through the divorce process and hold experience in all aspects of divorce and family law, including asset distribution, settlement agreements, post-separation support and child support.

Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, the family law firm of Gailor, Wallis & Hunt has a combined 80 years of experience in all aspects of divorce. For more information visit their website at www.gailorwallishunt.com.

Saying thank you may not just be a useful sign of courtesy to teach your children, it may actually positively affect every relationship you have.

North Carolina divorce attorneys of Gailor, Wallis and Hunt reveal a recent study that has found that saying "thank you" to your partner may improve your overall attitude when it comes to your relationship. The simple but often overlooked act of saying words of gratitude not only broadcasts feelings of appreciation towards the person receiving them, but echoes positivity within the person stating them.

Simply stated, by saying you are grateful, you can actually become grateful.

A recent study conducted by Florida State University research associate Nathaniel Lambert found that expressing gratitude boosts a deeper sense of commitment and responsibility, or communal strength, within a relationship. Lambert explains the theory as, "when you express gratitude to someone, you are focusing on the good things that person has done for you...It makes you see them in a more positive light and helps you focus in on their good traits."

Lambert and several colleagues used three different scenarios to test whether the act of expressing thankfulness was linked to increased feelings of communal strength.

In one study group, 137 college students were surveyed regarding how often they thanked a friend or partner. The results indicated that gratitude was positively linked with the individual's perception of communal strength.

The students were also interviewed six weeks later, in attempts to see if they experienced an increase in the quality of their relationship since they had become aware of the correlation between verbalizing gratitude and feelings of communal strength. Researchers found the students did report feeling more positive about their relationships.

Lastly, a group of study participants were instructed to go out of their way to express their gratitude to their partners in attempts to discover whether the words would lead to improved feelings towards the relationship. In order to compare the results, the researchers had other volunteers think grateful thoughts, without verbalizing them. A third group in the study was told to focus on positive memories only.

At the end of the trial, all three groups were interviewed on their attitudes towards their relationship. Those who frequently verbalized or transcribed their gratitude saw their relationship as more mutual and cooperative as a result. Those who merely thought about their gratitude did not experience an improvement in attitude.

Scientists conclude that saying "thank you" sends a message to the receiver and the sender at the same time. And not only does the action itself produce an immediate positive effect; expressing gratitude towards someone will often result in the receiver reciprocating the action with similar thoughts.

For example, if one spouse thanks the other for a great dinner, the other will most likely respond with a thank you for the desert.

Lambert described this phenomenon of the effects of expressions of gratitude on relationships by stating, "It can potentially change the trajectory from a negative focus to more of a positive outlook of the relationship."

And, if these constant feelings of appreciation turn into a marriage proposal, the family law office of Gailor, Wallis & Hunt can help you prepare your pre-marital agreement so that in the case of a divorce, your assets will be protected and the dissolution of marriage, should it occur, can be as non-adversarial as possible.

The highly respected attorneys of Gailor, Wallis and Hunt have dedicated their lives to helping couples plan for, and preserve their marriage and family, but are also dedicated to assisting them obtain a fair and equitable divorce when that is the only alternative. GWH offers knowledge, skill and experience in the many areas of family law that is second to none.

Spring is in the air, which means the wedding season is upon us. While couples are happily planning dinners and parties in celebration of their true love found at last, they must also plan for the future. In an age where second and third marriages are almost as common as first nuptials, protecting one's assets is a common thought.

According to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center, an independent source for information on the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the US and world, about half of North Carolina's adult citizens are married. More precisely, 54 percent of NC men and 49 percent of NC women are married. The divorced population rests at 9 percent for men and 11 percent for women, qualifying the fact that second and third, or even forth and fifth marriages happen and are rising in occurrence. The same study shows that 6 percent of men and 5 percent of women in North Carolina are on their third or fourth marriage. (Information is based on data from the 2008 American Community Survey by the US Census Bureau.)

As with all marriages, each party brings assets to the table. If either party in the relationship has children from a previous marriage or relationship, a part in a family business or any other asset that may need protection from an unfortunate separation, a premarital agreement is a safe and equitable way to insure against the loss of such properties.

Other factors that typically require the consideration of a prenuptial agreement include the ownership of real estate, having over $50,000 worth of assets other than real estate, earning more than $100,000 a year and planning to pursue advanced education while the other spouse supports the union.

Prenuptial agreements can include issues such as retirement benefits, nonresponsibility of the other person's debts, alimony, household bills, credit card charges, procedures for filing tax returns and even estate planning issues, such as providing for children from prior relationships.

This protection can provide comfort to both parties, helping each to know that, in the event of a separation or divorce, each party is protected. Discussing a prenuptial agreement with your soon-to-be spouse can help to clarify issues that may be trickier later. It may even help qualify the need to keep a marriage strong, reminding the parties that a marriage is a partnership, to be regarded seriously, with binding contracts. It is something to be nurtured, grown and groomed to succeed. 

