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“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 J. Woodruff JD, CPA, CVA
Carolyn uses her twenty-plus years of experience to help North Carolina family law clients realize their individual objectives in every case she takes. Carolyn’s practice emphasizes the client and their reasonable objectives. She is experienced in business valuation in divorce, complex equitable distribution, complex custody, domestic violence, alienation of affection, alimony, grandparent’s rights, child support, and other areas of family law, such as adoption and termination of parental rights.
Many people ask, “how do you win a family law case?” This varies from client to client. Some clients are sensitive to their children’s well-being; others, sometimes with adult children, want to concentrate on their respective retirement. Some clients do not wish to leave the family home. There are also the closely held businesses amid a divorce. There are executives, or their former spouses, with deferred compensation who need help. Carolyn designs her case plan for the individual client, based on her wide background as both a family law specialist and as the only family lawyer who is both a Certified Valuation Analyst (NACVA) and a CPA.
Carolyn graduated with High Honors from Duke University School of Law after serving as Research and Managing Editor for Duke Law Review. Her legal career began with Tuggle Duggins and Meschan, P.A., where she became a shareholder and principal in only four years. While at Tuggle Duggins, she crafted a dynamic practice and tried complex cases in the United States Tax Court. At this time, equitable distribution was new in North Carolina. Carolyn consulted on various complex divorce cases and became a divorce business valuation expert, testifying across the state, in many instances, as an expert witness. Carolyn realized that she possessed a unique skillset due to being both an expert witness and a trial attorney, a skillset which qualified her to handle complex divorce cases. In 1994, she set out in her own firm as lead counsel in divorce and family law matters, forming what today is Woodruff Family Law Group. Carolyn continues her distinguished career as Woodruff Family Law Group has grown.
Carolyn has also served as Chair of the Domestic Relations Tax Committee for the Tax Section of the American Bar Association. Here, Carolyn often was featured as a national speaker, addressing topics such as corporate redemption regulations in divorce, child dependency regulations, and innocent spouse reform. Carolyn was a leader in getting the IRS to both recognize and examine domestic violence issues in relation to filing joint income tax returns. She was also vital in these domestic relations tax reforms, and due to her efforts, Carolyn became a Fellow in the American College of Tax Counsel, which requires a noteworthy contribution to United States tax policy and is a selective and esteemed national academic and think tank organization. Carolyn is the ONLY woman in the state who has been granted the position of fellow in the American College of Tax Counsel. There are currently 16 Fellows in North Carolina.
As a member of the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (NCACPA), Carolyn has served as a trailblazing speaker in continuing education for North Carolina CPAs who need knowledge of business valuation and taxation in divorce in North Carolina. Carolyn authored two continuing ed textbooks for the NCACPA as well. She has been an entertaining and award-winning presenter at more than 30 continuing ed programs for CPAs in North Carolina on these topics. Carolyn served for three years on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Association of CPAs, and has also served as the Piedmont Chapter President. Currently, she serves on the Symposium Committee, which hosts the largest annual continuing ed program for CPAs in North Carolina. She is also a frequent speaker at this Symposium.
Carolyn currently is leading efforts on domestic violence reform in North Carolina. The tragic and unneccessary death of Laurissa Armstrong spurred her to take an active role in seeking reforms to North Carolina domestic violence laws. She has also been a writer and spokesperson on this topic.
Carolyn’s Mission Statement:
Through care, integrity, and honesty, Woodruff Family Law Group works to provide creative and impactful solutions for our clients. My focus and that of every member of my firm will always be achieving each client’s most important goals and objectives. From the initial consultation and throughout every step we take together in the legal process, each client and every member of our client’s family is of the utmost importance to us because it is important to our client. With this approach, every client can be on the road to a promising divorce recovery and bright future.
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State: North Carolina
Acquired: 1983
No misconduct found
Fax
420 W Market St., Greensboro, NC, 27401
woodrufflawfirm.com/
Other places you can find Carolyn online.
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | March 08, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Highly recommend
“When I made the decision to file for divorce, I was very nervous and had absolutely no idea of what to expect. During my initial meeting with Carolyn and Steve, I knew I had found the best possible firm to represent me. I immediately felt comfortable explaining my situation. From the beginning,...
Posted by anonymous | February 03, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Family
Caring and Competent
I found Carolyn Woodruff and her staff to be very caring and attentive. Carolyn and her staff have been available for me whenever needed, even for emergencies on weekends and vacations. Carolyn is extremely knowledgeable and competent at navigating very complex custody and financial issues. I highly ...
Posted by Tom | December 12, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Family
Highly recommended as the best lawyers in the Greensboro area!
I spent weeks searching and interviewing attorneys in Greensboro and in all the surrounding areas looking for the most experienced take no prisoners attorneys to handle my case. The firm took on my losing case against a behemoth of a DSS agency who think they can just do whatever they want to you and...
Posted by David | July 22, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Family
Difficult Situation, Excellent Results
My unique set of needs and circumstances were very well addressed by Carolyn Woodruff. Her knowledge of multiple facets of the law, including family, business, and tax law, made it obvious that she has been in this market for a very long time. The entire staff of Woodruff Family Law Group is extrem...
