Blended Families: Legal Tips When Remarrying or Partnering

When parents share custody, the schedule matters just as much as the legal description. Even well-intentioned parents can struggle when a custody arrangement looks fair on paper but proves unworkable in real life. The most successful shared custody schedules are those that prioritize the child’s stability, accommodate the parents’ realities, and minimize conflict. Below are some of the most effective shared custody schedules and the factors parents should consider when deciding what truly works. Before discussing specific schedules, it’s important to understand the guiding principle: the best interests of the child. In determining the best interests of the child, courts consider factors such as: The child’s age and developmental needs Each parent’s work schedule and availability The distance between parents’ homes (and the distance between those homes and the child’s school) The child’s school and extracurricular activities Each parent’s ability to communicate and co-parent The historical caregiving roles of each parent A schedule that works well for one family may be inappropriate for another.

When one or both spouses own a business, divorce often involves additional legal and financial challenges. Whether the business is a closely held company, professional practice, family enterprise, or side venture, it often represents years of effort and can quickly become one of the most contested issues in a divorce.

Family law cases are among the most emotionally challenging legal experiences a person can face. Beyond the paperwork and court dates, there’s a deep emotional toll that comes with major life changes involving your family, children, and future. At Russell Family Law & Litigation, we understand that family law isn’t just about legal outcomes – it’s about people, healing, and moving forward. Here are some strategies to help you cope with the emotional side of your case while protecting your mental and emotional well-being. 1. Acknowledge What You’re Feeling It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, angry, anxious, or even numb during a family law case. Whether you’re ending a marriage or navigating a custody issue, you’re dealing with loss, change, and uncertainty. Give yourself permission to feel whatever comes up. Suppressing emotions can make the process even harder. 2. Focus on What You Can Control So much of the legal process can feel, and in reality is, outside your control - the court’s schedule, your ex-partner’s actions, or the pace of negotiations. Instead of fixating on what you can’t change, try to focus on what you can , including: How you respond to stress How you communicate with your attorney and their team How you care for your physical and mental health Keeping your attention on small, manageable steps can help reduce some of the inevitable anxiety. 3. Build a Strong Support System Don’t try to go through this alone. Surround yourself with people who can offer emotional support. Speaking with a licensed counselor or therapist can be especially helpful. They can provide tools for managing anger, grief, or anxiety in a healthy way and give you a safe space to process what’s happening with a neutral third party. 4. Take Care of Your Physical Health Emotional stress often takes a physical toll. Eating well, getting enough rest, and staying active can make a significant difference in how you handle the challenges ahead. Even simple habits like walking daily or journaling before bed can help reduce stress and improve your emotional balance. 5. Keep Perspective on the Future It’s easy to feel like your current situation will never end, but family law cases are temporary chapters in your life. Eventually, the legal process concludes, and you’ll have a new foundation to rebuild from. Try to focus on your long-term goals and remember that each small step forward is progress. 6. Lean on Your Attorney for Guidance A compassionate, experienced family law attorney doesn’t just handle the legal side – they can also help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence. At Russell Family Law & Litigation, we take the time to listen, explain your options, and ensure you never feel alone in this process. Knowing that your case is in capable hands can ease much of the stress and uncertainty you may be feeling. If you’re struggling with a divorce, custody matter, or other family law issue, our team at Russell Family Law & Litigation is here to provide both the legal skill and empathetic support you need. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and take the next step toward peace of mind.