In a 2007 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center titled Modern Marriage, Americans reported the issues they thought were most important to making a marriage succeed. Third on the list, in order of importance, was sharing household chores. According to the results, 62 percent of adults stated that sharing chores is an important contributor to a successful marriage. It's also on the heels of the second most important factor (according to the survey), a happy sexual relationship. The number one factor to a successful marriage was faithfulness.

Following the top three, in order of importance, were adequate income, good housing, shared religious beliefs, shared tastes and interests, children and agreement on politics.

 So if you're one of the lucky-in-love couples planning to get married this spring, or any time in the future for that matter; looking into the marriage statistics may help you prepare for what is to come. While you may feel positive your union will last forever, be aware that approximately 50 percent of first marriages end in divorce. With the median age for North Carolina couples marrying at 27 for men and 26 for women, it is understandable to not waste one's youth on divorce battles.

So while you are planning guest seating and bar offerings, odds are that you should also see a family law attorney well versed in the nuances of premarital, pre-union and post marital arrangements. Be young, happy and in love, but be smart and know that not protecting yourself now could lead to your losses later. 

The family law office of Gailor, Wallis & Hunt can help you prepare your prenupyial agreement so that in the case of a divorce, your assets will be protected and the dissolution of marriage, should it occur can be as non-adversarial as p ossible. The highly respected attorneys of Gailo r, Wallis and Hunt have dedicated their lives to helping couples plan for, and preserve their marriage and family, but are also dedicated to assisting them obtain a fair and equitable divorce when that is the only alternative.

GWH offers knowledge, skill and experience in the many areas of family law that is second to none.

Toll-Free: 866-666-1491

Under North Carolina's Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act, (UCCJA) the court has jurisdiction to make an initial child custody determination if one or more of the following qualifications are met:

1. North Carolina is the home state of the child on the date of the commencement of the proceeding or was the home state of the child within six months prior to the commencement of the proceeding and the child is absent from the state but a parent or person acting as a parent continues to reside in the state
2. A court of another state does not have jurisdiction under No. 1 above or a court of the home state of the child has declined to exercise jurisdiction on the grounds that North Carolina is a more appropriate forum and:
   1. The child and the child's parents have a significant connection with North Carolina other than mere physical presence; and
   2. substantial evidence is available in North Carolina concerning the child's care, protection, training and personal relationships.
3. All states having jurisdiction under No.'s 1 and 2 above have declined to exercise jurisdiction on the ground that North Carolina is the more appropriate forum to determine custody of the child; or
4. No other court of any state would have jurisdiction under the criteria set forth in No's 1, 2 or 3 above.

In cases where a child is abused or threatened with abuse, a North Carolina court can exercise temporary emergency jurisdiction if the child is present in the state and the child has been abandoned or it is necessary in an emergency to protect the child because the child, a sibling or parent of the child is subjected to or threatened  with mistreatment or abuse.

Once jurisdiction has been established to make an initial child custody determination, North Carolina law requires that if the issue of custody of a child is contested, the parents are required to appear for mediation of the dispute before the matter can be set for trial There are only a few exceptions to the mandatory mediation which requires a showing of good cause:

• If allegations of abuse or neglect of the child arise;
• If  there are allegations of alcoholism, drug abuse or domestic violence between the parents;
• If allegations of severe psychological, psychiatric or emotional problems are present;
• If the judge finds that mediation would result in "undue hardship" for a parent; or
• If either parent lives more than 50 miles from the courthouse.

If no agreement is reached in mediation, or mediation is not an option in the child custody case, the issue of custody will be resolved by a judge whose decision will be based on the best interest of the child.

In making a custody decision, a judge will consider each parent's ability to provide the child with a safe, nurturing environment; the child's emotional attachment to each parent's household; the physical and mental health of parents and child; and where the child is currently residing.

There is no presumption between the mother and father regarding which parent should have custody, although a natural parent will be presumed to be the appropriate custodian as opposed to a third party. This presumption is, however, rebuttable and, if the best interest of the child require it, the judge may award custody to a third party.

Gailor, Wallis & Hunt represents both mothers and fathers. The firm's experienced attorneys can help with any custody dispute and work to ensure that the best interest of the child or children is served. GWH provides both services when it comes to child custody: mediation and litigation.

The North Carolina divorce attorneys of Gailor, Wallis and Hunt offer a holistic approach to custody disputes that seeks to resolve the dispute without the need for litigation, if at all possible. This approach utilizes the expertise of other professionals such as child psychologists, social workers and others who can address the physical, mental and developmental needs of the children involved in the custody dispute.

