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NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL PRACTITIONER’S GUIDE TO LITIGATION

CHAPTER IPARTITIONS

I. PARTITIONS......................................................................................................................5 A. Jurisdiction and Venue............................................................................................5

B. Parties.........................................................................................................................5C. Restrictions on the Right to Petition for Partition....................................................6D. The Pleadings..........................................................................................................7E. Actual Partition vs. Sale in Lieu of Partition............................................................9F. Actual Partition of Real Property..........................................................................10G. Sale for Partition of Real Property.........................................................................13H. Partition of Personal Property................................................................................14I. Compensation for Commissioners........................................................................14

II. APPENDIX.......................................................................................................................15FORM 1: Petition..........................................................................................................................15FORM 2: Notice of Sale...............................................................................................................17FORM 3: Order of Confi rmation...................................................................................................19FORM 4: Final Report of Sale......................................................................................................21FORM 5: Affi davit of Service......................................................................................................23FORM 6: Affi davit of Publication................................................................................................25FORM 7: Assignment of Bid........................................................................................................27FORM 8: Commissioner’s Deed...................................................................................................29FORM 9: Oath of Commissioners................................................................................................31FORM 10: Report of Commissioners...........................................................................................33FORM 11: Motion for Confi rmation of Sale..................................................................................35

CHAPTER IIPERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS

I. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................45II. INITIAL INTERVIEW......................................................................................................45 A. Information Releases.............................................................................................45 B. Important Subjects................................................................................................46 C. Analysis of Plaintiff’s Insurance............................................................................46 D. Fee Agreement......................................................................................................47III. ANALYSIS OF CLAIM....................................................................................................47 A. Has the Statute of Limitations Run Out on the Claim?........................................47 1. Statutes of Repose.....................................................................................48 2. Tolling Rules.............................................................................................48 B. Can the Plaintiff’s Claim be Proven?.....................................................................49 1. Automobile Negligence Claim..................................................................49

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2. Assault and Battery....................................................................................49 3. Intentional Infl iction of Emotional Distress...............................................50 4. Premises Liability or “Slip and Fall” Claims............................................50 C. Review of Defenses...............................................................................................51IV. INVESTIGATION OF THE CLAIM................................................................................52 A. Obtain Plaintiff’s Medical Bills.............................................................................52 B. Obtain Plaintiff’s Medical Records........................................................................52 C. Review the Medical Records................................................................................52 D. Obtain an Opinion Letter from the Principal Physician........................................52 E. Respond to Dunning Letters Sent to Your Client.................................................53 F. Obtain Documentation of the Plaintiff’s Lost Income..........................................53 G. Obtain Public Records...........................................................................................53 H. Interview the Witnesses..........................................................................................53 I. Advise the Prospective Opponent of Your Representation of the Plaintiff............53 J. Find Assets.............................................................................................................53V. PRESENTATION OF THE CLAIM/DEMAND PACKAGE...........................................54 A. Settlement Brochure..............................................................................................54 B. Settlement Negotiation With the Defendant or His Insurance Company.............54 1. Pre-Existing Medical Conditions...............................................................54 2. Mitigation of Damages..............................................................................55 3. Scars and Disfi gurement............................................................................55 4. Probabilities and Possibilities....................................................................55 5. Different Wage Loss Claims......................................................................55 6. Permanent Injury and Future Pain and Suffering.......................................56 7. Subsequent Injuries....................................................................................56 8. Injuries Resulting from Medical Treatment..............................................56 9. Evaluating Your Client’s Claim.................................................................56VI. FILING AN ACTION FOR PERSONAL INJURY..........................................................57 A. Motor Vehicle Negligence Complaint....................................................................57 B. Premises Liability or “Slip and Fall” Complaint...................................................57 C. Assault and Battery Complaint..............................................................................57 D. Consortium Claim Complaint................................................................................57 E. Wrongful Death Complaint....................................................................................58 F. Complaint Asserting a Minor’s Claim...................................................................59VII. INSURANCE CONCERNS..............................................................................................59 A. Notices Required for Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims..................59 B. Insurance Settlements............................................................................................60VIII. DISCOVERY AND LITIGATION ISSUES.....................................................................60 A. Insurance Coverage Discovery Requests..............................................................60 B. Expert Witness Discovery.....................................................................................61 C. Request for Entry Upon Land for Inspection and Other Purposes.........................61 D. Standard Discovery Requests................................................................................61 E. Videotaped Deposition..........................................................................................61

