Couples

Feb.17.2023 By Tonya Graser Smith

“We’re goin’ to the ar-bi-tra-tion and we are gonna get di-vooo-oorrr-cccedd” (to the tune of “Going to the Chapel”)

By Tonya Graser Smith The biggest common confusion in divorce in North Carolina is that there’s a difference between the divorce itself (the legal termination of the marriage) and divorce-related issues such as child support and equitable distribution. In fact,...

Feb.13.2023 By Tonya Graser Smith

How is Arbitration linked to Valentine’s Day? And how to use Arbitration in your Divorce.

By Tonya Graser Smith As a family law attorney, when I schedule court dates for clients, I try to stay away, if possible, from taking a client to court on Valentine’s Day. Or for that matter, stay away from taking...

Dec.8.2022 Tonya Graser Smith

Year-end musing: To Zoom or not to Zoom?

By Tonya Graser Smith and Kate Kovats We’ve been reflecting on the past year … er, more like the past three years … now that COVID-19 is hopefully, mostly (knock on wood) in the rearview mirror. What have we learned...

Oct.12.2022 Tonya Graser Smith

Standing up to bullies

By Tonya Graser Smith Today is National Stop Bullying Day. Back in my day, growing up in late 1980s and 1990s, bullying was viewed differently. Those who were bullied were encouraged to be tough, settle matters themselves, not to be...

Oct.11.2022 Kate Kovats

You don’t have to let divorce spook you

By Kate Kovats I’ve been thinking about how October is a spooky month – and how many people who are on the cusp of a change in their relationship are spooked by the next possible chapter: divorce. Just like my...