But when decisions about custody and visitation must be tried in a courtroom, the attorneys of Gailor, Wallis & Hunt are experienced and highly skilled in custody litigation that requires detailed investigation, preparation and presentation in court.

North Carolina divorce attorneys Gailor, Wallis & Hunt, have dedicated their lives to helping men and women work through the divorce process, and are knowledgeable and experienced in all of the issues relevant to child custody lawsuits. GWH offers knowledge, skill and experience in the many areas of family law that is second to none.

Research on married couples has shown how the traditional institution of marriage requires flexability in response to changes in modern lifestyles and trends. The flexibility in marital roles is visible upon examining women in the workforce: as more women have entered corporate America, more men have stepped up to the role of stay-at-home parent. A new study on married couples and the economics of marriage has shown that working women are responsible for a role reversal in who benefits from a marriage.

According to a report from the Pew Research Center titled "Women, Men and the New Economics of Marriage," the number of women who earn more than their male counterparts is growing. The study compared married couples from 1970 and 2007. In 2007, 22 percent of married men earned less money than their wives. In 1970, the share of husbands whose wives' income was higher than theirs was a meager 4 percent.

In 1970, a survey on education levels within marriages showed that 52 percent of married couples held equal levels of education. In situations where one spouse's education exceeded another's, men held the majority at 28 percent, while women with higher educations than their husbands consisted of only 20 percent of the population. As of 2007 53 percent of spouses had equivalent levels of education However, women whose own educational level exceeded that of their husbands , made up 28 percent of the population while men with a higher education level than their spouses were only 19 percentof the total a 15 percent increase.

As of 2007 women constituted the majority of college graduates consisting of 53.5 percent of the 2007 graduating class. The earnings of these graduates have  grown 44 percent since 1970. Because women have acquired more economic assets and resources in marriages, they have also become more economically vulnerable in the event of a divorce.

The family law firm of Gailor, Wallis Hunt of Raleigh, North Carolina explains that in North Carolina, marital property  is defined as real and personal property acquired by either spouse or both spouses during the course of the marriage and before the date of separation of the parties, and presently owned, except property determined to be separate property or divisible property. Thus the property that increasingly well educated, married women acquire during their marriages may well be at risk in a divorce.

Hiring a divorce lawyer skilled in the equitable distribution of assets will ensure each party receives what is rightfully his or hers. Litigation is not the only option. The attorneys of Gailor, Wallis and Hunt further make clear that a separation and property settlement agreement, mediation or arbitration are viable options that are preferable to litigation. Upon separation, settling disputed issues such as property division will keep both parties out of court, which can prove to be financially beneficial for both.

In order to ensure the fairness of a separation and property settlement agreement, the separated partners should disclose all assets, debts, income and financial liabilities. All assets must be identified, classified as either marital or separate and have a determined net value, which can be established by agreement or by appraisers of real estate, business interests, tangible personal property and intangible assets such as retirement benefits.

The attorneys at Gailor, Wallis and Hunt can help you identify, classify and value assets acquired during the marriage, and negotiate a fair settlement. Founded in 1994, GWH is one of North Carolina's most accomplished firms practicing exclusively in the area of family law and domestic relations litigation.

Each attorney in the firm possesses a particular proficiency in a specific area of family law, enhancing the Firm's ability to respond to and settle or litigate any issue no matter how complex. Whether equitable distribution of assets through mediation is your choice in separation, or litigation becomes the means required for a successful dissolution, the lawyers of Gailor, Wallis and Hunt are here to help.

North Carolina divorce lawyers report:

Science Daily reported on a 2008 study conducted by researchers at the University of Rochester, Syracuse University and the University of Notre Dame that charted how children's concerns over their parents' relationship affected their abilities to pay attention in school. The study, "Children's Insecure Representations of the Interparental Relationship and their School Adjustment: The Mediating Role of Attention Difficulties," examined 216 predominantly white 6-year-olds, their parents and their teachers over a three-year period.

Teachers reported annually on the children's ability to participate in class activities, get along with others and acclimate within the school setting in general. Teachers specifically were told to determine whether the children were cooperative with peers, followed directions, used classroom materials responsibly and acted in an overall appropriate manner.

According to reports, children who were concerned about their parents displayed more attention problems a year after the onset of stress was reported. These attention difficulties came hand-in-hand with teacher reports of adjustment issues in school.  Many cases found that children's negative thoughts were based on witnessing actual relationship problems between parents.

Raleigh divorce lawyers of Gailor, Wallis and Hunt further report that other studies on the effects of feuding spouses on children found that the stress hormone cortisol elevated in all situations of strife, whether the negativity was heard over the phone or within the home. These realizations bring to light the importance of protecting children from feuding families and divorce. Sheltering a child from the negativity of spousal fighting is not only important for the child's mental health, it is also important for the child's educational and social wellbeing. Whether the fight is in the kitchen, over the phone or in the courtroom, the child is affected in a negative manner.