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F. Hospital Records Affi davits..................................................................................61 G. Proof of Medical Expenses – “Billed v. Paid” in Action........................................62 1. North Carolina Rule of Evidence 414......................................................62 H. Investigators and Videotapes.................................................................................65 I. Offers of Judgment................................................................................................65IX. SETTLEMENTS AND DISTRIBUTION OF PROCEEDS............................................65 A. Subrogation and Lien Claims................................................................................65 1. Workers’ Compensation Subrogation Claims............................................65 2. Medicaid and Medicare Subrogation........................................................66 B. Settlement of a Minor’s Claim..............................................................................68 C. Payment of Medical Creditors..............................................................................68FORM 1A: Questionnaire – Personal Injury Clients....................................................................69FORM 1B: Attorney Check List for Initial Discussion – Personal Injury..................................73FORM 1C: Information Requested from Client..........................................................................75FORM 1D: Personal Injury To Do List........................................................................................77FORM 2: Medical Release...........................................................................................................79FORM 3: Employment Release...................................................................................................81FORM 4: Proof of Representation..............................................................................................83FORM 5: Medicare Certifi cation Statement................................................................................85FORM 6: Authorization for Release of Employee Welfare Benefi t Plans.................................87FORM 7: Declarations Pages – Automobile and Homeowners Insurance..................................89FORM 8: Contingent Fee Agreement..........................................................................................91FORM 9: Request for Medical Bills...........................................................................................95FORM 10: Request for Medical Reports......................................................................................97FORM 11: Request for Opinion Letter.........................................................................................99FORM 12: Response to Medical Creditors Letter......................................................................101FORM 13: Lost Income Form......................................................................................................103FORM 14: Letter of Representation............................................................................................105FORM 15: Settlement Brochure..................................................................................................107FORM 16: Motor Vehicle Negligence Complaint.......................................................................111FORM 17: Premises Liability Complaint.....................................................................................113FORM 18: Assault and Battery Complaint..................................................................................117FORM 19: Wrongful Death Action Complaint Containing a Loss of Consortium Claim............123FORMS 20A-E: Estate Forms.....................................................................................................131FORMS 21A-B: Petition and Order Appointing Guardian Ad Litem for a Minor.......................139FORM 22: Complaint Asserting Minor’s Claim..........................................................................143FORM 23: Notice to Underinsured Motorist Coverage Carrier..................................................149FORM 24: Basic First Interrogatories and Request for Production of Documents....................151FORM 25: Request for Inspection of Property.............................................................................165FORM 26A: Notice of Videotaped Deposition [for Discovery Depositions].............................167FORM 26B: Notice of de bene esse Deposition [for For-trial Depositions]................................169FORM 27: Medical Records Custodian Affi davit......................................................................171FORM 28: Settlement Statement................................................................................................173

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FORM 29: IOLTA Form.............................................................................................................175FORM 30: Petition for Order of Disbursement of Proceeds from Settlement..........................177FORM 31: Employee’s Motion to Set Workers’ Compensation Lien and Disburse Third Party Settlement Proceeds and Order Allowing Same..............................................183FORM 32: Medicare Set Aside White Paper................................................................................189FORM 33A: Motion for Approval of Minor Settlement..............................................................221FORM 33B: Order Approving Minor Settlement........................................................................223FORMS 34A-B: Receipt and Agreement Forms – AOC Forms..................................................229

CHAPTER IIISOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

STATUTORY REFERENCES....................................................................................................235CASE REFERENCES.................................................................................................................236SOCIAL SECURITY PUBLICATIONS.....................................................................................236OTHER REFERENCES..............................................................................................................236I. SCOPE OF CHAPTER....................................................................................................239II. OVERVIEW.....................................................................................................................239III. DEFINITION OF DISABILITY....................................................................................239IV. SEQUENTIAL EVALUATION PROCESS....................................................................239V. REPRESENTING A CLIENT.........................................................................................240 VI. TECHNOLOGY CONSIDERATIONS..........................................................................241VII. STAGES OF ADJUDICATION......................................................................................241VIII. PRACTICE POINTERS.................................................................................................243 A. Initial Interview....................................................................................................243

