North Carolina courts recognize two forms of child custody: “physical custody” and “legal custody.” Physical custody refers to the right of a parent (or guardian) to have actual physical custody of the child. Legal custody refers generally to the right of a parent (or guardian) to make important decisions on behalf of a child, such as those pertaining to the child’s health, education, discipline, and religious or spiritual training.
Read MoreSiemens Family Law Group is pleased to announce that Jim has been recognized in the 2018 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Jim is included in Best Lawyers for his work in the practice area of Family Law. Inclusion in Best Lawyers is based on a rigorous peer-review evaluation process.
Read MoreLike most states, North Carolina uses child support guidelines to help simplify the process of determining child support. North Carolina’s guidelines are based on an income shares model, which is predicated on the concept that the child should receive the same proportion of parental income that he/she would receive if the parents lived together.
Read MoreMediation is a great tool for resolving disputes. Many of our cases resolve in mediation, where complex issues can be resolved creatively in a calm environment.
Read MoreDiscovery is a legal term used to describe various processes that may be used to investigate and discover facts relevant to your case. After a lawsuit has been filed, your attorney can use discovery to obtain information and documentation to support or defend claims and investigate allegations asserted by either party.
Read MoreAt tax time, we handle lots of questions from clients related to the sharing of various claims and exemptions. The article Divorced Couples, Put Aside Your Differences…for the Tax Break, from The Wall Street Journal, highlights several of the issues we encounter in our work.
Read MoreBlue Ridge Public Radio did a story this week on the historic documents found in the ceiling of the Patton-Parker House during renovations last year. The documents provide glimpses of Asheville’s past through records of the Patton family,
Read MoreWe are proud to share that Brenda Coppede and Diane McDonald of Siemens Family Law Group are in Haiti this week, with Consider Haiti, running clinics in Mountrois, Ivoire and Fond Baptiste.
Read MoreBuncombe County is currently one of 13 judicial districts in North Carolina that has a dedicated Family Court system within its District Court division. The primary advantages to filing a legal action in a Family Court district is that the case is assigned to one judge…
Read MoreSiemens Family Law Group is happy to announce that Jim Siemens and Brenda Coppede have been honored as 2017 Super Lawyers. Jim was first recognized by Super Lawyers in 2012 and is included again in North Carolina’s Family Law category.
Read MoreOnce you have made formal arrangements to retain a divorce attorney, usually indicated by signing a fee agreement and paying any required retainers, your attorney will begin work on your legal matters.
Read MoreGoing through a divorce that involves claims for child custody, child support, spousal support, and/or division of marital property and debts involves making difficult decisions that can impact your life for years to come.
Read MoreSiemens Family Law Group is proud to announce its move to the Patton Parker House. Siemens Family Law Group’s new office at 95 Charlotte Street. The Patton Parker House, at Charlotte and Chestnut St., offers a distinguished history and character that suits the firm’s clients and style of practice.
Read MoreIn “The Secret Superpower of a Shared-Custody Kid,” a New York Times contributor reflects on her joint custody childhood. She explains that despite the anxiety she experienced switching from one house to another, she now understands how her parents worked hard to stay connected…
Read MoreJim Siemens and Brenda Coppede recently presented at the North Carolina Bar Association’s Family Law Section Annual Meeting in Charleston.
Read MoreAna Prendergast was honored at this month’s bar luncheon for her pro bono work for clients of Pisgah Legal Services. Ana is one of the local nominees for the North Carolina Bar Association’s annual statewide Pro Bono Awards, along with other Asheville attorneys Evan DeWandler, John Noor and Kevin Radey.
Read MoreEarlier this month, Brenda Coppede traveled to Montrouis, Haiti as part of a Consider Haiti volunteer team that provided clinics for children in several Haitian communities. Consider Haiti is a non-profit organization here in Asheville.
Read MoreJim Siemens has been honored by 2016 Super Lawyers, included again in North Carolina’s Family Law category. Jim was first recognized by Super Lawyers in 2012. The Super Lawyers selection process combines peer review and evaluation with independent research.
Read MoreSiemens Family Law Group is pleased to announce Jim Siemens’ inclusion in Business North Carolina’s 2016 Legal Elite. Each year, Business North Carolina honors the state’s top lawyers in business-related categories.
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