Domestic Violence Protective Orders and Fact-Finding Duties: Lessons from Jay v. Jay
The North Carolina Court of Appeals recently issued a divided opinion in Jay v. Jay, affirming a Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO) despite challenges to the sufficiency of the trial court’s findings and evidence. The case highlights the balance between protecting victims and ensuring trial courts properly carry out their fact-finding responsibilities under Rule 52 ...
The Lawson Family Murders: A North Carolina Christmas Tragedy
Introduction On Christmas Day, 1929, the quiet community of Germanton in Stokes County, North Carolina, was forever changed. What should have been a day of family celebration turned into one of the most infamous mass murders in Southern history. Charlie Lawson, a seemingly ordinary tobacco farmer, killed his wife Fannie and six of their seven ...
Lake Norman: From Catawba River to Inland Sea
A research paper based on primary excerpts from Chuck McShane’s A History of Lake Norman: Fish Camps to Ferraris (as provided via images), combined with additional historical synthesis. Introduction The Catawba River has long shaped life in the North Carolina Piedmont. Long before an inland lake called Lake Norman appeared on maps, the river sustained ...
Modifying a Separation Agreement in North Carolina: What You Need to Know
Separation agreements are powerful tools in North Carolina family law. They allow spouses to privately settle issues such as property division, alimony, child custody, and child support. But what happens if circumstances change? Can a separation agreement be modified after it’s been signed? The answer depends on whether the agreement is incorporated into a court ...
Alimony Overpayments and Reimbursement: Lessons from Plessis v. Plessis
The North Carolina Court of Appeals recently addressed whether a supporting spouse can be reimbursed for alimony overpayments after an earlier trial court modification was overturned. In Plessis v. Plessis, the Court vacated part of the trial court’s denial of reimbursement and remanded for a new hearing. This case highlights how appellate review and equitable ...
