Latest news with #familylaw
Associated Press
16 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Top Family Lawyers Raleigh NC Emerges as Raleigh's Leading Family Law Firm with Compassionate, Results-Driven Representation
Top Family Lawyers Raleigh NC, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, proudly claims its position as the premier family law firm serving Wake County. With a focus on delivering exceptional legal support in emotionally complex matters, the firm is redefining the standard for family law services in the region. In an area of law where trust, communication, and empathy are vital, Top Family Lawyers Raleigh NC stands out by offering personalized legal counsel backed by a deep understanding of North Carolina family law. Their dedication to clarity, strategy, and advocacy makes them a trusted ally for families navigating divorce, custody, and support challenges. The firm provides a full range of family law services, including divorce representation, child custody advocacy, child support enforcement and negotiation, and alimony disputes. Whether clients are facing high-conflict custody battles or seeking a fair and peaceful resolution, the legal team tailors strategies that align with both short- and long-term goals. Top Family Lawyers Raleigh NC is committed to ensuring every client receives honest advice, prompt communication, and unwavering representation inside and outside the courtroom. Their approach balances compassion with assertiveness, helping clients make informed decisions while protecting what matters most. With a growing reputation for success in both settlements and trials, the firm's attorneys bring the experience and focus required to handle even the most sensitive family law cases. They work closely with clients to reduce stress, preserve relationships when possible, and secure favorable outcomes. For those in need of trusted family law services in Raleigh, Top Family Lawyers Raleigh NC is ready to help. Their team is available to answer questions, provide consultations, and stand by your side through every step of the legal process. To explore their services, request a consultation, or get support with a family law matter, individuals are encouraged to contact the firm directly or visit their website. BUSINESS INFORMATION Top Family Lawyers Raleigh, NC (828) 761-6225 [email protected] Raleigh, North Carolina Media Contact Company Name: Top Family Lawyers Raleigh Contact Person: Yvan Email: Send Email Phone: (828) 761-6225 City: Raleigh State: North Carolina Country: United States Website: Press Release Distributed by To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: Top Family Lawyers Raleigh NC Emerges as Raleigh's Leading Family Law Firm with Compassionate, Results-Driven Representation
Globe and Mail
20 hours ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Top Family Lawyers Raleigh NC Emerges as Raleigh's Leading Family Law Firm with Compassionate, Results-Driven Representation
Top Family Lawyers Raleigh NC, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, proudly claims its position as the premier family law firm serving Wake County. With a focus on delivering exceptional legal support in emotionally complex matters, the firm is redefining the standard for family law services in the region. In an area of law where trust, communication, and empathy are vital, Top Family Lawyers Raleigh NC stands out by offering personalized legal counsel backed by a deep understanding of North Carolina family law. Their dedication to clarity, strategy, and advocacy makes them a trusted ally for families navigating divorce, custody, and support challenges. The firm provides a full range of family law services, including divorce representation, child custody advocacy, child support enforcement and negotiation, and alimony disputes. Whether clients are facing high-conflict custody battles or seeking a fair and peaceful resolution, the legal team tailors strategies that align with both short- and long-term goals. Top Family Lawyers Raleigh NC is committed to ensuring every client receives honest advice, prompt communication, and unwavering representation inside and outside the courtroom. Their approach balances compassion with assertiveness, helping clients make informed decisions while protecting what matters most. With a growing reputation for success in both settlements and trials, the firm's attorneys bring the experience and focus required to handle even the most sensitive family law cases. They work closely with clients to reduce stress, preserve relationships when possible, and secure favorable outcomes. For those in need of trusted family law services in Raleigh, Top Family Lawyers Raleigh NC is ready to help. Their team is available to answer questions, provide consultations, and stand by your side through every step of the legal process. To explore their services, request a consultation, or get support with a family law matter, individuals are encouraged to contact the firm directly or visit their website. BUSINESS INFORMATION Top Family Lawyers Raleigh, NC (828) 761-6225 contact@ Raleigh, North Carolina Media Contact Company Name: Top Family Lawyers Raleigh Contact Person: Yvan Email: Send Email Phone: (828) 761-6225 City: Raleigh State: North Carolina Country: United States Website:
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
How prenups and postnups can benefit married couples – and what to watch out for
Pre and postnuptial agreements have become increasingly popular in recent years as couples seek to protect their assets and ensure financial clarity in the event of a divorce. As a senior associate in the family law team at Knights, I've seen first-hand how this shift has only fuelled misconceptions on the key rules and benefits when using these legal instruments, which heightens the emotions of the parties entering a formal relationship arrangement. Some couples can benefit from having a nuptial agreement but it's vital to know how they work before signing on the dotted line. Here are some of the key questions I commonly receive from clients considering some form of nuptial agreement. A prenuptial agreement is entered into before marriage, setting out how a couple agrees to separate their finances if they later divorce, whereas a postnuptial agreement is entered into after marriage. Prenuptial agreements are often used where one spouse is much wealthier than the other, has an asset they want to protect such as a property or business, or is anticipating coming into wealth during the marriage – such as from an inheritance. The agreements aim to provide for something other than an equal division and pooling of the assets. The premise of a postnuptial agreement remains the same: to regulate how assets will be divided in the event of a divorce. There are two main scenarios where a postnup might come into play. One is when someone who is already married anticipates that they will come into some wealth during the marriage and wants to ensure that this wealth is not shared equally with their partner. Another scenario is when a couple has already entered into a prenuptial agreement, but one or both partners wish to review and change the terms. Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are living documents that should be kept under regular review – such as after five years or after significant life events or changes in circumstances, like the birth of a child. One common misconception is that these agreements are only for the wealthy. In reality, they can be beneficial for anyone who wants to protect specific assets, ensure financial clarity, and reduce the potential for conflict in the event of a divorce. Another misconception is that these agreements are unromantic or indicate a lack of trust. On the contrary, they can actually provide peace of mind and strengthen a relationship by ensuring both parties are clear about their financial expectations and responsibilities. The courts have ultimate discretion over how assets are divided upon divorce. Pre or postnuptial agreements cannot fully override this discretion and therefore are not legally binding. However, if the agreements follow a proper process – including full financial disclosure, separate legal advice for both parties and a fair and reasonable negotiation – they are likely to be upheld. While these agreements must be fair and transparent, they provide a strong framework for how assets should be divided, and courts typically respect them if they meet these criteria. Yes, pre and postnuptial agreements can include provisions that each party is responsible for their own debts and not liable for the other's debts. While it's difficult to predict such scenarios, these agreements can stipulate that personal debts remain the responsibility of the individual who incurred them. Overall, the outcome of the agreement must be fair and meet both parties' financial needs and those of any children of the family. Common assets that are often protected in pre and postnuptial agreements include family businesses, inherited wealth, property, and trust funds. For example, a family business can be preserved for future generations by ensuring it is not diluted in a divorce. Similarly, a personal injury settlement intended to cover lifelong care and living expenses can be protected to ensure it is not diluted in the event of a divorce. If you want to organise a prenup you should do so well ahead of your wedding. Ideally the agreement should be signed off more than 28 days prior to the wedding date. If an agreement is entered into too close to a wedding, this can lead to it not being upheld as it can suggest that potential duress is at play. Agreements may also not be upheld if the financial information provided is not accurate – and particularly if one or both partners were found to have withheld disclosure of an asset. Make sure everything is included, and that you're both honest about your financial situations. Prenuptial agreements should generally be reviewed after five years or upon certain trigger events, such as the birth of a child. It is important that the agreement reflects the financial circumstances and needs of both partners, as if it is out of date this could be a reason it will not be upheld. The review process ensures that the agreement remains fair and relevant to the couple's current circumstances. If necessary, the terms can be updated through a postnuptial agreement to reflect any significant changes. Yes, pre and postnuptial agreements can include provisions to protect future inheritance. This is particularly important in families where assets are intended to be passed down through generations. By setting out clear terms regarding inheritance, couples can prevent potential disputes and ensure that family assets are preserved for future generations. These agreements can be structured to protect the interests of children from previous relationships. For instance, they can ensure that certain assets are preserved for the benefit of these children, rather than being divided in the event of a divorce. This is especially important in blended families, where financial arrangements can be more complex. Pre and postnuptial agreements are valuable tools for couples seeking to protect their assets, ensure financial clarity and reduce potential conflicts. By understanding the benefits and legal nuances of these agreements, couples can make informed decisions that contribute to a more secure and harmonious marriage. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Irish Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
More than 100 complaints of excessive legal costs upheld by regulator
More than 100 complaints of excessive legal costs, most relating to family law and litigation costs, were upheld by the legal services regulator last year. A 14 per cent rise in complaints about legal practitioners to the regulator last year was largely due to a high volume of complaints by banks alleging failures by solicitors to comply with undertakings, the report of the Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA) for 2024 also disclosed. Published on Thursday, the report said 143 of the more than 1,400 complaints finalised against legal practitioners last year were upheld, while more than 40 per cent were inadmissible. Of the complaints upheld by the regulator's complaints committee, 107 related to legal services and excessive costs, of which more than 60 per cent related to costs of litigation and family law. The remaining 36 of those upheld related to alleged misconduct. READ MORE Fifty-seven complaints of alleged misconduct were referred by the committee to the separate Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal because the authority cannot itself make findings of misconduct against legal practitioners. The LSRA has since 2020 received and investigated three types of complaints about solicitors and barristers – relating to alleged misconduct, inadequate legal services and excessive costs (overcharging). Some are mixed complaints and the vast number are