A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center revealed that while the public still strongly believes the traditional 2-parent home is the best scenario for raising children, a divorce is the lesser of two evils when it comes to unhappy marriages. When given a scenario of very unhappily married parents, and then asked whether the children would better benefit from the parents remaining married or divorcing, 67 percent of adults surveyed stated a divorce would be better. Only 19 percent thought it a good idea to remain married.

While it is obvious to all Americans that the divorce rate is rising, what is not always obvious is the fact that a softer approach to separation could prove beneficial to all members of the family. As a parent would naturally want to shield a child from the backlash of in-home fighting, the parent should also realize in-court battles can prove detrimental to the child. When divorces go to court, the battle is not always friendly and tensions inevitably mount. Approaching a separation with mediation is a private way to handle your affairs.

Hiring family law attorneys to conduct mediation gives parents the opportunity to handle separation issues with referee-type counselors and attorneys, they handle it without the hassle of dragging children into court , forcing them to watch a he-said, she-said battle. Keeping children sheltered from the unnecessary stress of watching parents battle, whether in the home or in court, saves them from undue stress. Shielding children from excess levels of stress proves beneficial in the long run. It helps them deal with their every day lives at school and with surrounding peers. If you could prevent your child from experiencing undue stress, problems with concentration and difficulties with peer relationships, wouldn't you do it?

North Carolina divorce lawyers Gailor, Wallis and Hunt, have dedicated their lives to helping men and women work through the divorce process, and are especially knowledgeable and ready to help in all areas of mediation. Divorce lawyers of Gailor, Wallis and Hunt have used their 80 plus combined years of family law litigation experience and their collaborative skills to help couples dissolve their marriages in as non adversarial a manner as possible so that they can move on with their lives. To contact the family law firm of Gailor, Wallis and Hunt, call 866-362-7586.

In many divorce cases, one spouse has been unfaithful to the other and committed adultery or other acts of illicit sexual behavior. Illicit sexual behavior is defined in North Carolina law as acts of sexual or deviate sexual intercourse, deviate sexual acts, or sexual acts as defined in G.S. 14-27.1(4), voluntarily engaged in by a spouse with someone other than the other spouse. G.S. 14-27.1(4) is a criminal statute.  The sexual acts defined in the criminal statute mean cunnilingus, fellatio, analingus, or anal intercourse and also means the penetration, however slight, by any object into the genital or anal opening of another person's body except for accepted medical purposes.

In North Carolina, if a supporting spouse has committed  an act of illicit sexual behavior  the dependent spouse is entitled to alimony. However, if the dependent spouse has committed an act of illicit sexual behavior, he or she will not be entitled to receive alimony from the supporting spouse. If both spouses have committed acts of illicit sexual behavior during the marriage prior to a separation then  a judge must decide if a dependent spouse is entitled to receive alimony and the supporting spouse must pay.

In order to assert a claim for alimony based on illicit sexual behavior or adultery committed by your spouse you will need to obtain admissible evidence that the conduct was committed. Adultery or illicit sexual behavior is usually proved by circumstantial evidence - and only very infrequently by direct evidence of the adulterous acts. Under the doctrine of inclination and opportunity adultery is presumed if it can be shown that the parties had an adulterous disposition or inclination to commit adulterous acts, and (2) that there was opportunity to satisfy their mutual adulterous inclinations. Circumstantial evidence of illicit sexual behavior is typically obtained by a private investigator who conducts a surveillance of the spouse who is acting suspiciously. Evidence of inclination can be satisfied by observations of hugging, kissing or other intimate behavior. Other circumstantial evidence of inclination may also exist, such as emails or text messages with sexual content or expressions of love, photographs, or records of gifts or expenditures of money on the third
party.  In addition to the evidence of inclination there must also be evidence that the spouse and a third party spent time alone together in a location where there is an opportunity  for sexual relations  to have occurred such as a hotel or empty beach home.
If you suspect your spouse of being sexually involved with another person, you should contact a lawyer about the necessary steps to obtain admissible evidence of the conduct and what to do to protect your legal rights.

Contributor: Stephanie T. Jenkins - Stephanie T. Jenkins is a partner in the Raleigh, North Carolina Family Law Firm of Gailor, Wallis & Hunt, PLLC. For more information contact the Raleigh, North Carolina Family Law Firm of Gailor, Wallis & Hunt, PLLC at 1101 Haynes Street, Suite 201, Raleigh, NC 27604, Tel: 919-832-8488 or go to www.gailorwallishunt.com.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is intended as a general guide and is not to be used as legal advice by Gailor, Wallis & Hunt, PLLC. Whether or not you may be entitled to take action in regard to the information addressed in this article can only be determined after a thorough review of the facts and circumstances of your case.

