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Should I hire a lawyer?

This article is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered legal advice. Use of this site and its content does not establish an attorney-client relationship. For more information about hiring an attorney in North Carolina, call The Law Offices of Alesia M. Vick at (919) 217-8425.

When is a lawyer necessary? And, can hiring a lawyer really help? The answer is simply, "It depends..." The initial consultation is one of the most important ways to determine if you need an attorney to handle your legal matter. In some matters such as medical malpractice and personal injury, the initial consultation may be FREE of charge. These matters are what attorneys term "contingency matters". In such cases, the lawyer or law firm collects its fees only if the client receives a settlement or is awarded a judgment. Know what it will cost before you schedule your first appointment. For non-contingency legal matters, consultation fees can range between $150 ~ $500 per hour. These fees are generally determined by several factors - experience, competition, and location. A law firm with its office in Raleigh, North Carolina may charge double the fees of a Knightdale law firm. If finances are an issue, Legal Aid of North Carolina may be able to help locate a lawyer to work pro bono or free of charge.

When trouble arises, some people do not hesitate to contact a local attorney. Others may consider contacting a lawyer, but may have limited resources or information regarding which attorney to contact. The attorney section of any local telephone directory is filled with ads from attorneys who specialize in the numerous areas of legal practice - family law and divorce, personal injury, medical malpractice, criminal defense, business law, employment law, etc. The list goes on and on. The truth is, finding the right attorney in and of itself can be an overwhelming task. Many technology savvy people turn to the internet, where a few keyword searches for "North Carolina legal help" or "NC divorce attorney" may yield thousands of search results.

Locating an attorney with the right expertise is important. When your legal rights are in jeopardy, legal representation can help. An attorney will discuss with you the law in North Carolina as it relates to your issue. Friends and relatives may know some aspects of the law, but unless they are legal professionals, it is doubtful that they will be experts in the law. Besides, laws and statutes change, and attorneys are generally knowledgeable about how those changes may impact your case.

Ahh...the word "case". Be prepared to hear that you may or may not have one. It is an attorneys job to carefully examine your legal matter to see if it has merit and help you weigh your legal options. You might not always like what you hear. If this is the case, you do have the right to seek further legal counsel or go pro se or representing yourself. Do understand that if you choose to represent yourself, you are still subject to the laws, even when you may not fully understand the full ramifications.

Dads and Divorce - What Today's Fathers Need to Know Before Entering the Courtroom

Information presented in this article is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered legal advice.

Some time ago in the 1990s, family law attorneys got wise to the idea that fathers needed "more specialized" representation in the legal system when it came to divorce, child support, and child custody.  Thus the idea of father's rights or dad's rights attorneys, those who focus on representing fathers, was birthed.  So, what happened prior to the 1990s?  Were fathers unfairly viewed in the legal system, or were they underrepresented?  The answers to those questions largely depend on who you ask.

Society has had an obsession with labels when it comes to fathers.  A dad who shirks his fatherly responsibilities is given the title, "deadbeat", while no real title for a mother who does the same is apparent.  Society tends to view single mothers as victims, while single dads are often looked at as a rarity.  As hard as we try to paint an image of fairness, societal beliefs are not absent from the justice system.  If you are a father facing divorce, child custody, and child support, this is the primary question you need to ask yourself before entering the courtroom, "What is my role in my child's life?  Am I an active part or just a provider?"

Historically dads were viewed as the breadwinner and provider for the family.  This type of Leave it to Beaver family system changed greatly as women entered the workplace.  Mothers retained the role of nurturer, educator, and moral role model, while taking on careers.  Fathers, however, did not change in their role.  This role shift has a great deal to do with what fathers experience in the courtroom.  If you are just a provider, who has no other active role in your child's life, the court will still expect you to be a provider.  Your financial support, though valuable, is not a substitute for your time.  It is much easier to deny a father a role that he has never assumed.

Make fatherhood count.  Be an active part of your child's life.  Some great ways to do this are to involve yourself in your child's daily activities - education, athletic or club involvement, and church or other activities.  Take the time to plan important life events like birthday parties, or join the PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) or other education related opportunities. It will be much more difficult for a court to ignore the role of an active and positive dad.

Assuming that there are no major negative lapses in moral judgment, physical or substance abuse, or neglect present, an active father stands a great chance of building a case in their favor. Today's fathers must be more that mere providers.  

