The North Carolina Court of Appeals ruled earlier this month that the father who quit his job to join a religious commune will not be able to escape child support and alimony payments.  

John Lee Shippen quit his job as a corrections officer and moved to the Twelve Tribes of Israel religious commune, which prohibits its members from earning outside income.  Shippen declared that it was against his religion to pay the child support and alimony payments of $1,106 per month to his ex-wife Shirley Ritchie Shippen.

When John Lee Shippen failed to make his child support and alimony payments he was found in contempt.  After this, he appealed the ruling, however the North Carolina Court of Appeals denied the appeal.  Judge Wanda Bryant stated, "Defendant did not quit his job and join a religious community until after entry of the support order...That defendant's religious beliefs are sincerely held, as the trial court found, is irrelevant".

To discuss child support or alimony payments, contact the Raleigh child support lawyers of Marshall & Taylor P.C. at 919-833-1040 to learn more about your rights. 

Actress Sandra Bullock announced this past week that she has recently adopted a baby, while news surfaced that she has also filed for divorce.

Ms. Bullock filed for divorce from husband Jesse James last Friday in Austin, according to media reports. The couple has been married since 2005 and started the adoption process together four years ago, but separated after rumors surfaced in December of Mr. James's infidelity. The adoption went forward as planned, but with Ms. Bullock listed as the sole legal parent rather than sharing joint custody. She has adopted a baby boy, named Louis.

Divorce involving a child can become highly emotional and complex. In Ms. Bullock's unique situation, however, the adoption was settled prior to the divorce with Ms. Bullock as the sole caregiver, so child custody is not likely to be an issue in her divorce.

If you are considering or anticpating divorce, it is important to speak with an experienced family lawyer as soon as possible. Divorcing with children may involve issues of child custody, child support, alimony, and other related issues. A divorce attorney can help to ensure that your rights and interests remain protected throughout your proceeding.

For sound legal advice and assistance with your divorce case, don't hesitate to contact the Raleigh family law and divorce attorneys of Marshall & Taylor Law Firm, P.C., today at 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.

Officials in Mecklenburg County are considering options for enforcing child support payments within the county. While the current system allows the state to enforce child support rulings, local leaders are seeking a way to place the responsibility in the hands of local governments through privatization or in-house management. Sources close to the case say that they are considering three companies that have experience managing child support enforcement to work on the new plan.

For assistance with your child support or child custody claim, contact the Raleigh child support attorneys of Marshall & Taylor, P.C. at 919-833-1040 today. 

The divorce of the stars of the reality TV show Jon and Kate Plus Eight was made final by a Pennsylvania judge this week. The show followed the couple as they raised their eight children, a set of sextuplets and a pair of twins. Kate was awarded custody of all eight of the couple's children. Her lawyer states that after this long process, Kate is "thrilled" and "relieved it's finally over." Her lawyer released a statement in which Kate claims to "look forward to a new year, focusing on the children."

Although they filed for a "no fault" divorce back in June, the divorce process has been drawn out and highly emotional and was not finalized until six months later.

 If you are considering a divorce, contact the Raleigh divorce attorneys of Marshall & Taylor, P.C.

Shaquille O’Neal’s wife of seven years has filed forseparation from the basketball star.

V’shaundya O’Neal filed legal papers in Las Angeles onNovember 10, citing irreconcilable differences. “Shaunie” is also seeking solecustody of the couples’ four children, 9 year-old Shareef, 7 year-old Amirah, 6year-old Shaqir, and 3 year-old Me’Arah.

The filing is seen as a response to recent reports thatShaquille O’Neal has been romantically involved with Laura Govan, the fiancéeof fellow NBA player Gilbert Arenas. Court papers however, do not citeinfidelity as a petition for separation. Shaunie is also seeking an undisclosedamount of money in spousal support and child support payments.

If you or someone you know is considering divorce, pleasecontact the Raleigh Divorce Lawyers of Marshall & Taylor, P.C. by calling 919-833-1040.

Actor Tom Sizemore owes more than $58,000 in child supportaccording to a lawsuit filed by his ex-wife in Los Angeles Superior Court thisweek.

Ex-wife Jinele Mc’Intire claims she is owed the money inback support for the couple’s twin boys that were born in 2005. Mc’Intire saysthe actor, famous for roles in movies like Saving Private Ryan, Point Break,and Heat, last saw his children when he was filiming the television show “SoberHouse” for which he was paid $200,000.

Mc’Intire stated in the lawsuit “Tom Sizemore is a Dead BeatDad.” She claims that due to the lack of money she has been forced to live witha friend while her children stay with her brother in Texas.

Mc’Intire is also seeking health insurance and legal feesfrom Sizemore.

If you or someone you know is considering divorce, it is important to find anattorney you can trust, one who will work to reduce your stress as much aspossible in what can be a highly emotional and confusing situation. Pleasecontact the Raleigh Divorce Lawyers of Marshall & Taylor, P.C. by calling919-833-1040.