Can I vote as an ex officio member? Can we ask ex officio members to leave? I hear such questions often. And almost every time, the issue is not the rules. It is a misunderstanding of what “ex officio” actually means. Ex officio simply means “by virtue of an office.” A person is on a board or committee because they hold a certain position. When they leave that position, the n...

Hot off the presses, Fannie Mae has issued new condominium project standards and property insurance requirements to address rising insurance costs and limited availability; improve financial stability of condo projects;  simplify processes for lenders/servicers; and align with Freddie Mac and guidance from Federal Housing Finance Agency. Why does this matter to community...

For a general overview of custody mediation statewide, see What to Expect in Private Family Financial Mediation in North Carolina. The answer is sometimes.  When people first hear about mediation, they often picture everyone sitting around a conference table working through issues together. Sometimes that happens. But in many family financial mediations, the parties...

Several national clients have asked me recently for advice on “modernizing” their resolutions processes. That has involved looking at what they do, why they do it, and what improvements might make the process more efficient or easier for members to understand. From those conversations comes this article, which discusses the general process. There are as many resolutions proce...

If you or the other parent or guardian files a child custody lawsuit in North Carolina, you will both be required to attend court-ordered custody mediation in the county where the lawsuit was filed before trial, except in the case of emergencies and a few other exceptions.  Understanding the process can help you feel more prepared, confident, and focused on what matters ...