This above article, "Dads and Divorce - What Today's Fathers Need to Know Before Entering the Courtroom" was written by Attorney Alesia M. Vick for the Law Offices of Alesia M. Vick.  It should not be duplicated without expressed written permission from The Law Offices of Alesia M. Vick.

Adoption in North Carolina - Hiring an Attorney Can Help

Information presented in this article is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered legal advice. Adoption matters discussed pertain to adoption laws in the state of North Carolina.

Part of the practice of family law involves helping individuals and families create new parent and child relationships through adoption. For many individuals and couples, the decision to adopt can be filled with both joy and stressful anticipation. If you are considering adoption or placing a child for adoption, it is important that you understand your rights. The Law Offices of Alesia M. Vick is prepared to help clients navigate through the legal aspects of adoption.

Adoption and the Law

North Carolina adoption statutes and procedures are detailed in Chapter 48 of the North Carolina general statutes. Our statutes are designed to protect the rights of the adoptee, the adopting parents, and the natural birth parents. These statutes cover everything from who may be adopted, who may place a child up for adoption, consent for adoption, the adoption petition and process, and the appeals process. The statutes also govern the role of agencies acting in the adoption process and the courts. Because you are not expected to be an expert in legal statutes, it is your attorney's responsibility to help you make sense of the legalese.

Adoption 101

Adoption is the legal process whereby a new and legal parent and child relationship is created between two unrelated persons, while severing an existing legal relationship with the adoptee's birth parents. Under North Carolina law, anyone over the age of 18 may adopt another individual, barring the practice of spouses adopting each other. There are numerous types of adoptions - stepparent adoptions, single parent adoptions, grandparent adoptions, relative adoptions, foster parent adoptions, and so on. All adoptions seek to create a legal parent and child relationship where one did not previously exist.

The Process

Adoption in North Carolina begins with filing a Petition for Adoption. A family law attorney can help with this process by reviewing your files prior to submission and making sure your petition includes the necessary documentation. This documentation includes, but is not limited to, a pre-placement assessment completed by a licensed agency, consent for adoption by the birth parents, health records and genetic history of the child, any payments made concerning the adoption, and any court orders concerning custody or visitation. Again, your attorney can help you with completing your petition and necessary documentation.

Once the petition is filed, the court has 90 days to schedule a disposition hearing. Assuming the placement is deemed fit for the child and no roadblocks arise, the petition will likely be granted.

The above article, "Adoption in North Carolina - Hiring an Attorney Can Help" was written by Attorney Alesia M. Vick for the Law Offices of Alesia M. Vick. It should not be duplicated without expressed written permission from The Law Offices of Alesia M. Vick.

Infidelity, Divorce, and Lawsuits – Understanding Alienation of Affections and Criminal Conversation Claims

Information presented in this article is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered legal advice.  Legal references in this article apply to laws in the state of North Carolina.

If you discover that your spouse is/was involved in an extramarital affair or another third party's actions have threatened the stability of your marriage and/or led to divorce, you may have grounds for a lawsuit in North Carolina.  North Carolina is one of few states that recognize alienation of affections and criminal conversation as torts, or wrongdoings that allow the plaintiff to recover damages. The basis of such laws, point to a type of injury or loss that occurs to the innocent spouse when a third party acts in a manner that is destructive to the marriage. 

The foundation of a criminal conversation claim is injury, loss, or damage based on actual sexual intercourse between the plaintiff's spouse and the third party (defendant). Under North Carolina law, each provable act of intercourse gives rise to a separate criminal conversations claim.  In order to recover damages on the basis of criminal conversation, you must prove that: 1) the act of sexual intercourse took place between your spouse and the defendant, 2) you have a valid, existing marriage, and 3) the adulterous act or acts took place within the three-year statute of limitations.  Consent by the plaintiff to extramarital sexual intercourse is the only viable defense to a criminal conversations claim.  Ignorance, seduction, marital instability, and even separation are not valid defenses.

