Carolyn Woodruff, JD, CPA, CVA

Research and Managing Editor of Duke Law Review

"The most important part of your divorce is your recovery. Recovery means you are recovered financially, emotionally, physically, socially and spiritually -- the whole person. The joy is returned to your life, and YOU are okay. You will be OKAY!"

Carolyn has practiced family law for more than 25 years. Carolyn's law practice focuses on the client and that client's reasonable objectives. She is very experienced in complex equitable distribution, business valuation in divorce, complex custody, alienation of affection, domestic violence, alimony, child support, grandparents' rights and other areas falling within family law, such as termination of parental rights and adoption.

Interestingly, and unlike most other areas of law, the question has to be asked: "how do you win a family law case?" This varies, client to client. Some clients are very sensitive to the well-being of children; others, perhaps with adult children, wish to focus on their respective retirement. Some feel secure in the family home and do not want to move. Then, there are the closely-held businesses in the midst of a divorce. There are the executives, or their former spouses, with all that deferred compensation who need help. Carolyn tailors her case plan for each individual client, based upon her extensive background- -not only as a family law specialist, but also as the only family lawyer who is both a CPA and a Certified Valuation Analyst (NACVA).

Following her role as Research and Managing Editor for Duke Law Review, Carolyn graduated from Duke University School of Law with High Honors. She then began her legal career with Tuggle Duggins and Meschan, P.A. where she became a principal and shareholder in only four short years. In 1994, Carolyn set out in her own firm to be lead counsel in divorce and family law matters, forming the embryonic vision of what has become Woodruff Family Law Group.

Other relevant experience includes Carolyn's role as Chair of the Domestic Relations Tax Committee for the Tax Section of the American Bar Association where she was frequently featured as a national speaker on topics such as innocent spouse reform, child dependency regulations and corporate redemption regulations in divorce. Carolyn became a Fellow in the American College of Tax Counsel, which has, as a requirement, a significant contribution to United States tax policy and is a very selective and esteemed national academic and think tank organization. Carolyn is one of only two women in North Carolina who have been granted status as a Fellow in the American College of Tax Counsel.

Through the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (NCACPA), Carolyn has been a speaker and trailblazer in continuing education for the CPAs in North Carolina who need knowledge of taxation related to divorce and business valuation in divorce in North Carolina. Carolyn has authored two continuing education textbooks -- Financial Guide to Divorce in North Carolina and Business Valuation Principles in North Carolina.