B. Preparing for Your Hearing...................................................................................243C. Hearing Procedures..............................................................................................244

IX. RECENT CHANGES......................................................................................................244X. CURRENT TRENDS......................................................................................................245FORM 1: Social Security Administration Form SSA-1696-U6, Appointment of Representative.....................................................................................................247FORM 2: Social Security Attorney Fee Agreement.....................................................................249FORM 3: Medical Release Authorization....................................................................................251FORM 4: Engagement Letter.......................................................................................................253FORM 5: Request for Review of Hearing/Decision/Order (HA-520-U5)...................................255FORM 6: Appeals Council Argument..........................................................................................257FORM 7: Complaint.....................................................................................................................259FORM 8: Social Security Interview Form....................................................................................261FORM 9: Request for Medical Information to a Doctor...............................................................263FORM 10: Request for Medical Information to a Hospital...........................................................265FORM 11: General Format of Questions for Hearing..................................................................267

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To access FORM 1, “Social Security Administration Form SSA-1696-U6, Appointment of Repre-sentative” and FORM 5, “Request for Review of Hearing/Decision/Order (HA-520-U5),” please visit the Social Security Administration’s website at www.ssa.gov.

CHAPTER IVALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

I. INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................273II. MEDIATION..................................................................................................................273

A. The Mediation Process.........................................................................................273 1. Defi nition.............................................................................................273 2. Mediation Procedure................................................................................273 a. Selecting a Mediator.....................................................................274 b. Mediation Preparation..................................................................274 c. Initial Joint Session.......................................................................275 d. Private Sessions...........................................................................275 e. Completing the Mediation............................................................276 (1) Impasse.......................................................................276 (2) Agreement.......................................................................276 (3) Mediation Recessed.........................................................277 f. Use of Information Disclosed in Mediation.................................277B. Court-Ordered Mediation.....................................................................................277C. Contractual Mediation.........................................................................................278

III. ARBITRATION..............................................................................................................279 A. Private Binding Arbitration..................................................................................279 1. Defi nition................................................................................................279 2. Agreements to Arbitrate............................................................................279 3. Drafting Arbitration Agreements..............................................................280 a. Generally.....................................................................................280 b. Essential Elements in an Arbitration Process..............................280 (1) Selection of Arbitrators....................................................280 (2) Locale.............................................................................281 (3) Number of Arbitrators......................................................281 (4) Qualifi cations of Arbitrators............................................281 (5) Designation of Time Limits.............................................281 (6) Assessment of Administrative Fees and Expenses...........282 (7) Discovery........................................................................282 (8) Scope of the Arbitrator’s Powers......................................282 (9) Administering the Arbitration..........................................283 (10) Choice of Law Provisions................................................283 (11) Sample Arbitration Provisions..........................................283 4. Initiating Arbitration................................................................................284 5. Proceedings to Compel or Stay Arbitration...............................................284

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6. Appointment of Arbitrator(s)...................................................................284 7. The Arbitration Hearing...........................................................................284 8. Form of Award..........................................................................................285 9. Time of Award.........................................................................................285 10. Change of Award by Arbitrators..............................................................285 11. Jurisdiction and Venue.............................................................................285 12. Confi rmation of an Award.......................................................................286 13. Vacating an Award...................................................................................286 14. Modifi cation or Correction of Award by the Court..................................287 15. Judgment or Decree on Award................................................................288 16. Appeals...................................................................................................288 B. Court-Ordered Non-Binding Arbitration............................................................288 1. Actions Subject to Arbitration.................................................................289 2. Arbitrator Selection................................................................................289 3. Scheduling the Hearing...........................................................................289 4. Pre-Hearing Exchange of Information....................................................289 5. Witness and Subpoena Power..................................................................290 6. Authority of Arbitrator.............................................................................290 7. Evidentiary Rules....................................................................................290 8. Time Limits.............................................................................................290 9. Form of Award.........................................................................................290 10. Trial de Novo..........................................................................................291IV. OTHER FORMS OF ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION..............................291STATUTORY REFERENCES....................................................................................................291OTHER REFERENCES.............................................................................................................292FORM 1: Order for Mediated Settlement Conference in Superior Court and Trial Calendar Notice (AOC-CV-811).................................................................................293FORM 2: Designation of Mediator in Superior Court Civil Action (AOC-CV-812).................295FORM 3: Report of Mediator in Superior Court Civil Action (AOC-CV-813).......................297FORM 4: Notice of Case Selection for Arbitration (AOC-CV-800).........................................299FORM 5: Notice of Arbitration Hearing (AOC-CV-801)..........................................................301FORM 6: Award and Judgment (AOC-CV-802)........................................................................303FORM 7: Request for Trial de Novo (AOC-CV-803)................................................................305FORM 8: Assessment of Arbitration Fee (AOC-CV-805)...........................................................307FORM 9: Arbitration Stipulation and Order (AOC-CV-912M).................................................309FORM 10: Motion to use Settlement Procedure Other than Mediated Settlement Conference in Superior Court Civil Action and Order (AOC-CV-818)...................311FORM 11: Report of Neutral Conducting Settlement Procedure Other than Mediated Settlement Conference or Arbitration in Superior Court Civil Action (AOC-CV-817)..........................................................................................................313

