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Hire a Child Custody Lawyer

Sep 2, 2020

Hire a Child Custody Lawyer

Signs You Need to Hire a Child Custody Lawyer

by King Law Firm | Easy Listen Option

Signs You Need to Hire a Child Custody Lawyer

Divorce and its consequences can be emotionally draining and personally inconvenient. Most parents want to protect their children during this process, above all else. You might be wondering if hiring a North Carolina child custody lawyer will only make matters more difficult for your children or if it is genuinely in your best interest. Each divorce case is different, but it is generally better to have a child custody lawyer protect you and your children’s rights. What follows are some signs that indicate when it would be worthwhile to hire a North Carolina child custody attorney.

Your Ex-Spouse Hired Their Own North Carolina Child Custody Attorney

If you know that your ex-spouse has already hired their own legal counsel to represent them in your child custody negotiations, you should be hiring one as well. In the end, you do not want to be left feeling as though your case didn’t work out the way you wanted it to because you didn’t hire an attorney to represent your interests. Level the playing field by getting representation in this sensitive matter.

You Believe Your Children Are in Danger

When it comes to your child’s safety, no price is too high. Anytime you or your child are in danger, be sure to call 9-1-1. You might need to implement a restraining order against your ex-spouse to further protect both of you. If you are worried about how taking either of these actions could impact your overall situation, discuss your concerns with a compassionate North Carolina child custody lawyer.

The Court Requires You to Go to Treatment or Take Classes

Suppose the family court handling your case mandates that you take parenting or anger management classes or enroll in drug or alcohol treatment. In that case, the court may already view you and your case unfavorably. It is best to hire a seasoned North Carolina child custody attorney who can represent your interests and make sure that you are not unfairly portraying in the custody hearings.

Circumstances Are Changing

If either spouse is relocating, remarrying, or moving in with a significant other, it is wise to hire an attorney who can represent your best interests. These actions could change child support orders and your parenting plan, and lead to a better situation for your children.

It Is Time for You to Hire a North Carolina Child Custody Lawyer

Child custody can be a confusing issue for parents and children alike. Laws surrounding child custody differ from one jurisdiction to the next, but each parent’s history plays significantly into the determinations. When you hire a child custody attorney, you will become well-informed about your rights and the best way to achieve a favorable outcome for you and your children. Your attorney can help you as you fight to protect the best interests of your family. Call (855) 205-9940 or use our online contact form today to receive your free consultation with a knowledgeable North Carolina divorce lawyer at the King Law Firm.

DWI Consequences North Carolina

Aug 31, 2020

DWI Consequences North Carolina

DWI Consequences North Carolina

by King Law Firm | Easy Listen Option

DWI Consequences North Carolina

The laws regarding DWIs (Driving While Intoxicated) in North Carolina are among the harshest in the nation. Out of the desire to keep its roads and those that travel on them safe, the state of North Carolina comes down hard on those convicted of a DWI. If you’re facing DWI charges, the time to seek professional legal counsel is now.

A North Carolina DWI

In North Carolina, a DWI charge can stem from any of the following transgressions:

  • Driving while under the influence of alcohol (or any other substance that impairs)
  • Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that is 0.08 percent or higher (the national legal limit)
  • Driving with any amount of a controlled substance in your system (such as heroin, OxyContin, amphetamines, and other dangerous drugs)

Administrative Penalties Related to DWIs

Although driving while intoxicated is a crime, there are also administrative penalties from a DWI charge imposed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation and which are separate from the criminal penalties you’ll face. The most significant administrative penalty is the revocation of your license. This revocation comes in two forms: the civil suspension of your license upon arrest and the criminal suspension of your license if you’re ultimately convicted. Refusing to submit to a breathalyzer test after a police officer has pulled you over or has taken you to the police station will earn you an immediate 30-day revocation of your driver’s license. A conviction will get you a full year’s suspension (with the possibility of limited driving privileges).