Because cohabitation after separation may affect your right to receive, or your obligation to pay alimony in North Carolina, it is important to learn how cohabitation is defined in North Carolina law. Under North Carolina law, if the court determines that a dependent spouse receiving alimony under an order or judgment is cohabiting, the court is statutorily required to terminate that spouse’s rights to future alimony payments.

The alimony statute defines cohabitation as “the act of two adults dwelling together continuously and habitually in a private heterosexual relationship, even if it is not solemnized by marriage, or a homosexual relationship.” The statute goes on to state that “cohabitation is evidenced by the voluntary mutual assumption of those marital rights, duties and obligations which are usually manifested by married people, and which include, but are not necessarily dependent on, sexually relations.” 

The question of whether someone is engaged in cohabitation within the meaning of the alimony statute depends on the particular facts of each case.  In determining whether a dependent spouse is cohabiting, courts may consider a variety of factors, including (but not necessarily limited to) the number of overnights spent together and whether the sexual relationship is monogamous. Other relevant factors that courts may consider include: whether the dependent spouse and third party each have a key to the other’s residence, whether personal property, such as cars are kept at the same residence, whether living expenses are shared,  whether the dependent spouse and the third party grocery shop for one another, eat meals together, do yard work, walk the other’s dog, share or trade use of each other’s cars, attend family functions together and or otherwise engage in other day to day activities with one another that would be considered similar to those of married persons. 
If you believe your rights or obligations to receive or pay alimony may be impacted due to issues of cohabitation, you should contact the lawyers of Gailor, Wallis & Hunt to discuss the particular facts of your situation and address these issues.

Contributor: Cathy C. Hunt - Cathy Hunt is a partner in the Raleigh, North Carolina Family Law Firm of Gailor, Wallis & Hunt, PLLC.  For more information contact the Raleigh, North Carolina Family Law Firm of Gailor, Wallis & Hunt, PLLC at 1101 Haynes Street, Suite 201, Raleigh, NC 27604, Tel: 919-832-8488 or go to www.gailorwallishunt.com.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is intended as a general guide and is not to be used as legal advice by Gailor, Wallis & Hunt, PLLC. Whether or not you may be entitled to take action in regard to the information addressed in this article can only be determined after a thorough review of the facts and circumstances of your case.

Raleigh, North Carolina, divorce attorney, Stephanie J. Gibbs of the law firm of Gailor, Wallis & Hunt, a Raleigh, North Carolina family law firm educates grandparents about custody and visitation rights with their grandchildren under North Carolina law.

When parents separate and divorce, grandparents sometimes get caught in the middle and opportunities to spend time with their grandchildren may be restricted by one or both parents. In those cases if grandparents don’t become legally involved in a custody case, they risk losing all rights to see their grandchildren in the future.

 To address concerns about maintaining the special bond between children and their grandparents, the North Carolina legislature enacted laws that specifically address the rights of grandparents in custody cases.  One of those laws permits grandparents to “intervene” – that is, become parties to a pending custody case – so that they have a legal and enforceable right to visit their grandchildren after a divorce.

 In North Carolina, when an “intact family” exists, no other person, including a grandparent, may intervene to ask the court for permission to see the child, over a parent’s objection.   After a judge has made a final decision about child custody and visitation, the child is legally considered to be living with each parent in an “intact family.”  Under the law, single-parent homes are considered as “intact” as homes in which both parents live together.  Therefore, when parents of a child are separated and a grandparent fears that one or both parents may prevent the grandparent from having a relationship with a grandchild, the grandparent may wish to intervene in the initial custody determination prior to the court’s decision on custody to establish custody or visitation rights with the grandchild which are not dependent on the goodwill of the custodial parent. .  Once a grandparent is allowed to intervene, the court must decide whether a “substantial relationship” exists between the grandparent and child, and whether that relationship warrants an order allowing a grandparent to spend time with the child.

If one of the parents later requests to modify the initial custody order, a grandparent may file a “motion to intervene” in that case, asking the court for permission to become a party in the modification suit so that he or she may seek custody or visitation rights.  Grandparents have an absolute right to intervene in such cases, so long as the case is pending
In a handful of North Carolina cases, grandparents lost their right to ever visit their grandchildren after a parent died following a final custody decision where the grandparents did not intervene, and the surviving parent did not want the visits to occur.  Under the law, the surviving parent and children constituted an “intact family,” and the court has generally held in those cases that the grandparents had no right to intervene and the court no longer had jurisdiction to allow the grandparent to do so. 