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CHAPTER VNORTH CAROLINA ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE

I. THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE ACT.............................................................321 A. The History of the APA........................................................................................321 B. Scope of the APA and Its Exemptions.................................................................323II. Offi ce of Administrative Hearings (OAH)......................................................................323 A. OAH Powers and Purposes...................................................................................323 B. OAH Locations....................................................................................................324 C. OAH ALJs...........................................................................................................324III. CHALLENGES TO AGENCY DECISIONS..................................................................325 A. Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies..............................................................325 B. Administrative Hearings Under Article 3 of the APA.........................................326 1. Provisions for Non-Adjudicative Resolutions..........................................326 a. Settlement Before Filing Contested Case......................................326 b. Settlement After Filing Contested Case.......................................327 c. Mediation....................................................................................327 2. Article 3 Contested Case Proceedings....................................................328 a. Bringing a Contested Case Hearing............................................328 (1) Time to Initiate the Contested Case.................................329 (2) Who May Bring the Appeal.............................................329 (3) The Petition for Contested Case Hearing (PCCH).........331 (4) Filing the PCCH at OAH.................................................331 (5) Filing Fees.......................................................................332 (6) Service of the PCCH........................................................332 b. Scope of Contested Case Hearings.............................................333 c. Requirements for “Service” of Documents.................................334 d. Pre-Hearing Procedures..............................................................335 (1) Designation of the ALJ.....................................................335 (2) Notice of Contest.............................................................335 (3) Pre-Hearing Statements...................................................335 (4) Scheduling Order.............................................................335 (5) Intervention....................................................................336 (6) Consolidation..................................................................336 (7) Motions..........................................................................337 (8) Requests for Continuance................................................337 (9) Secure Leave for Attorneys..............................................337 (10) Notice of Hearing.............................................................338 e. ALJ Powers to Conduct the Hearing............................................338 f. Hearing Procedures......................................................................340 (1) OAH Hearing Procedures and Standards.........................340 (2) Complex Hearing Procedures...........................................341 (3) No Ex Parte Communications with ALJ..........................341

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(4) Potential Disqualifi cation of the ALJ...............................341 (5) Evidentiary Matters..........................................................342 (a) Offi cial Notice.....................................................342 (b) Stipulations.........................................................342 (c) Rules of Evidence................................................343 (d) Testimony............................................................344 (e) Documentary Evidence........................................345 (6) Hearing Transcripts.........................................................345 (7) The Record and Offi cial Record of the Contested Case....345 (a) The Record..........................................................346 (b) The Offi cial Record.............................................346 (8) Parties’ Burden of Proof Before the ALJ.........................347 (9) Experts and Expertise......................................................348 g. Proposed Decision.......................................................................348 h. ALJ Final Decision or Order.......................................................348 (1) Bases of the Final Decision or Order..............................349 (2) Form of the Final Decision or Order................................349 (3) Timing of the Final Decision or Order..........................350 (4) Transmittal of the Final Decision or Order....................350 i. Action on a Rule or Other Agency Document or Action..............350 j. Attorney Fees...............................................................................351 3. Article 3A Contested Case Proceedings..................................................351 4. Specifi c Administrative Proceedings with Unique Procedures...............352 a. Special Education Cases..............................................................352 b. Medicaid Cases...........................................................................352 c. Contested Tax Cases....................................................................354 d. Certifi cate of Need Hearings.......................................................354 e. State and Local Government Personnel Cases...........................354 5. Civil Rights Division...............................................................................355 C. Declaratory Rulings............................................................................................356 1. Purpose of a Request for a Declaratory Ruling.......................................356 a. Challenging the Validity of a Rule...............................................356 b. Clarifying or Resolving Confl icts as to Laws or Rules................356 2. Procedure for Seeking and Issuing a Declaratory Ruling.......................356 3. Judicial Review.......................................................................................357 D. Rule-Making Petitions........................................................................................357 E. Judicial Review of Agency Decisions.................................................................358 1. Superior Court Review............................................................................358 a. APA Article 4 Judicial Review....................................................358 b. Land Use Judicial Appeals and Other Writs of Certiorari...........360 2. Appellate Review....................................................................................362IV. RULE MAKING BY STATE AGENCIES.....................................................................362 A. Defi nition of a Rule.............................................................................................364