Criminal Penalties Related to DWIs

The criminal penalties for a first-time DWI offense are graded on levels from I to V (V being the least serious level). These penalties are apportioned as follows:

  • Level V – A Level V conviction brings 24 hours to 60 days of incarceration and up to $200 in fines.
  • Level IV – A Level IV conviction brings 48 hours to 120 days of incarceration and up to $500 in fines.
  • Level III – A Level III conviction brings 72 hours to 6 months of incarceration and up to $1,000 in fines.
  • Level II – A Level II conviction brings one week to one year of incarceration and up to $2,000 in fines.
  • Level I – A Level I conviction brings 30 days to 2 years in jail and up to $4,000 in fines.

 

It is important to note that most first offenses don’t reach convictions of Level of I or II (although there have been exceptions in the past).

Discuss Your Charge with an Experienced North Carolina Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you’re facing a DWI charge, it’s essential to recognize that the consequences of a conviction will have a long-lasting and adverse effect on your future. The dedicated criminal defense attorneys at King Law Firm in North Carolina are committed to building a robust defense and protecting your legal rights. We’re here to help, so please don’t hesitate to contact or call us at (855) 206-0052 for more information today.

Is It Unethical to File for Bankruptcy?

Aug 23, 2020

Is It Unethical to File for Bankruptcy?

Is It Unethical to File for Bankruptcy?

by King Law Firm | Easy Listen Option

Is It Unethical to File for Bankruptcy?

Even though bankruptcy is a viable and logical option to deal with insurmountable debts, some debtors feel that it is unfair or unethical for them to choose this path. They feel strongly that if you borrowed money for something, then you are obligated to pay it back, yet at the same time, they recognize erasing their debt is impossible given their circumstances. If you face a similar situation, reach out to an experienced North Carolina bankruptcy attorney to learn more about your options for dealing with debts.

The Ethics of Bankruptcy

Keep in mind is that it is rare for a person who can afford to pay their debts to file for bankruptcy anyway to take care of them. The reality is that debts that are discharged in bankruptcy would never be able to be paid back anyway because the debtor would never have enough money to pay them off. For example, let’s say an individual has a salary of $40,000 each year. They owe $55,000 in student loan debt and $20,000 in high-interest credit card debt.  It’s highly unlikely that the debtor can pay off their debts anytime soon, barring an extraordinary event like receiving a significant raise, securing a higher paying job, winning the lottery, or receiving an inheritance.

Bankruptcy is a legal option for debtors to either reorganize their debts to make them more manageable or get out from under the weight of their debts in order to start fresh. It is considered illegal, however, for someone to be dishonest about their eligibility for bankruptcy. That being said, if the law allows an individual to file for bankruptcy in order to get out of crippling debt that they will never be able to repay, they shouldn’t feel guilty about choosing this route. By working with a knowledgeable North Carolina bankruptcy lawyer, they can determine if they qualify to file for bankruptcy, and if Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 would be the best option.

The Reasons That People File for Bankruptcy

As your North Carolina bankruptcy attorney will tell you, people file for bankruptcy under many different circumstances. Some have seen the writing on the wall for a long time, while others had something tragic and unexpected to happen to them. Reasons for filing for bankruptcy include:

  • Losing a job
  • Legal fees from protracted divorce proceedings
  • A sudden death in the family of a significant breadwinner
  • An extended stay in a hospital

Discuss Your Financial Situation with a North Carolina Bankruptcy Lawyer

If you are finding it difficult to pay your debts, filing for bankruptcy is ethical, legal, and may be the best option given your situation. King Law Firm is a member of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys and has a fantastic track record for assisting individuals and couples from all walks of life recover financially through bankruptcy filings. Call (800) 635-1683 or use our convenient online contact form to receive your free consultation today with an experienced North Carolina bankruptcy lawyer.

Coronavirus Risks in Nursing Homes

Aug 17, 2020

Coronavirus Risks in Nursing Homes

Coronavirus Risks in Nursing Homes

by King Law Firm | Easy Listen Option

Coronavirus Risks in Nursing Homes

The novel coronavirus has altered our lives in numerous ways, and everyone has felt its direct effects. Residents of nursing homes, however, are not only one of our nation’s most vulnerable populations but also seem to be one of the most susceptible to the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Suppose your loved one has contracted COVID-19 while residing in a nursing home. In that case, it is imperative that you seek the professional legal guidance of an experienced North Carolina personal injury attorney as soon as you can.