Posted by anonymous | November 12, 2014 | Child Custody
Skilled Lawyer
When I met with Carolyn Woodruff at Woodruff Family Law Group, my goal was to obtain full custody. Carolyn was extremely knowledgeable in the legal aspects from the first meeting. She was also very responsive to emails, explaining things in a way that I could understand. Carolyn, Steve Coggin, Lauren...
"Carolyn advocates for her clients to her fullest capabilities and is a premier educator, advocate, and representative of the legal profession."
"Carolyn is pre-eminent in her field and is well respected among judges and fellow colleagues. We have had many cases together involving litigation, mediation, and settlement. She is competent and caring. Carolyn also has expertise in tax matters and business valuation which is invaluable in the divorce context."
"I endorse this lawyer. Carolyn's expertise in complex asset cases is well known among her peers."
"I would highly recommend Carolyn Woodruff as a family lawyer!"
"Carolyn is one of the best family law attorneys ini North Carolina. She is highly recommended."
"I endorse Ms. Woodruff. She provides excellent representation in family law matters."
Family lawyer
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2025
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2024
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2023
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2022
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2021
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2020
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers
2020
10 Best Female Attorneys - North Carolina, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2020
10 Best Law Firms - North Carolina, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers
2019
10 Best Female Attorneys - North Carolina, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2019
10 Best Law Firms - North Carolina, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2019
Top 10 Family Law Attorneys in North Carolina, National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers
2018
Best Law Firms in North Carolina, U.S. News & World Report
2018
10 Best Female Attorneys - North Carolina, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2018
10 Best Attorneys, Best Lawyers
2018
10 Best Attorneys - North Carolina, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Largest Women Owned Businesses, Triad Business Journal
2017
Women in the Law Nominated by Their Peers, Best Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
10 Best Law Firms - North Carolina, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2017
Top 100 Family Lawyers in the State of North Carolina, American Society of Legal Advocates
2017
Best Lawyers, Best Lawyers
2017
10 Best Female Attorneys, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2017
Top 100 2017 NC SuperLawyers, Super Lawyers
2017
Top 50 Women in North Carolina Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers
2017
10 Best Family Law Attorneys, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2016
10 Best Female Attorneys, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Client Satisfaction Award, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2016
Top 50 Women Attorneys in North Carolina, Charlotte Magazine
2016
10 Best Attorneys - North Carolina, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2016
Women in the Law Top Peer Nominated Lawyers, Best Lawyers
2016
Best Lawyers, Best Lawyers
2015
Top Rated Lawyer in Family Law, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
10 Best Attorneys - North Carolina, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2015
R. Donald Farmer Award, NCACPA
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
2015
Best Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America
2015
Best Lawyers in North Carolina, Our State Magazine
2014
R. Donald Farmer Award, NCACPA
2014
Leader in the Law, North Carolina Lawyers Weekly
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Best Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America
2014
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Top 10 Attorneys, National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
R. Donald Farmer Award, NCACPA
2013
Best Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America
2013
5.0 Discussion Leader Award, NCACPA
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers in America
2012
5.0 Discussion Leader Award, NCACPA
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
Outstanding Seminar Discussion Leader, NCACPA
2011
Best Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America
2010
Outstanding Conference Discussion Leader, NCACPA
2010
Best Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America
2010
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2010
Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
Best Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America
2009
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2008
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2007
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2000 - Present
CEO, Family Law Specialist, Woodruff Family Law Group
2012 - Present
Aircraft Owners and Pilots AssociationMember
2000 - Present
American College of Tax CounselFellow
2000 - Present
Greensboro Bar Association, Family Law Section
1995 - Present
National Association Certified Valuation Analysts
1985 - Present
North Carolina Association of Certified Public AccountantsMember
1985 - Present
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
1984 - Present
American Bar Association
1983 - Present
North Carolina Bar AssociationMember
Represented appellee, appeal dismissed successfully as interlocutory
Affirmed
Affirmed
Affirmed
Affirmed in part - Reversed in part.
N/A
JD - Juris Doctor
2023
2022
FinTech and Innovation
2019
Unmasking Today's Divorce Problems
2018
Ghosts, Goblins and Zombies! Family Law Tax Changes
2017
Seven Pitfalls of Complex Tax Issues
2017
Sharks in Them Thar' Waters
2017
Business Valuation Principles in North Carolina
2017
Financial Guide to Divorce in North Carolina
2016
Asset Protection Strategies with Premarital Agreements
2015
Today's Divorce Climate: Money, Sex, and Lies, but What About the Kids?
2014
Closely Held Business Valuation Basics
2013
Seven of Hearts, or is it Seven of Broken Hearts?
2012
10 Pitfalls of Family Law Controversies
2011
The Subpoena and the CPA: The Ethical and Legal Saga
2010
The Good, the Bad, the Alimony
2009
Planning for Your Future Former Spouse or How to Sell Your Ex on E-Bay
2020
2017
2016
2016
English
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Is a Court order regarded as a contract between the parties AND the Court, or just between the two opposing sides?
10 May 2014
What are my rights if I have legal custody of my grandchild?
23 Apr 2014
Alimony from the Payors' Perspective
11 Oct 2017
Business Valuation
11 Oct 2017
Alimony - Deductible or Not
11 Oct 2017