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B. Scope of Rule Making.........................................................................................366 C. Initiating the Rule-Making Process.....................................................................368 D. Emergency Rules................................................................................................369 1. Requirements to Adopt an Emergency Rule............................................369 2. Review by the Codifi er of Rules.............................................................369 3. Effective Date of an Emergency Rule....................................................370 4. Expiration Date of an Emergency Rule...................................................370 5. Court Review of an Emergency Rule......................................................371 E. Temporary Rules.................................................................................................371 1. Requirements to Adopt a Temporary Rule.............................................371 2. Review by the Rules Review Commission.............................................372 3. Publication...................................................................................373 4. Effective Date of a Temporary Rule........................................................373 5. Expiration Date of a Temporary Rule......................................................373 6. Court Review of Temporary Rules........................................................373 F. Requirements for Adopting a Permanent Rule..................................................374 1. Notice of Text..........................................................................................374 2. Mailing List.............................................................................................375 3. Hearing..............................................................................................375 4. Comments........................................................................................375 5. Adoption of the Rule................................................................................375 6. Explanation and Record..........................................................................376 7. Fiscal Notes.............................................................................................376 8. Review by the Rules Review Commission.............................................377 9. Effective Date of the Rule......................................................................378 G. Rule Affecting Local Governments....................................................................380

CHAPTER VIPUBLIC RECORDS ACT

I. PUBLIC RECORDS ACT..............................................................................................385 A. Right of Inspection and Copying........................................................................385 B. Fees................................................................................................................386 C. Defi nition of a “Public Record”...........................................................................386 1. Specifi c Categories or Types of Public Records....................................387 a. Electronic and Electronic Data-Processing Records..................387 b. GIS Data......................................................................................387 c. Public Settlements.......................................................................388 d. Economic Development Incentives and Methodologies.............388 2. Exemptions from Disclosure...................................................................388 a. Individual Security and Privacy Exemptions...............................389 (1) Social Security and Other Personal Identifying Information....................................................................389

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(2) Individual Identity Information.......................................390 (a) Email Lists...........................................................390 (b) Minors in Park Programs.....................................390 (c) Address Confi dentiality Program........................390 (d) College Applications...........................................390 (e) Driving Records..................................................391 (f) License Design Professionals..............................391 (3) Medical Information........................................................391 b. Legal and Law Enforcement Exemptions..................................391 (1) Attorney-Client Communications...................................391 (2) Trial Preparation Materials..............................................391 (3) Law Enforcement Investigatory Materials......................392 (4) Controlled Substances Reporting System.......................392 c. Integrity of Governmental Systems and Programs.....................392 (1) Electronic Data-Processing Security Information...........392 (2) 911 Database Information................................................392 (3) Emergency Response Plans.............................................393 (4) Public Enterprise Billing Information..............................393 d. Confi dential Business Exemptions..............................................393 (1) Trade Secrets...................................................................393 (2) Tax and Financial Information........................................394 D. Defi nition of a Covered “Agency”.....................................................................394 E. Custodian.....................................................................................................395 F. Preserving and Retrieving Records.....................................................................395II. OPEN MEETINGS LAW................................................................................................395