COVID-19 Rates in Nursing Homes

The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota recently shared an analysis conducted by the Wall Street Journal, which states that 43 percent of the COVID-19-related deaths in the United States have taken place in nursing homes (as of the date of the Journal’s data). The following two points from the analysis highlight the severity of the situation:

 

  • The Journal has determined that the number of reported coronavirus cases and deaths from nursing homes is most likely underestimated due to the non-uniform reporting practices adopted by individual states.
  • A significant portion of COVID-19-related deaths taking place in the U.S. is made up of nursing home residents. However, nursing home residents only make up around one percent of the U.S. population.

Some medical experts believe that routinely testing nursing home staff members for the virus could be the key to controlling the spread of COVID-19 in nursing homes – presuming that asymptomatic staff members likely spread the disease to residents.

Serious Staffing and Equipment Shortages

Many experts in the medical and scientific fields believe that COVID-19 deaths will continue to be overrepresented in nursing homes. This overrepresentation is due to serious preexisting staffing shortages that the pandemic has further exacerbated, as well as the lack of available high-quality personal protective equipment (PPE), and staff-screening techniques that don’t take the high percentage of people who are asymptomatic into account.

Reason for Concern

Several states have given healthcare facilities like nursing homes a legal immunity from civil liability regarding COVID-19, except in those situations when gross negligence or intentional misconduct played a role. While intended to protect businesses from an overabundance of lawsuits related to the pandemic, this immunity does nothing to protect the health and well-being of the resident of these facilities. The push for legal protection for businesses is read by many as a shift in healthcare’s focus away from safe, reliable care and toward protecting healthcare workers from liability.

Consult with an Experienced North Carolina Personal Injury Attorney Today

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the U.S. hard, but there has been a disproportionate and detrimental effect on the residents of nursing homes. If a loved one is suffering from the symptoms of COVID-19 or has passed away due to related complications, the dedicated personal injury attorneys at King Law Firm in North Carolina have the experience, compassion, and drive to fight for the rights of you and your loved one. Your case is important, so please don’t hesitate to contact or call us at (855) 205-9689 for more information today.

Coronavirus on Cruise Ships

Aug 17, 2020

Coronavirus on Cruise Ships

Coronavirus on Cruise Ships

by King Law Firm | Easy Listen Option

Coronavirus on Cruise Ships

According to CBS NEWS and other news outlets, cruise lines face a legal backlash for their initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic that began sweeping the world earlier this year. The plaintiffs, all former passengers, contend that the three major cruise lines (which make up about 70 percent of the total cruise ship market) knowingly exposed them to the novel coronavirus, known to be exceptionally contagious and dangerous. If you’ve contracted coronavirus from a cruise ship, you need a seasoned North Carolina personal injury attorney with extensive experience on your side.

The Cruise Ship Experience

Cruise ships are a luxury destination for which many people plan and save years ahead of time. On a cruise, you can leave your troubles behind for a little while, indulge in the fantastic buffets, and enjoy quality live entertainment, while attentive and professional staff work to make you as comfortable as possible. While the major cruise lines have become very popular and earned a devoted following over the years, their handling of the coronavirus may be changing people’s opinion.

One Couple’s Tragedy

A current suit brought against Princess Cruise Lines claims that a married couple contracted COVID-19 while onboard a Princess Cruise ship and that the husband later died due to complications from the virus. Their lawyer alleges all of the following regarding the COVID-19 outbreak on the Japan-bound cruise ship:

  • The cruise line discharged passengers who’d been infected by the coronavirus.
  • The cruise line then took on new passengers that commingled with exposed passengers already on board.
  • The cruise line had been given official notice of the dangers inherent to their action but failed to warn the passengers, including the married couple.

Inadequate Safeguards in Place

Former passengers currently suing the major cruise lines assert that ships’ staff crew did very little to protect or warn onboarding passengers of the presence of coronavirus, even though the vessel had prior knowledge and experience with the virus from an outbreak several weeks earlier. Sometimes the only step taken was asking passengers to fill out a form stating the current condition of their health.  