In a divorce situation grandparents should consult with Stephanie Gibbs of the family law firm of Gailor, Wallis & Hunt of Raleigh, North Carolina who has experience in grandparents’ custody and visitation rights to determine the best course for protecting that special bond with their grandchildren.

Contributor: Stephanie J. Gibbs - Stephanie Gibbs is an associate attorney in the Raleigh, North Carolina Family Law Firm of Gailor, Wallis & Hunt, PLLC.  For more information contact the Raleigh, North Carolina Family Law Firm of Gailor, Wallis & Hunt, PLLC at 1101 Haynes Street, Suite 201, Raleigh, NC 27604, Tel: 919-832-8488 or go to www.gailorwallishunt.com.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is intended as a general guide and is not to be used as legal advice by Gailor, Wallis & Hunt, PLLC. Whether or not you may be entitled to take action in regard to the information addressed in this article can only be determined after a thorough review of the facts and circumstances of your case.

1. Make sure your children understand that they are not the reason for the divorce.  Keep the explanation simple, “your mother and I can no longer live together happily.   You need to know that this has nothing to do with you.  Your mom and I both love you very much and nothing will change that.”

2. Take care when discussing litigation.   Your children do not need to know the sum and substance of all legal documents, depositions, and proceedings.   If you and your spouse are unable to decide the issue of custody, you may wish to offer a simply explanation like “a judge is going to decide the time you will spend with your mommy and daddy because we both love you very much and can’t agree.” 

3. Allow the children to love both parents.  Create an environment where the children can be free to love both parents.   If you cringe or change the subject when your child brings up Daddy’s name, you may be sending a message to your child that you do not approve of his or her relationship with your ex. 

4. Do not send messages through your children.   If you are unable to communicate by any means with your ex whether  in-person, by phone, or e-mail, you may wish to consider co-parenting counseling or request a parent coordinator.

5. Do not say disparaging things about the other parent in front of the children. Judges will expect you to be supportive of the children’s relationship with their other parent

6. Be supportive of your children’s activities.   If at all possible, take your children to their activities when it is “your time.”   On the other hand, be respectful of the other parent’s time with the children. It’s difficult to look supportive of the other parent’s relationship if you always schedule well-visits during the other parent’s time.

7. Use good judgment before introducing your children to someone you are dating. Introducing your children to someone that you have just met or are just beginning to know can be confusing and even detrimental to your children.

8. Take the high road when possible.   This may sound contrary to the advice you might expect
from a divorce attorney.  However, when it comes to things like schedule changes, sometimes it is better to give a little even if the favor isn’t always returned.   In the event the matter goes to court, it is always better to be perceived as the parent who is flexible and cooperative.

Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, with offices in Wilmington, North Carolina, the family law firm of Gailor, Wallis & Hunt has a combined 80 years of experience in all aspects of divorce and cvustody litigation.

Contributor: Kimberly A. Wallis - Kimberly Wallis is a partner in the Raleigh, North Carolina Family Law Firm of Gailor, Wallis & Hunt, PLLC. She is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist. For more information contact the Raleigh, North Carolina Family Law Firm of Gailor, Wallis & Hunt, PLLC at 1101 Haynes Street, Suite 201, Raleigh, NC 27604, Tel: 919-832-8488 or go to www.gailorwallishunt.com.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is intended as a general guide and is not to be used as legal advice by Gailor, Wallis & Hunt, PLLC. Whether or not you may be entitled to take action in regard to the information addressed in this article can only be determined after a thorough review of the facts and circumstances of your case.

With regard to this case, the plaintiff, Cynthia Shackelford, 60, sued Anne Lundquiest, 49, for ruining her 33-year marriage to Allan Shackelford, 62. The suit claimed Lundquist carried out a "scheme to seduce and steal" Cynthia's husband. During her appearance on Good Morning America, she told the audience, "My children are devastated. I'm devastated," and that the once married couple will never be able to reminisce about the past or hope for their future again.

The jury's decision on the sum awarded was based on several factors including her loss of financial and emotional support, loss of companionship and damages from undue stress.

Whether the scorned is a woman or a man, the desire to seek damages against an outside party responsible for ruining a marriage is natural; and thanks to a law that only a handful of states have on the books, retribution is possible. The alienation of affection law is typically used by the innocent spouse against the guilty spouse's lover, but can, depending on the state, also reach out to someone such as an in-law or other relative who can be proven responsible for contributing to the demise of a relationship. The states that allow these lawsuits, along with North Carolina, are Hawaii, Illinois, Mississippi, New Mexico, South Dakota and Utah.

