Allen & Spence Blog
Trial Practice: The One Question That Matters
Sometimes a single question during a contested trial and a single answer to that question will put the entire case in perspective for the judge. I have many examples over my years of practice of this occurring and it usually revolves around...
Private Investigators and Family Law
A private investigator can play an important part in a family law case. Whether it is a spouse who may be cheating or a separated parent who may leaving the children with a sitter to go out at night, a private investigator's testimony may be the evidence...
What Can You Learn From a Celebrity Divorce?
Fergie and Josh Duhamel were just one of many celebrity splits announced in 2017. They even announced their split, in the manner many celebrities do: "With absolute love and respect we decided to separate as a couple earlier this year. To...
Difference Between a Consent Order and a Separation Agreement?
In North Carolina a separation agreement and a consent order are two different ways to settle disputes over property, alimony, child support, and child custody. What are the differences and similarities? Separation Agreement a contract breach...
The New Alimony Provisions of The Tax Law – Big Changes
The tax bill signed into law on December 22, 2017 by the president have a big change to how alimony has been treated for decades. Up until this goes into affect, the law has been that alimony payments may be deducted by the paying party from taxes (thus...
Unequal Distribution, Equitable Distribution and North Carolina Law
North Carolina is an equitable distribution state. Conceptually, "equitable" is the key word. In NC the district court judge has the authority to divide property bases upon concepts of fairness and the statute NCGS 50-20, has a list of distributional...
