Vanessa Furches, an associate at Patrick, Harper & Dixon, LLP, has been admitted to the North Carolina State Bar Association on October 3, 2023. Her legal practice specializes in corporate, commercial real estate, transactional, and general business law, and she brings a diverse background in criminal law and immigration law to the...

How to Protect Against Financial Elder Abuse
Financial exploitation, fraud, and financial neglect are forms of elder abuse. Statistics indicate financial elder abuse accounts for billions of dollars in losses annually, with more than one in ten elderly adults falling victim to elder fraud each year. In many cases, elder financial abuse can be prevented before it...

How to Rectify a Breach of Fiduciary Case
A fiduciary is an individual or corporate entity that has a duty to act with loyalty, care, and good faith for someone based on an established relationship. The fiduciary duty obligates the fiduciary to act in the best interest of the party owed the duty of care. Examples of fiduciaries include...

How Your Loved Ones Can Benefit with a Special Needs Trust
If you have a family member or loved one who has a special need, you already know how important it is that they receive all the benefits available to them. Government benefits are an essential resource that provides for physical care, education, health care, and living expenses for many children and adults...

Guardianships for Adults with Disabilities
North Carolina guardianship and special needs laws provide a legal path for loved ones and family members to apply for guardianship of an adult with disabilities. The laws can be complicated and a caregiver focused on caring for an adult with disabilities might be overwhelmed by the legal requirements to obtain guardianship...

How Are Assets Divided In a Divorce?
Dividing assets during a divorce can be a contentious issue. Each spouse wants their fair share of the marital assets. However, the spouses might believe they are entitled to a larger portion of the marital property. A North Carolina family law attorney can help you fight for your fair share of...

Strategies to Avoid Disputes within Ownership
Disputes among Shareholders ( or Members, Partners or other owners of a business) can cause costly disruptions to your business. Taking steps to prevent these disputes is crucial for all companies. Strategies for resolving shareholder disputes reduce the costs and disruptions from disagreements. A North Carolina business attorney can help. They...

Steps You Should Take When Preparing to Sell Your Business
Selling your business is a significant milestone, often filled with emotions and strategic considerations. As North Carolina business attorneys, we understand the weight of this decision. It's not just about closing a chapter but also about ensuring the legacy of your hard work is well-preserved and continues to thrive under new...

Penalties You Can Face for Not Paying Child Support
Child support is more than just a financial duty; it's a vital support system that ensures a child's welfare. However, life is unpredictable, and sometimes these payments can be neglected. In the state of North Carolina, the repercussions of failing to meet child support payments can be harsh. Our family law...

The Do’s and Don’ts of Starting a Business Partnership
Entering into a business partnership can be an exciting endeavor, as it allows for shared responsibilities, resources, and expertise. However, it is crucial to approach partnerships with careful consideration and clear expectations, and hiring experienced North Carolina business attorneys to help you with the formation of your partnership can help you...