Alienation of affections is somewhat more difficult to prove than criminal conversation.  The basis for this claim is that a third party (defendant) acted with intention, in such manner, as to alienate the innocent spouse from the affection of the other spouse.  This claim does not have to be based on adultery, and can therefore be brought against lovers, clergy, family members, or anyone who intentionally seeks to break up a marriage.  To successfully bring this claim, the plaintiff must show that: 1) there was some degree of love between the married couple, 2) he/she suffered loss when the love was alienated or destroyed, and 3) the third party's (defendant) intent was to alienate or destroy the marriage.  Though intercourse may strengthen the claim, proving "intent" opens this claim to several defenses.  Like criminal conversation, alienation of affection has a three-year statute of limitations.

North Carolina jurors have been very generous in deliberating in favor of the innocent spouse.  In rare cases North Carolina jurors have awarded damages in excess of $1 million for the plaintiff.  Typical damages are awarded in amounts ranging in the tens of thousands. 

The above article, "Infidelity, Divorce, and Lawsuits - Understanding Alienation of Affections and Criminal Conversation Claims" was written by Attorney Alesia M. Vick for the Law Offices of Alesia M. Vick.  It should not be duplicated without expressed written permission from The Law Offices of Alesia M. Vick.

Preparing for a Divorce Consultation

Information presented in this article is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered legal advice. Consulting with an attorney does not guarantee that the attorney will represent you. Representation begins with a contract for legal services and a retainer. 

You have reached the point when you are considering the dissolution of your marriage. You have internally questioned how you should go about getting the process started and where you should turn for legal help. In the state of North Carolina, there are numerous firms that specialize in the practice of family law.  Making the initial decision to consult a family law attorney about your divorce case is major step.  Getting prepared for the initial consultation is an even greater step.

Do not walk into an initial consultation unprepared.  Preparation can potentially save you the headache of wasted time and money.  The role of your divorce attorney is to counsel you on issues of the law as they pertain to your case.  It will be difficult not to let the emotions and stress of the situation determine the way you communicate with your attorney, but approaching the situation with reason is the most effective way to get the results you desire.

One of the most important ways to prepare for your consultation is by creating a timeline of events.  This timeline should provide a truthful and accurate account of events leading up to your decision to seek attorney representation.  Included in the timeline should be any marital issues such as instances of domestic violence, abuse, extramarital affairs, and so on.  Some items that you list may spark potentially shameful or emotional memories, but remember your communication is guarded by attorney/client privilege.

The next step in preparation is creating your list of potential questions you may have.  Even if you have experienced a previous divorce, you are not expected to be an expert.  Your attorney should be able to address your questions and concerns, no matter how trivial you may think they are.  There is no such thing as a silly or dumb question.

Being prepared can help reduce some of the initial anxiety.  Information regarding individual and marital income, debts, and assets may be needed as a follow up to the initial consultation, so be prepared to locate those records.  Again, it is important to be upfront and honest with your attorney in order to get the most effective results.

The above article, "Preparing for a Divorce Consultation" was written by Attorney Alesia M. Vick for the Law Offices of Alesia M. Vick.  It should not be duplicated without expressed written permission from The Law Offices of Alesia M. Vick.

Separation and the Law in North Carolina

Information presented in this article is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered legal advice.  This article applies to separation laws in the state of North Carolina.

One year of separation is the precursor to divorce in North Carolina.  In order for separation to be legal in North Carolina, couples must actively live apart from one another with the intention of remaining apart.  Occupying different rooms in the same dwelling place does not constitute legal separation in North Carolina. Although a separation agreement or property settlement agreement is not necessary to make the separation valid, it is advisable to have one drafted when children, finances, and property are involved.  Due to the complex nature of the agreement, most couples elect to have legal counsel represent them in drafting the agreement.

The separation agreement outlines each spouse's rights and serves as a legally binding contract when notarized and signed by both parties.  Because it is an "agreement", neither party can be legally compelled to sign.  Before signing any separation agreement, it is advisable to have legal counsel review the language of the document with you.  Language included in a separation agreement usually deals with child custody, alimony, child support, financial responsibilities, and assets.  Though the agreement is viewed as a contract, do note that some aspects of the agreement, such as child custody and support matters, can be modified by the court.  In such issues, the court will act in the best interest of the child regardless of what the agreement reads.

Settlement agreements are advantageous in that they can help reduce the costs of litigation.  Anything that you and your spouse can agree upon will be beneficial in saving time and money.  They also help couples maintain some aspect of privacy and flexibility that can be lost during litigation.  The Law Offices of Alesia M. Vick is available to assist you with North Carolina separation agreements and concerns.

