Each state has its own laws governing adults changing their names. The process isn’t very easy unless you’re going through a marriage or divorce. But, it’s something that’s worth it to people who have a negative connotation to their name. If you’re getting married,...

How Does Guardianship Work In North Carolina?
In certain situations, it may be necessary for a person to be placed under someone else’s care. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but the end result is a type of legal relationship that allows one person to take care of another. But why is a guardianship...
How does partition action help those who jointly own real estate?
People acquire joint ownership of a property in many different ways. Maybe you and your best friend bought a cabin together so that your families could alternate weekends away at the property. Maybe you and your siblings jointly inherited the home where your parents...
Why should you adopt your stepchild?
Your spouse and your stepchild came as a package deal -- and you wouldn't have it any other way. Now that you've been part of your stepchild's life for some time, is it time to make your relationship more formal through stepparent adoption? There are significant...
What is “lis pendens” and how could it affect you?
Lis pendens is the Latin term for "a [law]suit pending." You might also see its abbreviated form as "lis pend" with or without the italics. It serves as formal notification to all that there is ongoing litigation regarding a specific piece of property. This could stem...
How to legally change your name
If you live in North Carolina and you wish to legally change your name, there is a certain process that you must go through. Changing your name is a matter of public record unless there are special reasons that you would not want this to be public, such as if you are...
Understanding foreclosures and special proceedings
North Carolina residents who are unable to pay their mortgage will eventually face foreclosure. This is a specific method of enforcing payment by a mortgage lender. The lender will enforce the lien against your home and take over as the property owner. The lender will...
How To Support Your Loved One in the Midst of a Legal Battle
Divorce, physical assault, mental abuse, custody battles, claims of defamation. These are all types of legal battles that involve two parties almost always in opposition of one another. They are so often ugly, angry and emotional. We don’t wish any of the above on...
Need Help? Here’s What You Need to Know About Domestic Violence
Domestic violence affects people in every state, race, social class, and profession. The North Carolina statutes define domestic violence as the commission of one or more of the followings acts against another person whom you have had a personal relationship with: 1....