When parents live in different states, co-parenting can feel like an uphill battle. Coordinating schedules, maintaining strong relationships with children, and following custody orders across state lines all require careful planning and often, legal guidance. At Russell Family Law & Litigation, we understand how challenging long-distance parenting can be. Whether your move is due to a job, remarriage, or personal reasons, maintaining a healthy, consistent relationship with your child is absolutely possible. Here’s how to make interstate custody arrangements work smoothly for everyone involved. 1. Understand the Legal Framework Custody issues across states are governed by the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA). This statute helps determine which state’s court has the authority (or “jurisdiction”) to make and enforce custody decisions. Typically, the child’s “home state”, where they’ve lived for the last six months, has primary jurisdiction, but there are exceptions to that generality. Because interstate custody issues can become complex, it’s best to work with an experienced family law attorney to avoid enforcement problems. 2. Create a Detailed Parenting Plan A successful long-distance custody arrangement starts with a clear, comprehensive parenting plan. This plan should account for: Visitation schedules (including holidays, school breaks, and summer vacations) Transportation arrangements and who covers travel costs Virtual visitation and communication expectations Emergency procedures and how major decisions will be made The more detailed your plan, the less room there is for confusion or disputes later. 3. Use Technology to Stay Connected Even miles apart, technology makes it easier than ever to stay involved in your child’s daily life. Regular video calls, text messages, or shared photo albums can help maintain emotional closeness. Consider setting up: Weekly video chats using Zoom, FaceTime, or Google Meet Shared calendars for tracking school events or custody transitions Parenting apps (like OurFamilyWizard or TalkingParents ) to manage communication and schedules Consistency is key – even small, regular interactions help children feel loved and supported. 4. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity When time together is limited, make it meaningful. Focus on creating positive, low-stress experiences during visits rather than packing the schedule full. Children benefit most from parents who are emotionally present and attentive. Simple moments like reading together, playing games, or cooking a favorite meal can have a lasting impact and strengthen your bond, even across distance. 5. Be Flexible and Cooperative Life changes. Flights get delayed, school schedules shift, and unexpected events happen. Successful long-distance parenting requires flexibility and mutual respect. Cooperate with your co-parent as much as possible and keep the focus on what’s best for your child, not on “winning” or “losing” time. Flexibility and cooperation can set a positive example for your child and maintain a low-stress environment for them. 6. Keep Communication Child-Focused When communicating with your co-parent, keep discussions focused on your child’s needs, not personal grievances. Avoid using your child as a messenger or sounding board for adult issues. Calm, respectful, and focused communication helps reduce conflict and ensures smoother coordination across states. Interstate parenting arrangements involve unique legal challenges, including enforcement and modification of out-of-state custody orders. An experienced family law attorney can help you: Determine which state has jurisdiction under the UCCJEA Draft or modify a long-distance parenting plan Address relocation issues legally and efficiently Having the right legal support ensures your parental rights are protected and your child’s best interests remain the top priority. At Russell Family Law & Litigation, our family law attorneys have extensive experience helping parents navigate interstate custody arrangements and build parenting plans that work for real families. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you create a long-distance parenting plan that protects your relationship and your child’s well-being.

Child custody decisions are among the most emotionally charged and impactful rulings in family law. But life changes and sometimes the custody arrangement that once worked well may no longer serve the best interests of your child. In North Carolina, the law allows for custody modifications, but only under certain conditions. Under North Carolina General Statutes § 50-13.7, a court may modify an existing custody order, but only if there has been a substantial change in circumstances since entry of the existing order that affects the welfare of the child. This means the court will not modify custody on the basis of minor inconveniences, parental disagreements, or even one parties dislike of the order that is in place. There must be a significant change that impacts the child’s well-being. Common examples of substantial changes include: A parent’s relocation, particularly if relocating out of state or a significant distance away Changes in the child’s health, emotional stability, or educational needs A parent’s new work schedule that affects their ability to care for the child Recent instances of domestic violence, substance abuse, or neglect Even if you can show a substantial change in circumstances, the court’s focus will be on the best interests of the child, which is the legal standard in North Carolina child custody matters. The judge will examine how the change in circumstances has impacted the child and how any proposed modification would serve the child’s interests. Can Parents Agree to a Modification? Yes. If both parents agree on the changes, they can submit a consent order to the court for approval. The judge will still review the proposed arrangement to ensure it serves the child’s best interests, but the process is much smoother when both parties are in agreement. Contact Us Custody modification cases can be complex, contentious, and emotionally draining. Whether you’re seeking to modify a current arrangement or defend against a proposed change, having knowledgeable legal counsel is critical. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with an experienced family law attorney and discuss your options for custody modification.

In recent years, social media has increasingly become a part of our daily lives. Whether you are posting pictures of your kids, sharing a new recipe, posting about a new achievement, or venting about a bad day – it is common to sharing aspects of your life online that 50 years ago would not have been as readily available to the public. While social media has been valuable in fostering relationships and maintaining connections with others, no matter the distance, if you're involved in a family law matter, what you post online can have a serious impact on your case. Social Media Is Evidence – And It Can Be Used Against You What you post on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, or TikTok can become admissible evidence in court. Status updates, photos, messages, and check-ins can be: Screenshotted and saved by the other party Subpoenaed directly from the platform Used to challenge your credibility or claims As such, it is incredibly important to think before you post . Below are some common types of posts that may impact a family law case: Vacation or luxury spending posts Pictures involving alcohol or partying Rants or insults about your ex or the judge Posts involving new romantic partners Check-ins or locations Even memes, comments, or posts you “like” can be taken out of context and may be presented as evidence. In custody disputes, the court’s top priority is the best interests of the child. If your social media posts suggest instability, irresponsibility, or poor judgment, it can sway the court’s decision. Common examples of such posts include those that depict: Excessive drinking Drug use Inappropriate behavior around children Disparaging comments about the other parent At Russell Family Law & Litigation, we understand how digital evidence can help or hurt your case and how to develop a strong legal strategy from start to finish. If you’re going through a divorce or custody dispute, don’t go it alone – let us help you protect what matters most. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.