CHAPTER VIICONSTRUCTION LAW

STATUTORY REFERENCES....................................................................................................402OTHER REFERENCES.............................................................................................................403I. LICENSING...................................................................................................................405 A. Design Professionals...........................................................................................405 1. Architecture.............................................................................................405 2. Engineering...........................................................................................405 3. Landscape Architecture...........................................................................406 B. General Contractors.............................................................................................406 C. Other Contractors................................................................................................407 1. Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors..................................407 2. Electrical Contractors..............................................................................407II. SPECIAL DESIGN-BUILD ISSUES..............................................................................407III. NORTH CAROLINA PUBLIC CONTRACTING........................................................408IV. CONTRACTING CONSIDERATIONS.........................................................................408

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A. Warranties..........................................................................................................408 1. Common Law Warranties.........................................................................408 2. Uniform Commercial Code Warranties...................................................410 B. Indemnifi cation...................................................................................................410 C. Damages..............................................................................................................410 D. Limitations of Actions..........................................................................................411 E. Prompt Payment Statutes.....................................................................................412 F. No Damages for Delay Clauses...........................................................................413 G. Consumer Protection Laws Applicable to Design and Construction Contracts...............................................................................................................413 H. American Institute of Architects (AIA) Standard Form Contracts and ConsensusDOCS..................................................................................................413V. THEORIES OF LIABILITY............................................................................................414 A. Breach of Contract...............................................................................................414 B. Breach of Warranty..............................................................................................414 C. Negligence..........................................................................................................414 D. Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices..................................................................415VI. CONSTRUCTION LIENS..............................................................................................416 A. Contractor’s Lien Against Owner’s Real Property...............................................416 B. Subcontractors’ and Suppliers’ Liens...................................................................417 C. Lien Waivers........................................................................................................417 D. Lender Issues.......................................................................................................418 E. Attorneys’ Fees....................................................................................................418 F. Liens and Bankruptcy..........................................................................................419VII. PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BONDS...............................................................419 A. Performance Bonds..............................................................................................419 B. Payment Bonds....................................................................................................420VIII. INSURANCE.................................................................................................................420IX. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES........................................................................................421X. ARBITRATION AND MEDIATION.............................................................................422 A. Arbitration.....................................................................................................422 B. Mediation...........................................................................................................424 C. Dispute Resolution on Public Projects................................................................424XI. FEDERAL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS...................................................................424 A. Miller Act.............................................................................................................424 B. Competition in Contracting Act..........................................................................425 C. Davis Bacon Act...................................................................................................425FORM 1: Affi davit and Partial Waiver of Lien...........................................................................427FORM 2: Affi davit and Waiver of Lien......................................................................................429

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CHAPTER VIIIFEDERAL CIVIL PRACTICE

CASE REFERENCES................................................................................................................438PART I: PITFALLS IN THE FEDERAL RULES FOR STATE PRACTITIONERS................439I. INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................439II. FILING THE COMPLAINT...........................................................................................439 A. Who Effectuates Service......................................................................................439 1. Federal: Fed. R. Civ. P. 4...........................................................................439 2. State: N.C. R. Civ. P. 4(a)..........................................................................439 B. Waiver of Service................................................................................................439 C. Time Limits for Service.......................................................................................440 1. Federal: Fed. R. Civ. P. 4(m).....................................................................440 2. State: N.C. R. Civ. P. 4(c)-(e)...................................................................440 D. Presiding Judge...................................................................................................440 1. Federal....................................................................................................440 2. State........................................................................................................440III. PARTIES AND PLEADINGS.........................................................................................441 A. Stating Claims for Relief......................................................................................441 1. Federal: Fed. R. Civ. P. 8(a)......................................................................441 2. State: N.C. R. Civ. P. 8(a)..........................................................................441 B. Capacity to Sue....................................................................................................441 1. Federal: Fed. R. Civ. P. 9(a)......................................................................441 2. State: N.C. R. Civ. P. 9(a).........................................................................441 C. Pleading Medical Malpractice in North Carolina: N.C. R. Civ. P. 9(j)...............442 D. Death or Incompetency of a Party.......................................................................443 1. Federal: Fed. R. Civ. P. 25........................................................................443 2. State: N.C. R. Civ. P. 25; N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-19-3................................443 E. Answer and Reply................................................................................................443 1. Federal: Fed. R. Civ. P. 12........................................................................443 2. State: N.C. R. Civ. P. 12...........................................................................444 F. Removal to Federal Court: 28 U.S.C. § 1446.......................................................444 G. Answers in Removal Actions: Fed. R. Civ. P. 81(c)..........................................444 H. Third-Party Practice............................................................................................444 1. Federal: Fed. R. Civ. P. 14(a)....................................................................444 2. State: N.C. R. Civ. P. 14(a).......................................................................444 I. Amended Pleadings............................................................................................445 1. Federal: Fed. R. Civ. P. 15(a)...................................................................445 2. State: N.C. R. Civ. P. 15...........................................................................445 J. Computation of Time...........................................................................................446 1. Federal: Fed. R. Civ. P. 6(a)......................................................................446 2. State: N.C. R. Civ. P. 6(a).........................................................................446 K. Enlargement of Time...........................................................................................446

