Join attorneys Melissa Tula Smith and Rachel Rogers as they dive deep into the complex world of consumer collection law. This informative podcast breaks down key federal regulations like the FDCPA, TCPA, and FCRA, exploring the…
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/ Communications & Media Law, Finance & Banking, Consumer Protection
Also called “spousal support” or “maintenance,” alimony is the payment of money from one spouse to another after a separation or divorce. Alimony is intended to help the spouse who earns no money, or less money than the other…
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/ Family Law
Purchasing a home is a significant financial investment, introducing unique legal considerations for unmarried couples. According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, unmarried…
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/ Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Family Law, Real Estate - Residential
In 2016 and 2023, the United States Department of Labor (“DOL”) announced increases to the minimum salary threshold for the executive, administrative, and professional exemptions to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”),…
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/ Administrative Law, Labor & Employment Law
Construction contracts are essential in the construction industry, governing the relationships and responsibilities of all parties involved in a project. Whether you’re a contractor, subcontractor, or property owner,…
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/ Business Organizations, Commercial Law & Contracts, Construction Law
A lien, sometimes referred to as a security interest, is an interest in real or personal property that secures the payment of a debt or the performance of an obligation. The most common examples of liens are mortgages (deeds of…
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/ Business Torts, Construction Law, Real Estate - Residential
The Supreme Court’s June 2024 decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo overturned Chevron deference and decades of case law guiding debt regulation. Chevron deference, a 40-year-old legal doctrine established by the U.S…
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/ Administrative Law, Business Organizations, Consumer Protection
In the complex landscape of debt collection, the motto “doing collections right” encapsulates a commitment to ethical practices, legal compliance, and balanced advocacy. For Smith Debnam, this principle serves as a cornerstone…
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/ Consumer Protection, Labor & Employment Law, Law Practice Products & Services
Navigating the divorce process can be stressful and, at times, overwhelming. Filing for absolute divorce in North Carolina can be done without an attorney, as explained below, but life is hard, and people lead busy lives..…
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/ Civil Procedure, Family Law
When it comes to protecting assets and establishing financial arrangements between spouses, two types of legal agreements come into play: prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. While both serve similar purposes, there are…
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/ Family Law, Wills, Trusts, & Estate Planning
Recently, the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and employment law has become a focal point for legislators, regulators, and employers alike. As AI technologies continue to reshape hiring practices and workplace…
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/ Administrative Law, Labor & Employment Law, Science, Computers, & Technology
In 2022, North Carolina was bustling with new construction projects, ranking as the sixth highest state for newly built homes. With so much building going on, construction defect claims are bound to pop up. These claims can…
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/ Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Civil Procedure, Construction Law, Real Estate - Residential
A recent case from the United States Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, Lattinville-Pace v. Intelligent Waves LLC, has important implications for employers. In the case, a 67-year-old employee brought suit alleging age…
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/ Civil Rights, Labor & Employment Law
In a recent decision, the North Carolina Court of Appeals held that a general contractor’s execution of partial lien waivers did not prejudice a supplier’s lien rights on the construction project. The case is Atlantech…
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/ Civil Procedure, Commercial Law & Contracts, Construction Law
Construction projects are often complex endeavors involving multiple parties, intricate contracts, and significant investments. Despite meticulous planning, disputes can arise, posing challenges that require legal expertise to…
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/ Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Commercial Law & Contracts, Construction Law