The above article, "Separation and the Law in North Carolina" was written by Attorney Alesia M. Vick for the Law Offices of Alesia M. Vick.  It should not be duplicated without expressed written permission from The Law Offices of Alesia M. Vick.

10 Questions to Ask Your Divorce Attorney

Information presented in this article is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered legal advice.  Divorce suggestions in this article apply to divorce in the state of North Carolina.

With a few clicks of the mouse and a web search query for the keywords "questions to ask a divorce attorney", you will find thousands of results listed.  Divorce is a well addressed topic, and suggested questions for divorce lawyers are numerous.  In other words, there are hundreds of questions that one could possibly ask - from general to case specific.  Assuming fees and general attorney experience questions have been answered, there are ten basic questions that your family law attorney should be able to address. 

Initial consultation: 

• What are my divorce options in the state of North Carolina?

• What are my options for avoiding a contentious trial?

• How long can I expect the process to take? How do you plan on handling my divorce case?

• How can I make the process easier?

• How and when can I contact you if I have questions or concerns? Are you willing to discuss my case with me over the phone?  How long does it usually take you to return phone calls?

• What are the possible financial and tax implications of my divorce? 

Before and during the proceedings:

• How can I contact you in case of an emergency?  What constitutes an emergency?

• What can I expect? Based on what we have discussed, how do you see my case playing out in court? 

After the trial and loose ends: 

• Where can I find resources to help me move on with my life?

• How do we proceed with other matters stemming from the divorce?

The above questions provide a good foundation for communication between you and your divorce attorney. Most family law attorneys anticipate some variation of these questions.  It is likely that you will have more specific questions related to your individual case.  It is recommended that you write down any questions and concerns that you think of. so that your attorney can best serve you.  There are no dumb questions, especially concerning legal matters that can impact your life.

The above article, "10 Questions to Ask Your Divorce Attorney" was written by Attorney Alesia M. Vick for the Law Offices of Alesia M. Vick.  It should not be duplicated without expressed written permission from The Law Offices of Alesia M. Vick.

Female Divorce Attorneys - Are They Better?

Are female divorce lawyers better or at a disadvantage in the practice of family law?

The late singer, performer, and soul icon, James Brown, coined the phrase, "This is a man's world." In many aspects women continue pressing to overcome professional and social limitations established by centuries of a male dominated legal profession. Many female attorneys have found success and longevity in the area of family law. People tend to forget that divorce and family law issues, unlike other legal matters, usually involve a male-female dispute.

Some time ago in a conversation about hiring a divorce lawyer, a female acquaintance of mine, who experienced a recent divorce, mentioned that she preferred male attorneys. She stated that she chose her attorney because she felt, "he had a sense of arrogance and a no nonsense look." She continued to explain that, in her opinion, most female divorce attorneys do not possess an aggressive instinct. In my mind, I started questioning how many people had a similar thought process and image of female divorce attorneys.

Here are two reasons why I believe women practicing family law may be at an advantage.

Nature - On average, women spend more time discussing and thinking about matters of family and relationships than men do. In other words, we know family and relationships. It's in our DNA. Women, by nature, tend to be more interested in relationships and their outcomes than men are. This translates into success when communicating and dealing with our family law and divorce clients.

Aggressiveness - Female divorce attorneys tend to have more of a "take no prisoners" approach to family law. Some may think it's because we have a chip on our shoulder, or we're trying to prove ourselves in a male dominated profession. Those assumptions are simply false. Truthfully, women possess a strong desire to be "right". Some of my more difficult challenges have come from opposing female counsel. My husband, a school administrator, always prefers to intervene in a fight between two males as opposed to two females. His reasoning being, "Female fights can be vicious."

I am sure that the misguided beliefs held by my acquaintance are not uncommon. In the chorus of James Brown's song, "It's a Man's World", the singer draws listeners to the conclusion that this man's world "wouldn't be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl." What would the practice of family law be without female attorneys?

The above article, "Female Divorce Attorneys - Are They Better? " was written by Attorney Alesia M. Vick for the Law Offices of Alesia M. Vick. It should not be duplicated without expressed written permission from The Law Offices of Alesia M. Vick.

