Jennifer Hames

When parents cannot agree on a custody arrangement, North Carolina courts may order a child custody evaluation to help determine what arrangement best serves the child’s well-being. This process can feel deeply personal and even intimidating. After all, it involves allowing a professional to evaluate your parenting and family life. But a custody evaluation is […]

The first Thanksgiving after a divorce or separation can stir up complicated emotions. What was once a day spent under one roof, filled with shared laughter, familiar routines, and extended family, might now look very different. You may be facing an empty chair at the table or a holiday schedule that means your children are

Most custody disputes are handled through the standard legal process, carefully and deliberately. But some situations require immediate court action to protect a child’s safety or well-being. That’s when emergency custody orders come into play. In North Carolina, an emergency custody order (sometimes called an ex parte custody order) allows a judge to make a

Relocation requests are among the most emotionally charged issues that arise in North Carolina custody cases. Whether a parent wants to move for a new job, family support, or a fresh start after divorce, the decision to relocate can have a lasting impact on both parents and, most importantly, the child. For parents who share

Soccer, dance, music lessons, or karate—these activities bring joy and growth to children, but they can also spark disagreements between parents. One parent may believe sports build discipline and teamwork, while the other feels the time commitment is overwhelming or conflicts with academic priorities. When parents are divorced or separated, these disagreements can quickly escalate

Why Halloween Can Become a Point of Conflict For many families, Halloween is a time of costumes, candy, and fun. But for co-parents, this holiday can highlight differences in beliefs, parenting styles, and schedules. One parent may view Halloween as harmless fun, while another has religious or personal concerns about celebrating. Disagreements may also arise

When Custody Agreements Break Down Custody agreements are designed to provide structure and stability for children after a divorce or separation. They establish when each parent will spend time with the child, how decisions will be made, and what responsibilities each parent carries. But what happens when one parent doesn’t follow the rules? Whether it’s

Custody disputes are never easy, but when conflict escalates, the effects on children can be profound. High-conflict custody battles expose children to ongoing tension, uncertainty, and stress. In some cases, children may feel caught in the middle, pressured to take sides, or forced to adapt to constant changes in their daily lives. The emotional toll

Divorce does more than separate two people, it also untangles the financial ties that held a marriage together. For many couples, one spouse has earned significantly more than the other, creating questions about how both individuals will support themselves once the marriage ends. In North Carolina, spousal support, commonly known as alimony, is designed to