Social Security Disability (SSD) provides an essential lifeline to millions of Americans. At the same time, winning disability benefits is no easy task. The Social Security Administration is a massive bureaucracy that constantly experiences backlogs. Mistakes are not uncommon, and many applicants have a difficult time sufficiently explaining their conditions. Nonetheless,...
Dying Without A Will: What Are The Rules of Intestacy in North Carolina?
One of the advantages of having a Last Will and Testament is that the testator (the person who makes the will) gets to decide who will inherit what, among other choices concerning his or her estate. Dying without a Will, on the other hand, is known as dying intestate. If this happens,...
Employee vs Independent Contractor – And Why The Difference Matters
Many employers retain the services of independent contractors rather than employees, and for a number of important reasons. Contractors may only be needed for certain jobs or to fulfill a temporary need. Or the work in question may need to be completed but is not sufficient to sustain a lasting employment relationship....
How A Separation Agreement Can Make Your North Carolina Divorce Easier
The word “divorce” is enough to evoke images of courtroom battles, lawyers arguing, and plenty of time and money spent on an overall stressful experience. And while these images match reality for many divorcing spouses, there is a solution that can help make the process much easier. If divorce is in your...
What Is Discovery In North Carolina Civil Litigation?
Filing a lawsuit opens the door to a process known as discovery. Put simply, discovery is the means by which parties formally request and exchange information between them. The purpose of discovery is to ensure that both sides are on level footing when it comes to knowing the facts of the case....
Selecting The Right Legal Entity For Your North Carolina Business
One of the most important steps a new business owner will take is setting up the right legal structure for the company. The form your business decides to take will impact everything from your profits to taxes for years to come. The corporate law and business transaction attorneys at Patrick, Harper...
Signing Legal Documents During the Pandemic
By Kimberly H. Whitley
As we all know, everyday tasks have become more difficult during the Coronavirus Pandemihttps://www.patrickharperdixon.com/our-attorneys/#thomasc. The Courts and the legislature of North Carolina have made temporary and emergency changes to the laws to allow for the legal process to move forward and for necessary documents to...
Peace of Mind in Planning During COVID-19
We find ourselves living in scary and uncertain times. One of the best gifts you can give to yourself and to your family during this time is the peace of mind in knowing that your health care decisions will be made appropriately if you cannot make them for yourself.
Update for Employers on Recently Passed CARES Act
By Michael P. Thomas
While the CARES Act is about to be voted on by the House today, Employers should note a few key provisions relating to the payroll continuation forgivable loan program, at least as the bill now stands:
The “covered period” is March...
Legal Update for Business in Response to COVID-19
By Michael P. Thomas
Now that COVID-19 has arrived in Catawba County, we wanted to update our clients on legal changes made in response to the health care situation and highlight a few points.
Expanded Unemployment
Governor Cooper has expanded unemployment eligibility in...
