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Carolyn Woodruff, JD, CPA, CVA


NC State Board of Legal Specialization - Family Law Specialist
NC State Board of Accountancy - Certified Public Accountant
National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts - Certified Valuation Analyst®
American College of Tax Counsel - Fellow
cwoodruff@woodrufflawfirm.com
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Phone: 336.272.9122 Ext: 3004
Fax: 336.272.7991

420 W Market St
Greensboro, North Carolina 27401

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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.

Education

J.D., Duke University, Durham, NC
High Honors

Legal Specialties & Certifications

NC State Board of Legal Specialization - Family Law Specialist

NC State Board of Accountancy - Certified Public Accountant

National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts - Certified Valuation Analyst®

American College of Tax Counsel - Fellow

Publications & Presentations

Ask Carolyn 1 and 2, Carolyn J. Woodruff

Business Valuation Principles in North Carolina, Carolyn J. Woodruff

Closely Held Business Valuation Basics, Carolyn J. Woodruff

The Divorce Forensic Investigator…Colombo Follows the Money, Carolyn J. Woodruff

Unmasking Damages, NC Bar 2019, Carolyn Woodruff

Unmasking Today's Divorce Problems, NCACPA Symposium 2019, Carolyn Woodruff

Essential Guide to Your Family Law Case During COVID-19, 2020, Carolyn Woodruff, Jonathan D. Csuka, and Jessica S. Bullock

Non-Legal Activities

Avid Ballroom Dancer---Dance Legends

Multi-Engine Instrument  Airplane Pilot

Awards & Recognitions
Women in Business


Recognized since 2009. The criteria for selection can be found here. Best Lawyers recognitions are compiled based on an exhaustive Purely Peer Review® evaluation.


Ask Carolyn
Having practiced family law for more than 20 years, I have seen a lot of cases- each completely unique. I started the Ask Carolyn column in the Rhino Times, to give Greensboro the opportunity to ask questions and receive feedback from an experienced family law specialist. I answer questions by interpreting laws, so readers in similar situations can benefit. I have also witnessed how damaging family troubles can be. I use this column as a recovery tool, to help readers move forward and facilitate emotional healing. 

Check out the Ask Carolyn website for more information.

Thank you for the opportunity to help you through this emotional process. 



Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice North Carolina
Professional & Bar Association Memberships

NC Bar Association

18th Judicial District – State Bar Association Family Law Section