Cruise Ships and Liability Waivers

Most cruise lines require passengers to sign liability waivers before boarding. These waivers release the cruise line of liability in certain situations, including the death of a passenger. While these contractual waivers may frighten some potential litigants away, it’s important to note that courts in the United States frequently refuse to uphold them. In other words, if you or your loved one has contracted coronavirus from a cruise ship, it’s time to consult with a dedicated North Carolina personal injury attorney.

An Experienced North Carolina Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

The COVID-19 pandemic that’s sweeping our nation and the larger world has changed our way of life in significant ways, including the perception of cruise lines. If a cruise line’s negligence led to your illness, the dedicated personal injury attorneys at King Law Firm in North Carolina are committed to skillfully advocating on your behalf for a favorable outcome of your case. For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact or call us at (855) 206-0052 today.

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Coronavirus Bankruptcy Options

Jun 23, 2020

Coronavirus Bankruptcy Options

Coronavirus Bankruptcy Options

by King Law Firm | Easy Listen Option

Coronavirus Bankruptcy Options

The COVID-19 outbreak has brought with it unprecedented economic and employment strains. With very few viable long-term options for dealing with bills that cannot be paid, many Americans are considering their options for bankruptcy at no fault of their own. In fact, many North Carolina bankruptcy attorneys are predicting a tsunami of bankruptcy filings directly related to the coronavirus pandemic. If you are struggling to pay your debts as a result of the coronavirus spread or anticipate that you will be soon, do not delay in researching and pursuing your options for bankruptcy.

Filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Due to COVID-19

Chapter 7 bankruptcy will be the ideal option for many accruing debts due to the coronavirus. Depending on your financial eligibility and your assets, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy could erase your obligation for paying many types of debts including:

  • Medical bills
  • Credit card balances
  • Mortgage or rent arrears
  • Utility bills
  • Vehicle loans
  • Unsecured personal loans

Keep in mind that while a Chapter 7 bankruptcy will eliminate your personal debt obligations, it does not secure your home, vehicle, or other property. If you want to keep secured property, talk to your North Carolina bankruptcy lawyer about your options for doing so when filing for Chapter 7.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy and Coronavirus

Some individuals who are experiencing the negative financial impacts of COVID-19 will find Chapter 13 bankruptcy to be a better option. In contrast, Chapter 13 bankruptcy can allow debtors to keep their secured property in some circumstances. It is a reorganization of debts for those who make too much to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, have substantial assets, or who want to keep unsecured property. In this type of bankruptcy, you make monthly payments to a trustee over a three- or five-year period. The trustee then pays your creditors what they are owed under bankruptcy laws out of your payments.

If you do not anticipate having a steady income that can pay for your bills and a Chapter 13 payment plan at the same time, filing Chapter 7 might be a better option. Meeting with a North Carolina bankruptcy attorney can help you decide which type of bankruptcy will be the most beneficial for your financial circumstances.

Should You Wait to Pursue Bankruptcy Options Until the Pandemic Subsides?

You may be holding out on learning more about bankruptcy or talking with a North Carolina bankruptcy lawyer because you want to see if job opportunities increase and your financial situation improves. You might be holding out assuming that bankruptcy courts are either closed or overburdened. You could even be waiting because you do not want to go out and put yourself at risk for contracting COVID-19. These reasons may seem logical, but in reality, they are not practical.

Waiting too long to act while you are not managing your debts can make your situation worse and decrease your options. You don’t know what will happen with your financial situation, but you do know it is less than ideal right now. Bankruptcy courts are opening back up or finding alternative ways of proceeding with bankruptcy filings. Bankruptcy attorneys can meet with you via video or phone.

Review Your Coronavirus Bankruptcy Options with a North Carolina Bankruptcy Attorney Today

Times of financial crisis are extremely difficult and concerning. You may feel like you have no control over your circumstances, especially when the coronavirus outbreak caused them. You can take back some of your control by learning about your options for bankruptcy and what you can do to improve your finances. The first step is to schedule a free no-obligation meeting with an attorney at King Law Firm by calling (855) 675-1978 or use our convenient online contact form.