Articles

The Case of the Inexcusably Ignorant Refinance Loan

Written By Lance P. Martin

A recent decision from the North Carolina Court of Appeals illustrates the wrong way to refinance a loan.  In Midfirst Bank v. Brown, a refinancing lender cancelled a deed of trust that should have been assigned to i…

What Say Ye, FTC: The FTC Deems Non-Competes Unfair Competition

Written By Justin T. Hill and Avery J. Locklear

On January 5, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") proposed a rule that would ban non-compete agreements between employers and workers on the basis that non-compete clauses are unfair methods of competition.  W…

Marriage, Divorce & The Family Business: Is What Is Mine Really Yours Too?

Written By William S. Durr

North Carolina's equitable distribution laws provide the framework for determining how property will be valued and divided when one or both partners in a marriage decide to separate. Before doing a deeper dive into how on…

Are Your Retirement Accounts SECURED? Action Steps for Plan Participants and IRA Owners

Written By Zachary F. Lamb

Passed by Congress in late 2019, the SECURE Act contained the most significant changes to qualified retirement plans (QRPs) and IRAs since the Pension Protection Act of 2006. Notably, the SECURE Act eliminated the ability…

Deed Warranties and Why They Should Matter To You

Written By Dana M. Lingenfelser

You're negotiating to buy a piece of real estate and your attorney tells you that the seller is proposing to give you a "Special Warranty Deed" in exchange for all of the money you will pay.  Special Warranty Deed - …

Media Mention: Jason Strickland's Article Featured on NASBP Blog

With disputes in the construction industry often involving complex contracts, communication can be make-or-break. The National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP) recently featured an article by construction liti…