Blog

  • Gun Charges and Concealed Carry Violations in North Carolina

    Gun Charges and Concealed Carry Violations in North Carolina 

    Edited by Russell D. Babb  and Roger Smith, Jr. | Published on August 27, 2026      Gun charges in North Carolina can have serious legal consequences, even for individuals who lawfully own firearms. In Raleigh and throughout Wake County, alleged violations involving concealed carry, possession, or use of a firearm are prosecuted under a range of state

  • What Happens If One Parent Violates a Custody Order in North Carolina?

    Edited by Sonya DuBree and Carollyn Sierra  | Published on July 24, 2026  Child custody orders are legally binding. When one parent does not follow the terms of a custody order, it can create stress, confusion, and disruption for everyone involved, especially the child.  In North Carolina, courts take these violations seriously, and there are legal remedies

  • Domestic Violence Charges in Raleigh, North Carolina.

    When a Relationship Becomes a Criminal Case: Domestic Violence Charges in North Carolina

    Edited by Russell D. Babb  and Roger Smith, Jr. | Published on June 05, 2026      Domestic violence charges in North Carolina can lead to serious criminal and civil consequences, including jail time, protective orders, loss of firearm rights, and long-term impacts on employment, custody, and reputation. In Raleigh and throughout Wake County, these allegations are treated seriously by

  • Can a Friend Officiate Your Wedding in North Carolina? What the Law Actually Says 

    Edited by Sonya DuBree and Carollyn Sierra | Published on May 08, 2026  Many couples today want a more personal wedding ceremony by asking a friend or family member to officiate. With online ordination services making it possible to become a “minister” in minutes, this option can feel both meaningful and convenient.  However, North Carolina law places specific requirements on who is legally authorized

  • DWI AND DUI. Driving while intoxicated

    Can You Be Charged with DWI Below 0.08 in North Carolina? 

    Edited by Russell D. Babb  | Published on April 24, 2026      Many people assume that you cannot be charged with a DWI unless your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 or higher. While 0.08 is the legal limit in North Carolina, it is not the only way a DWI charge can occur. In reality, drivers in Raleigh and

  • Underage Drinking & Fake ID Charges in Raleigh, North Carolina

    Underage Drinking & Fake ID Charges in North Carolina: Legal Guide for Students and Parents 

    Edited by Russell D. Babb  | Published on April 17, 2026     Alcohol-related offenses involving people under the age of 21 are far more serious than youthful mistakes—they can carry real and lasting consequences. In North Carolina, including Raleigh and surrounding areas, both underage drinking and the use of fake identification are criminal offenses that can affect your driver’s license, academic standing, and

  • Gray divorce in North Carolina. Tharrington Smith family lawyers can help.

    Gray Divorce in North Carolina: Why More Couples Over 50 Are Ending Long-Term Marriages

    Edited by Sara West | Published on February 26, 2026 For decades, divorce was largely associated with younger couples. That is no longer the case.  While the overall U.S. divorce rate has declined over time, the demographic profile of those divorcing has shifted dramatically. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the national divorce rate currently stands at

  • High-Net-Worth Divorce Blog - Tharrington Smith

    Splitting the Fortune: Insider Tips on High-Net-Worth Divorce 

    Edited By Casey Fidler | Published on November 25, 2025   Divorce is challenging. When significant assets, business interests, or complex financial instruments are involved in a high-net-worth divorce, the stakes and strategy are different than other family law cases. A high-net-worth divorce is a sophisticated financial and legal process requiring expertise and precision.  At Tharrington Smith, LLP,

  • Mother and child giving each other a high five

    Modifying Your Child Support Order in North Carolina: Key Steps and Tips 

    Clare Poston  | Published on September 19, 2025 Child support orders in North Carolina are designed to meet the child’s financial needs based on the parents’ income, work related child care costs, health insurance costs, extraordinary expenses and custodial arrangements at the time of the court’s decision. However, circumstances change. Job losses, promotions, a change

  • North Carolina Homicide & Manslaughter 101: The Basics You Can’t Ignore 

    Edited by Russell D. Babb and Lacy Hansen | Published on July 29, 2025       If you or someone you love is facing serious criminal charges such as homicide, murder, or manslaughter in North Carolina, the consequences can be life altering. A conviction can result in decades behind bars or even the death penalty. Understanding the severity of facing