Top 5 Things You Should Consider When Choosing a Divorce Attorney

Rarely in day to day conversation is the criterion for selecting a good lawyer discussed. In fact, most Americans can move throughout their daily lives and never encounter the need for an attorney. In issues of family law and divorce, especially where complications may arise in custody matters and assets, it is advisable that one seek attorney representation. Divorce, in and of itself, can be a highly taxing experience both emotionally and financially. When selecting an attorney to represent their interests, few people who enter the challenges of divorce for the first time know how to choose the right divorce attorney. Here is list of the Top 5 things one needs to consider when choosing a divorce attorney.

Experience

Most people believe that lawyers come a dime a dozen. However, lawyers with experience are much more difficult to find. Experience is likely the single most important factor most people examine when choosing an attorney to handle their family law matters. Experience aids an attorney in numerous ways.

First, an experienced family law and divorce attorney is more likely to anticipate issues and items that you may have overlooked. Divorce is often a tumultuous experience, and when emotions are involved, simple decisions can become more complex. A good attorney should be able to help you consider items that you may have missed.

Secondly, experienced divorce attorneys become familiar with court tendencies, and can most often anticipate the process a judge may take in deciding a case for or against you. Judges can develop reputations for being thorough, fair, extremely tough, or lenient. Since most people do not spend their days in a courtroom, it only makes since to look to your attorney for guidance in this area.

The question of how much experience an attorney should have is really one of personal preference and comfort. When considering a family law and divorce attorney, be sure to question the attorney regarding specific experience handling cases similar to yours. Thirteen years of legal experience handling traffic matters equates to nothing in the family law arena.

Be careful not to oversell the importance of attorney experience. It is only one factor to consider when hiring a family law and divorce attorney

Commitment and Availability

Chances are if you are considering a divorce, you need an attorney who can make themselves available when you have questions or matters of urgency. Let's face it; no one wants to talk to their attorney's voice mail. To the many clients we have counseled at the Law Offices of Alesia M. Vick, their particular legal issue feels like the only thing that should matter to their attorney. We understand this. That's why our client philosophy and motto is, "Addressing you, and not just your legal matter"

Many attorneys balance multiple cases and clients at once, but a good family law and divorce attorney has the ability to make you feel like the only client even when you are not.

When you first consult an attorney, it is a good idea to question the attorney's workload and ability to meet and discuss matters of your case. Do not expect your attorney to be a marriage counselor, but do expect him or her to listen and respond accordingly.

Billing

Know what you are paying for and how you are paying for it. How your divorce attorney is charging you and collecting fees should not be a secret. If you're being charged a fee for phone calls and staples, be sure that you are well aware before it is too late.

Divorce and family law issues can be costly. There are do-it-yourself divorce filing kits, but be sure you understand completely what you are getting yourself into. It may be advisable to pay an attorney to review any documents before you have them filed.

The two most common fee billing types are hourly and flat fees.

Hourly Rates - Your attorney may choose to bill at an hourly rate that may be divided into several time increments. The set rate usually depends on a number of factors, with experience and average going rate being the most popular. "Big City Lawyers" usually charge Big City rates.

Flat Fees - Some attorneys prefer to bill a certain flat fee amount to handle your legal matter. Usually this rate takes into account the amount of anticipated time he/she will spend on your matter (often with consultations and other forms of communication included). Flat fees allow you to avoid billing surprises, but understand that flat fee attorneys are only obligated to handle the matter for which they are hired.

Reputation

If questioned, most people would opt to have television-type divorce attorneys who control the mood and demeanor in the courtroom. In reality courtrooms rarely, if ever, play out like television dramas. The dramas are accurate in one aspect; not everyone leaves the courtroom satisfied.

When choosing a family law and divorce attorney you should consider hiring an attorney whose style most accurately represents how you want your case handled. At the Law Offices of Alesia M. Vick, we take an aggressive, yet sensitive approach to family law and divorce matters.

Attorney reputations spread like break room rumors. Opposing attorneys often decide quickly how far to push or when to back down. Every fancy suit does not equal a winner. Sometimes the bumbling and fumbling attorney displayed in television dramas can be the most detail oriented and skilled litigator.

Before you commit, ask around, consult your local bar association, and read your potential attorney's online ratings and reviews.

Resources and Follow Up

Resources and follow up are the two factors that most clients overlook when choosing a divorce and family law attorney. When court proceedings are complete, clients are usually relieved to have some closure. Clients, who are tied up in the emotions of their case, rarely give themselves adequate time to process and cope with the events and life changes.