The steps to winning an alienation of affection suit include proving:
a. that love existed between the spouses
b. that the spouses love was alienated or destroyed
c. that a third party's malicious conduct contributed to the demise of the relationship, and
d. that the plaintiff suffered injury and damages

The plaintiff must convince a jury that the third party willfully and maliciously interfered with the marriage in order to win damages. North Carolina currently averages 200 of these claims a year, and according to Raleigh Divorce Lawyers Gailor, Wallis and Hunt, "juries have often been generous in alienation of affections" cases. In 1997, a Greensboro jury awarded $1 million to a wife crossed by her husband and his secretary, based on damages such as loss of income, life insurance, and pension benefits, along with loss of consortium, mental anguish and humiliation. In 2001, a North Carolina jury ordered $2 million to be paid to Christine Cooper of Greensboro, by a man's mistress. Yet another jury awarded $1.4 million paid to Thomas Oddo in a suit filed against his wife's lover.

In the event that a marriage goes sour, and there is a third party involved, the alienation of affections law can be a viable means to obtain justice. It not only sends a message to the spouse and third party that their actions were morally and legally wrong, but also validates the notion that there are serious consequences to these behaviors..

North Carolina divorce attorneys Gailor, Wallis & Hunt, have dedicated their lives to helping men and women work through the divorce process, and are knowledgeable and experienced in all of the issues relevant to alienation of affections lawsuits. GWH offers knowledge, skill and experience in the many areas of family law that is second to none.

Tawanna Iverson filed for divorce through a petition on Tuesday, March 2, 2010. She is seeking permanent and sole custody of the couple's five children - ranging in age from 17 months to 15-years old. Tawanna is also requesting that Allen pay her alimony and child support. She currently has temporary custody of their children and resides in their home in Atlanta. Iverson's wife also has requested that her soon-to-be ex-husband be responsible for all legal expenses and wants equitable distribution of all of the couple's marital assets. The couple has been residing in Atlanta since August 2009. They also have shared homes in Colorado, Detroit, and another in Villanova, PA. The couple had tried to sell their $6.3 million mansion in Villanova, but has had no luck in this economy and the new asking price has been reduced to $ 3.25 million. The couples hearing for their divorce was reportedly set for next month.

One issue that may arise in this divorce is whether Allen Iverson has any "celebrity good will" which may be a divisible property interest of the marriage or a factor in awarding alimony and child support. Celebrity goodwill is essentially the enhanced earning capacity or human capital of a spouse who is famous. These can include not only professional athletes, but entertainers such as Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise, Mel Gibson, politicians and others who are in the public eye and earn wealth as a result. Factors that a court may look at as necessary for a determination of the existence of professional goodwill are age, health, past earning power, reputation in the profession, skill, comparative success and length of time in the profession and more. North Carolina divorce attorneys of Gailor, Wallis & Hunt have handled cases in which celebrity goodwill was an issue and worked with national experts in the establishing the value of that goodwill.

North Carolina divorce attorneys Gailor, Wallis & Hunt, have dedicated their lives to helping men and women work through the divorce process, especially equitable distribution of marital assets and custody arrangements. Where saving the marriage is not possible, the highly respected attorneys of Gailor, Wallis and Hunt are also dedicated to assisting men and women in the throes of separation and divorce and helping them obtain a fair and equitable settlement or result at trial. GWH offers knowledge, skill and experience in the many areas of family law that is second to none.

Gailor, Wallis & Hunt
Raleigh Family Law Firm
1-866-362-7586
www. gailorwallishunt.com

Bristol Palin, 19, filed child support papers in January 2010, requesting that her ex-fiancé pay $1,750 a month to support their one-year-old son, Tripp. Palin claimed that she has been providing the care and custody for their son since he was born in December 2008. The couple has been in a constant battle over child support payments. Palin claimed that Levi had an annual income exceeding $100,000 in 2009, which he earned through a combination of modeling and media jobs. Since Palin has had custody of the child, she said that she has only "received limited and sporadic financial assistance from Mr. Johnston, totaling only $4,400 over 13 months." Levi responded that he had agreed to pay 20 percent of his adjusted income for 2009 to Palin. Levi also stated that he only had one definite contract in the amount of $25,000 for 2010. It was reported that Palin was encouraged when Johnston acknowledged that his child support payments were not adequate and that he still recognized his obligation to his son and the court agreement. "Bristol expects to mediate a child visitation schedule with Levi that balances Tripp's need to be with his father with Levi's need to travel and seek work."

In all child custody disputes, the welfare of the children and their best interest should be the sole focus of both the mother and father. An adversarial custody battle puts the child in a place of conflict that may damage their self-esteem and affect them for years to come.

The highly respected Raleigh, North Carolina attorneys of Gailor, Wallis & Hunt have dedicated their lives to assisting parents in obtaining fair and equitable custody arrangements when divorce is the only alternative. GWH offers knowledge, skill and experience in the many areas of family law that is second to none.