What is a Postnuptial Agreement? In North Carolina, postnuptial agreements, or postmarital agreements, are valuable tools for married couples seeking to clarify financial expectations, protect individual assets, and reduce potential conflicts. Whether you’re newly married or navigating significant life changes, a postnuptial agreement can provide peace of mind and financial clarity. A postnuptial agreement is a legally binding contract entered into by spouses after marriage. It outlines how assets, debts, and other financial matters will be handled in the event of separation, divorce, or death. Unlike prenuptial agreements, which are signed before marriage, postnuptial agreements are executed during the marriage. There are two broad categories of postnuptial agreements: Those made during the marriage and not in contemplation of separation. Those made in contemplation of imminent separation or during separation. Depending on which category of postnuptial agreement the parties are entering, there are different things they are allowed to contract regarding. Most notably if the parties are not separated or contemplating imminent separation, they cannot include provisions regarding spousal support. For a postnuptial agreement to be valid in North Carolina, it must meet specific criteria: Written and Signed: The agreement must be in writing and signed by both spouses. Notarization: It must be executed before a certifying officer, such as a notary. Voluntary Consent: Both parties must enter into the agreement voluntarily, without coercion or undue influence. Fair and Reasonable Terms: The agreement must not be grossly unfair or unconscionable to either party. Not Against Public Policy: Postnuptial agreements cannot include provisions that violate public policy, such as agreements that encourage a party to leave the marriage. By addressing these issues proactively, couples can prevent misunderstandings and potential disputes in the future. An experienced family law attorney can help ensure that the agreement complies with North Carolina laws and accurately reflects the parties’ intentions. This step can also help prevent future challenges to the agreement’s validity. If you’re considering a postnuptial agreement, contact our office to schedule a consultation with an attorney to explore your options and ensure that your agreement meets all legal requirements.

Oftentimes when parties separate, one party will have access to documents and accounts to which the other party is not privy. When this happens, attorneys will begin discussing “discovery.” Discovery is the process by which the parties can formally exchange information and documents that may be needed in their case. This process is important because it allows the parties to gather the information needed to make the best decisions for them in their case.

A 529 Plan, which owes its name to Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code, is a tax-advantaged savings account that is designed to be used for the education expenses of the beneficiary. It is very common that parents create such an account to save for their child’s college education. So, what happens to such an account when the parents decide to divorce? 529 Plans , like other savings and investment accounts, are property. As such, in North Carolina, 529 Plans are dealt with during equitable distribution proceedings. During such a proceeding, the court will classify the parties’ property as one of three categories – marital, divisible, and separate – and then distribute the marital and divisible property among the parties. Thus, the treatment of the 529 Plan will depend upon how the plan is classified. N.C. Gen. Stat. 50-20 defines marital, separate, and divisible property as follows: Marital Property : “all real and personal property acquired by either spouse or both spouses during the course of the marriage and before the date of the separation of the parties, and presently owned, except property determined to be separate property or divisible property.” Separate Property : “all real and personal property acquired by a spouse before marriage or acquired by a spouse by devise, descent, or gift during the course of the marriage. However, property acquired by gift from the other spouse during the course of the marriage shall be considered separate property only if such an intention is stated in the conveyance. Property acquired in exchange for separate property shall remain separate property regardless of whether the title is in the name of the husband or wife or both and shall not be considered to be marital property unless a contrary intention is expressly stated in the conveyance. The increase in value of separate property and the income derived from separate property shall be considered separate property . All professional licenses and business licenses which would terminate on transfer shall be considered separate property.” Divisible Property : “all real and personal property as set forth below: All appreciation and diminution in value of marital property and divisible property of the parties occurring after the date of separation and prior to the date of distribution, except that appreciation or diminution in value which is the result of postseparation actions or activities of a spouse shall not be treated as divisible property. All property, property rights, or any portion thereof received after the date of separation but before the date of distribution that was acquired as a result of the efforts of either spouse during the marriage and before the date of separation, including, but not limited to, commissions, bonuses, and contractual rights. Passive income from marital property received after the date of separation, including, but not limited to, interest and dividends. Passive increases and passive decreases in marital debt and financing charges and interest related to marital debt.” Given these definitions, the classification and distribution of a 529 Plan will depend upon how and when it is created and funded. What is most important to note is that the court will not award the 529 Plan to the child, as the child is not a party to their parents’ divorce. Further, while the court may consider the purpose of the 529 Plan when making an “equitable” distribution of the parties’ property, the court will not totally disregard the value of the 529 Plan when distributing property among the parties simply because it is intended for the benefit of their child. However, the parties may take such considerations into account when negotiating a potential settlement between one another. If you are considering divorce or engaged in, or anticipate being engaged in, an equitable distribution proceeding, call our office today to schedule a consultation with an experienced family law attorney.