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Communication is the key to relationships…bad ones and good ones

admin — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 18:05:02 +0000

Communication is the Key

Conflict in a relationship is virtually inevitable. In itself, conflict isn’t a problem; how it’s handled, however, can bring people together or tear them apart.

So many times the folks I talk to have a terrible time communicating with their ex-spouse, partner or co-parent. It is no surprise that those problems probably existed long before the break-up of the relationship.

But those “signs” were ignored during those “great times” and most likely were part of the fun or were “inside jokes” between the couple. Now, however, when times are lean [lean on love, that is], those very issues are or seem insurmountable.

This article is not divorce or marriage specific, but relationships are not born on the date of marriage, they begin long before then and, as the article suggests, they take work and active participation to make them successful with communication.

Source: Communication & McNeil Family Law blog post.

Effective communication helps us better understand a person or situation and enables us to resolve differences, build trust and respect, and create environments where creative ideas, problem solving, affection, and caring can flourish.

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Raleigh Fires City Manager

admin — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:34:53 +0000

The Raleigh City Manager, Russell Allen, is out according to a spokesperson. The City Council decided not to renew the City Manager’s contract after twelve years. Russell Allen’s last day will be July 1, 2013.

http://www.wral.com/russell-allen-out-as-raleigh-city-manager/12349510/

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Racial Justice Act in Jeopardy

admin — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 14:47:50 +0000

The North Carolina senate passed a bill on April 3, 2013 to overturn the Racial Justice Act which protects persons who are sentenced to death based on jury bias. The Racial Justice Act allows Judges to issue Life Sentences instead of Death Sentences when it is clear that a jury was biased against the Defendant based on racial prejudice.

http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/04/03/2799779/nc-senate-oks-repeal-of-racial.html

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Why you should mediate your divorce

admin — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:00:50 +0000

A fantastic article about the benefits of mediation over litigation, including an estimated timeline of how long a litigation case can take to resolve and the many steps necessary to get from Point-A to Point-Z when litigating complicated matters including custody, support, spousal support and property division.

By Diane L. Danois, J.D. (attorney, family law mediator and divorce coach)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/diane-l-danois-jd/maintaining-an-active-tem_b_2980692.html?utm_hp_ref=divorce&ir=Divorce

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Mentally ill patient killed after stealing police car.

admin — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 14:22:32 +0000

A mentally-ill man was killed by police on Sunday after he stole the police car that he was being transported in. According to the news accounts, the patient was being transported from Raleigh to Winston-Salem. The officer decided that the man could ride in the front of the car without handcuffs. However at some point during the ride, the man attacked the officer causing the officer to pull the police car onto the side of the road. The mentally ill patient then stole the car and led police on a high speed chase through Raleigh. Eventually the man crashed the car and was pursued by officers on foot. After a struggle ensued, the man was shot by officers responding to the call.

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=9047144

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A Two Year Waiting Period For Divorce?

admin — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 20:23:27 +0000

North Carolina State Senator Austin Allran introduced a Bill in the Senate which would require a two year waiting period before a couple could seek a divorce. Additionally, the couple could remain together and have to take specific classes regarding communication and conflict resolution.

My guess is that couple may have already tried these “cute tips” and shouldn’t have to be mandated to try it again. Not many people that I know of seek divorce on a whim…and twelve months can be an awfully long time to wait already.

http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/Applications/BillLookUp/LoadBillDocument.aspx?SessionCode=2013&DocNum=2325&SeqNum=0

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NC’s “No Need 2 Speed” Campaign

admin — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:49:28 +0000

The “No Need 2 Speed” campaign from the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program will be in effect until next weekend according to WRAL.

“We are all busy, and we all have places to be,” Becky Wallace, director of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program, said in a statement. “That extra couple of minutes you might save isn’t worth your life or the life of a loved one. Slow down and obey the speed limit.”

As always, if you are stopped by a law enforcement office be polite but be cognizant of your rights when speaking with them.

http://www.wral.com/nc-law-enforcement-cracking-down-on-speeding/12265320/

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Wife of NY millionaire is successfully in getting prenupt tossed

admin — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 09:46:46 +0000

Elizabeth Petrakis, the wife of a New York millionaire, was successful in getting the prenupt that she and her husband had signed just days before their wedding. The New York Court determined that the prenupt had been based on fraud. Learn more here.

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Kardashian Marriage a Sham?

admin — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:12:41 +0000

Kris Humphries’ family was interviewed by a British newspaper regarding the 72 day marriage between Humphries and Kardashian and the upcoming hearing on Humphries request for an annulment based on fraud. For more, click here.

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UNC hires National expert to help handle the sexual assault scandals.

admin — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:59:35 +0000

UNC-Chapel Hill has hired a nationally-renowned expert and former prosecutor to help the University handle the growing scandal surrounding the handling of sexual assaults and investigations on campus. Read more here.

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