Stacy Doss of California adopted her daughter Vanessa before she was even born.  Doss adopted Vanessa from a single pregnant woman in Dayton, Ohio who said she didn't know the baby's father.  In fact, the father was a part of the woman's life and even fathered two of her four children.

DNA tests prove that Benjamin Mills Jr. is Vanessa's father and now, he is trying to claim custody of the two-year old.  Mills has a record of domestic violence and drug possession, which Doss hoped would serve in her favor.  However, after a long battle, judges agreed to give custody of Vanessa to her birth father in Ohio.  Doss stated plans to appeal the courts decision.  

If you or someone you know are facing a child custody dispute, contact the Raleigh child custody lawyers of Marshall & Taylor, P.C. at 919-833-1040 to learn more about your rights. 

A divorced couple in Maryland were granted split custody of their beloved 16-pound gray-black Lhasa Apso.  A sympathetic Judge Graydon S. McKee III recognized during divorce proceedings that they were both responsible and loving pet owners, and so agreed to allow them to split custody of the dog into two six month periods a year.  

McKee stated, "It was very clear that both of them love this dog equally ... The only fair thing to do was to give each one an equal chance to share the love of the dog".  McKee also said that he does own dogs, but his love for dogs did not factor into his decision.  "I really applied good common sense ... Treat other people the way you would want to be treated if you were in that situation".

Under Maryland law, pets are considered jointly owned property and are to be sold if the owner's split up and cannot agree on who should keep them.  The proceeds from the sale are then split between the owners.  

If you or someone you know is considering filing for divorce, contact the Raleigh divorce lawyers of Marshall & Taylor P.C. at 919-833-1040 to learn more about your rights. 

Acrtess Tia Carrere has filed for divorce from her husband Simon Wakelin.

The 43 year-old actress, best known as Mike Meyer's love interest in the "Wayne's World" movies, filed the divorce petition in person at the Los Angeles Superior Courthouse on Friday. According to court documents, Carrere cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split. This is Carrere's second divorce, she was previously married to "Battlefield Earth" producer Elie Samaha from 1992 to 2000.

Carrere has a four-year-old daughter with Wakelin, named Bianca. The actress is seeking sole physical custody of the child, according to court filings. Carrere and Wakelin were married in November of 2002.

If you or someone you know is considering divorce, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney who you can trust. Please contact the Raleigh divorce lawyers of Marshal & Taylor, P.C., by calling 919-833-1040.

The wife of rock musician Dweezil Zappa filed for divorce Monday.

According to court documents, Lauren Knudsen filed for divorce in Los Angeles Superior Court from her husband Dweezil Zappa, son of legendary rock artist Frank Zappa. In the filing Knudsen is seeking sole physical custody of their two daughters, 3 year-old Zola Frank and one year-old Ceylon Indira. Knudsen is also seeking spousal support from her former MTV VJ husband.

The couple married on September 3, 2005. Neither Zappa nor Knudsen has made a public statement about the filing.

Division of the couples assets and property were not addressed in the court filing.

Divorce is a difficult experience on many levels: emotionally, legally, and often financially. Having the right attorney on your side can reduce all of these burdens. The Raleigh divorce lawyers at the Marshall & Taylor Law Firm, P.C., are committed to helping you understand your options and make the best choices for yourself. Call our offices at 919-833-1040.

Authorities have found and 11-year-old girl and her father, who is accuded of abducting her, in a CVS parking lot in South Carolina.

The daughter was found in good condition and Social Services are making arrangements for the 11-year-old to be sent back home. The 11-year-old was taken by her father from a hospital in Virginia, where she had been getting treatment for diabetes. Social services currently has custody of the girl. her father was visiting her when he walked out of the hospital with the girl, without permission.

If you or someone you love is involved in a child custody issue, contact the Raleigh child custody lawyers of Marshall & Taylor, P.C. by calling 919-833-1040.