Leading North Carolina divorce lawyers, Gailor, Wallis, and Hunt, (www.gailorwallishunt.com) report a Charlotte-Mecklenburg policeman was charged with assaulting his wife, according to the Charlotte Observer, February 18, 2010. The importance of knowing one's legal rights is crucial in the case of domestic violence in the home. If placed in a position where a marriage partner tries to dominate you emotionally or becomes physically abusive, it is a case of domestic violence.

The police officer, Timothy Gerald, reportedly "struck his wife in the chest and face with his hand and knee during Wednesday's alleged assault". Gerald, who had been on the police force since 1993, turned himself into the police station after investigators established that there was probable cause that he assaulted his wife. Gerald currently holds custody of the couple's child. It was not known if the either party had an attorney, although the couple has been separated for a year. According to a fact sheet published by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) (see www.ncadv.org) in each of the last three years, there were more than 70 incidences of domestic violence homicides. In five of the six years from 1997 to 2002, North Carolina has been in the top ten states in homicide rates for females murdered by males. According to the NC Department of Health and Human Services, in North Carolina 1 in 5 women have been sexually assaulted at some point in their lives.

Often, in domestic violence cases, the violence by one spouse against the other has major legal implications in custody, child support and alimony issues when separation and divorce are the only solution to protect yourself and your children and end the chain of violence. In the court system, there are two ways to handle a domestic violence case- civilly or criminally. As a victim of abuse, it is important to find an attorney knowledgeable in domestic violence issues to inform you about civil and/or criminal options available against an abuser. The most important objective is to protect yourself and your children from the abusive partner. Under Chapter-50 of the NC General Statutes, a victim of domestic violence has the legal right to seek a domestic violence protective order (DVPO), which prevents contact of the abuser with the victim or children except under very limited circumstances permitted by the court.

Domestic violence in North Carolina is a tragic and traumatic occurrence that occurs across all demographic categories and can change the lives of spouses and children forever. Working to change your life and remove yourself from a violent relationship can be a confusing and difficult time. It is important that you know your legal rights and have the right team to help you initiate the appropriate actions.

North Carolina divorce attorneys Stephanie Jenkins (www.gailorwallis.com/sjenkins.html) and Stephanie Gibbs (www.gailorwallis.com/sgibbs.html)  of the Raleigh law firm of Gailor, Wallis and Hunt, have dedicated their lives to being advocates for the rights of victims of domestic violence and are dedicated not only to assisting them in dealing with acts of domestic violence in the court system but to obtain a fair and equitable resolution of related issues such as custody, child support and alimony in light of the fact that domestic violence has occurred. GWH offers knowledge, skill and experience in the many areas of family law that is second to none.

Gailor, Wallis & Hunt
Raleigh Family Law Firm
 1-866-362-7586  
www. gailorwallishunt.com

Divorce attorneys and family law specialists are seeing this disturbing trend on the rise as separated husbands and wives are now claiming that a social networking website is the reason for the demise of his or her marriage. This trend is being called cyber cheating.

Recently interviewed on NBC, Raleigh divorce attorney Cathy Hunt (http://www.gailorwallis.com/chunt.html), of the divorce and family law firm of Gailor, Wallis & Hunt, PLLC in North Carolina, says she has seen more cases involving cyber cheating than ever before, citing social media as the catalyst for divorce.

Click here to watch the interview by Raleigh Divorce Attorney Cathy Hunt

"People are going onto social networking sites, like Facebook and Classmates.com, and are reconnecting with someone they used to know or date," Hunt told NBC. She added that the communication typically begins as innocent chat and escalates to something more serious including emails, phone calls, online flirting and eventually meetings. Hunt said that, in some cases, this social media communication has led to one spouse leaving the other to be with someone from his or her past.

"A lot of people are really in what seems like happy marriages," Hunt said. "They're not bad marriages; they have families and children, and they have family life and family life doesn't involve flirtation and that sort of thing."

Tips to Avoid Social Media Relationship Pitfalls

• A husband or wife should evaluate his or her motivations before reconnecting with an old flame.

• When opening social media accounts, have open communication with your spouse about how certain  situations will be handled, such as contact with or by an ex.

• Create a joint account, or give each partner access to each other's accounts.

• Do not write anything that is suggestive or questionable on a social media site.

About The Law Firm

The Raleigh, North Carolina family lawyers of Gailor, Wallis & Hunt help men and women work through the emotional and financial entanglements that occur when a marriage or committed relationship dissolves. With over 80 years of combined experience, the firm offers highly competent and dedicated representation in the following matters; mediation, arbitration, separation and property settlement agreements, divorce, alimony and child support and equitable distribution of property with an emphasis on representing business owners.

For a confidential and personal review of your case, contact Gailor, Wallis & Hunt at 1-866-362-7586 or visit them online at http://www.gailorwallis.com.