Beyond the courtroom your attorney should be able to help lead you to resources that may help you and your loved ones cope and move on with your life.

The Sixth Consideration

After all of the above items are considered, you are the most important factor. Understand what you are bringing to the table and seek out an attorney that can best meet your needs.

The above article, "Top 5 Things You Should Consider When Choosing a Divorce Attorney" was written by Attorney Alesia M. Vick for the Law Offices of Alesia M. Vick. It should not be duplicated without expressed written permission from The Law Offices of Alesia M. Vick.

Child Custody - Tips for Building Your Case

Couples sometimes neglect opportunities to amicably resolve disputes when involved in the emotion and stress of separation and divorce. This is especially true in matters of parenting and child custody. If the two parties are willing to work together and avoid the courtroom, mediation can be a more favorable option, but in many cases, both parties feel strongly that they are the more suitable parent. In such cases, parties rely on an impartial judge to decide the case based on the facts. Before taking your child custody case before a judge, know what factors help you build your case, while avoiding pitfalls.

Building Your Case

The only guarantee in a custody battle is that no one truly wins. During trial, the opposing party will attempt to pinpoint aspects in which you may have seemingly failed as a parent, even when you believe that you have done the best job possible. When you have made poor choices in some areas, your hope is to convince the judge that those choices do not prevent you from being viewed as the best caretaker for the child(ren). The following steps can help as you prepare your case for custody:

Know your role

Simply wearing the title of "mother", "father", or "grandparent" will not hold weight in the courtroom. Be able to prove that you are the better parent. Aside from a title, you will be expected to define your role in the child's life. Consideration will be given to the amount of "waking time" you spend with your child on a daily basis, so be prepared to discuss what you do on any given day or weekend with the child(ren). Providing an account of meaningful experiences that you have given your child(ren) will only help your cause.

Keep good records

Possessing a strong feeling of love and responsibility for your child is not enough. When preparing for a custody trial, make an effort to document what you do for your child(ren). Be prepared to give an account as to how much financial, spiritual, educational, emotional, and physical support you provide. It may be wise to keep a journal noting instances that you think your attorney or the judge may find helpful. Judges are more interested in what you do, as opposed to hearing an account of what the other party does not do.

Do your homework - literally

If your case involves school aged children, know that questions may arise related to school performance and attendance. Being able to demonstrate a history or pattern of positive involvement in your child's education is a plus. Good indicators include Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) involvement, attendance at parent-teacher conferences, and a record of communication with the school related to your child.

Pitfalls

After a brief overview of ways to build your case, the following list represents situations to avoid if possible:

Do not assume

Never assume that the judge will favor you over the opposing party due to gender, financial stability, or any other surface related factor. Custody is simply about the question of which party provides the child(ren) with the likelihood of growing up in the best environment. Custody is a matter of character.

Playing the blame game

Many have heard the saying, "Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies even closer." In custody matters it is important that you not seem overly critical or fault finding toward the opposing party. Both parents have a stake in the outcome of the case. If it appears that you are unwilling to work with the other party or consider his/her needs, the judge may view this negatively. Besides, if the case is not decided in your favor, the other party may be more willing to accommodate your needs if they feel less attacked during the custody process. Remember, it is more about what you do as a parent, and less about what the other parent does not do.

People in your circle

Not everyone who has access to you needs to have access to your child(ren). Far too often, parents are judged by the company they keep. Involvement in numerous or unstable friendships and relationships can negatively impact the way a judge views your ability to provide a safe and stable environment conducive for raising children.

Habits that die hard

In a custody case, the past will return to haunt you. It is not okay to be dependent upon or casually accustomed to drugs and alcohol. Nothing speaks more toward losing a custody case than drug, sexual, and/or physical abuse. Again, these issues speak to the character of the individual, and judges frown heavily upon such negative habits.

For more tips and information regarding child custody, consult a family law attorney in your area. The Law Offices of Alesia M. Vick is available to assist individuals with North Carolina child custody and family law related matters.

The above article, "Child Custody - Tips for Building Your Case " was written by Attorney Alesia M. Vick for the Law Offices of Alesia M. Vick. It should not be duplicated without expressed written permission from The Law Offices of Alesia M. Vick.