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Articles
Do People Really Fight Over Dishes?
As a young family-law attorney starting out seventeen (17) years ago, I had no idea the variety of assets that would be the subject of long conversations with clients, letters to opposing counsel, negotiation at mediation, or even trial time in Court. Besides real estate, retirement accounts and cash, these...
Divorce in North Carolina
In N.C. parties have to be living separate and apart for a period exceeding one year in order to file for divorce. The divorce action is separate from the other issues such as equitable distribution and child custody or child support and can be (and usually are) filed separately. The...
How do Courts Determine Child Custody?
What does the Court look at to determine child custody? The Court can consider anything which may be relevant to what custodial schedule is in the child’s best interest. These issues often include: How the caregiving responsibilities were shared during the marriage and since separation; The age, maturity level and...
Social Media and Divorce
Cautions on the Use of Social Media for Divorcing Spouses and Parties in Child Custody Proceedings As a family law practitioner I feel compelled to offer some advice concerning the use of social media to those of you who may be separating or beginning family law litigation. I have seen...
How Much is Your Pet Worth To You?
Reflections on a Recent NC Appellate Case Should we be able to recover monetary damages for the loss of our pet? If so, how is the pet’s value determined? Does the pet have intrinsic value beyond the cost of purchase? What about recovery for non-economic damages such as loss of...
Barri Payne is a Certified Family Law Mediator
In 2011, Barri completed her mediation certification with the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission and is available to mediate represented or unrepresented parties. Mediation is a great way to resolve family law issues. It is required in child custody cases and equitable distribution (property division) matters. Mediation can often save...
Barri Payne certified by the N.C. State Bar Board of Legal Specialization
On November 21, 2011, Barri Payne received her certification from the N.C. State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as a specialist in family law. Barri was one of 12 lawyers across the state certified this year in family law. To be certified as a specialist in family law, a lawyer...
Why I Practice Family Law
Thinking back to my time at UNC School of Law, I was not someone who really enjoyed my law school experience. I did not always know clearly that law was for me. I considered divinity school, grad school, and law school before settling on law school. I started school in...
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