against solicitors, reflecting the higher number of solicitors and their greater level of contact with clients. [ Judge criticises 'millionaire' legal costs and says losing litigants should be told lawyers' hourly rates Opens in new window ] It received 1,476 complaints last year, up 14 per cent on the 2023 figure, of which 1,410 related to solicitors and 66 to barristers. More than half, 762 (52 per cent), alleged misconduct only, 350 (24 per cent) alleged inadequate standards of legal services, mostly relating to litigation and conveyancing, and 23 (1 per cent) were from clients relating to excessive costs (overcharging). The remaining 341 complaints (23 per cent) were complaints on mixed grounds, of which 262 included an allegation of misconduct, 328 of inadequate services and 147 of excessive costs. Most complaints, 600 (41 per cent) concerned legal professionals practising in Co Dublin, 146 (10 per cent) related to Cork-based legal practitioners, 66 to Limerick and 53 to Kerry. Multiple complaints may be brought against an individual practitioner. Of the 1,474 complaints closed last year, 621 (41 per cent) were closed on inadmissibility grounds. A total of 143 complaints (10 per cent) were upheld and 182 (12 per cent) were not upheld. A further 324 complaints were resolved between the parties, including 62 with assistance of the LSRA's mediators. The LSRA made 18 successful applications to the High Court for orders to enforce its directions in complaints against legal practitioners. [ Inside the childcare courts: 'Making money from the misery of children - that's distasteful' Opens in new window ] The authority's chief executive Dr Brian Doherty said it was 'encouraging' more than one in five of all closed complaints were resolved between the parties, including with assistance of the regulator's complaints staff and trained mediators. While informal resolution may not be appropriate in every type of complaint, the evidence is that informal resolution 'can be a very effective and efficient way for both parties to work through their issues or disputes', he said. The report noted continued growth in 2024 in partnerships of solicitors seeking to operate as Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs). A total of 26 LLPs were authorised by the LSRA during the year, bringing to 509 the number authorised since November 2019 when LLPs were introduced. The number of barristers continues to increase. A total of 3,071 barristers were on the Roll of Practising Barristers by the end of 2024, up 20 on the previous year. Of these, 2,134 were members of the Law Library and 937 were practising outside of the Law Library.
Irish Times
5 days ago
- General
- Irish Times
Woman to get two-thirds of funds from family home sale, High Court orders in divorce case
A judge has granted a warring couple a divorce and directed the sale of their family home, with two-thirds of the proceeds for the woman and a third for the man. The woman lives with the couple's children in the property, valued at about €475,000 but with an outstanding mortgage of about €100,000, and the man is in rented accommodation. The family home is the main financial asset of the marriage and it is 'unfortunate' its value is 'simply not enough' to comfortably or easily rehouse two families, the High Court 's Ms Justice Nuala Jackson said. For reasons including housing the children and that the woman takes primary responsibility for their daily needs, an equal division of the sale proceeds of the family home would not constitute proper provision, the judge held. READ MORE She assessed child maintenance of €150 weekly for as long as some of the children remain dependent and directed the man to pay all sports related expenditure for them. In her recently published judgment on divorce proceedings initiated by the man following the couple's separation after a long marriage, the judge also made access orders. Both parents will be joint custodians of their minor children, she ordered. She made additional orders concerning the father's access to the children, including for every second weekend and one regular overnight weekly. An assessor who met the children reported they were 'very alive to the fraught relationship' between their parents 'and would dearly like this not to be the case', the judge noted. Children who live within ongoing parental conflict 'become exhausted with the strain of it and often opt out of a relationship with one parent to make their lives less fraught', she said. The parents, particularly the father, with whom the children are not living on a daily basis, 'must be careful to avoid this'. The evidence showed the two older children had fluctuating relationships with their father and now have some animosity towards him. This was 'unfortunate' but hopefully would resolve with time and might be assisted by the finalising of the litigation. There appeared to be multiple causes for the fluctuating relationships but she considered the respective roles of each parent has an influence, she said. The evidence suggested the woman seemed to be the person 'offering stability and predictability, and engaging with the mundanities and necessities of everyday life' while the man appeared more attracted to the 'special events'. That was not a critique of either party, but the court believed these roles contributed to the animosity between the parties and the day-to-day dependency of the children on their mother, who seemed to be 'exhausted' and feeling very unsupported by the man. She found both parties to be hard workers who made equal contributions over the course of the marriage. They moved house a number of times and suffered as a result of the property crash. Both are in gainful employment. Based on the evidence, the judge believed the man was engaging in additional work and has earnings beyond his employment income and that the woman has some additional income from certain occasional work. She noted that the woman was receiving child benefit and the man was receiving housing assistance payment, she noted. Both had family support and maybe some modest borrowings available to them, she added. She believed the man did his best to pay maintenance during the Covid-19 pandemic. Another factor she noted was unsatisfactory financial documents provided by the woman. While the woman had testified the man was previously convicted of breach of a domestic violence order, confirmation of that was not forthcoming, she said. Nor was the court convinced there was any significant breach of access orders.