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1. Federal: Fed. R. Civ. P. 6(b).....................................................................446 2. State: N.C. R. Civ. P. 6(b).........................................................................446IV. PRE-TRIAL PROCEDURE............................................................................................447 A. Pre-Trial Conference and Initial Scheduling Order..............................................447 1. Federal: Fed. R. Civ. P. 16........................................................................447 2. State: N.C. R. Civ. P. 16............................................................................447 B. Rule 12 Motions.................................................................................................447 1. Federal....................................................................................................447 2. State........................................................................................................448 C. Injunctions.........................................................................................................449 1. Federal....................................................................................................449 2. State.....................................................................................................449V. DISCOVERY..............................................................................................................449 A. Discovery Scope and Limits...............................................................................449 1. Initial Disclosures...................................................................................449 a. Federal........................................................................................449 b. State.........................................................................................450 2. Experts and Other Provisions..................................................................450 a. Federal........................................................................................450 b. State............................................................................................451 B. Sequence and Timing of Discovery.....................................................................451 1. Federal....................................................................................................451 2. State........................................................................................................451 C. Medical Malpractice Discovery..........................................................................451 D. Depositions................................................................................................452 1. Number of Depositions...........................................................................452 a. Federal........................................................................................452 b. State.....................................................................................452 2. Person Before Whom Deposition May be Taken....................................452 a. Federal.......................................................................................452 b. State............................................................................................452 3. Depositions to be Used Outside of the State..........................................452 a. Federal........................................................................................452 b. State..........................................................................................453 4. Stipulations Regarding Discovery...........................................................453 a. Federal: Fed. R. Civ. P. 29...........................................................453 b. State: N.C. R. Civ. P. 29...............................................................453 5. Taking of Oral and Written Depositions.................................................453 a. Federal.......................................................................................453 b. State.........................................................................................453 6. Notice of Deposition...............................................................................454 a. Federal......................................................................................454 b. State............................................................................................454

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7. Use of Depositions in Court Proceedings..............................................454 a. Federal........................................................................................454 b. State.........................................................................................455 E. Interrogatories....................................................................................................455 1. Number of Interrogatories.......................................................................455 a. Federal........................................................................................455 b. State.............................................................................................455 2. Answers and Objections..........................................................................455 3. Option to Produce Business Records.......................................................455 a. Federal.........................................................................................455 b. State.............................................................................................456 F. Production of Documents and Things and Entry Upon Land for Inspection........456 1. Federal............................................................................................456 2. State........................................................................................................456 G. Request for Admissions.......................................................................................456 1. Federal.....................................................................................................456 2. State.........................................................................................................456 H. Discovery Sanctions............................................................................................457 1. Federal: Fed. R. Civ. P. 37(a)(5)...............................................................457 2. State: N.C. R. Civ. P. 37(a)(4)...................................................................457 I. Subpoenas........................................................................................................457 1. Form....................................................................................................457 a. Federal: Fed. R. Civ. P. 45(a)(1)....................................................457 b. State: N.C. R. Civ. P. 45(a)...........................................................457 2. Issuance..................................................................................................457 a. Federal: Fed. R. Civ. P. 45(a)(2)-(3).............................................457 b. State: N.C. R. Civ. P. 45(a)..........................................................458 3. Service....................................................................................................458 a. Federal: Fed. R. Civ. P. 45(b).......................................................458 b. State: N.C. R. Civ. P. 45(b)...........................................................458 4. Protection of Persons Subject to Subpoenas...........................................459 a. Federal: Fed. R. Civ. P. 45(c)........................................................459 b. State: N.C. R. Civ. P. 45(c)-(d).....................................................459 J. Summary Judgment Considerations....................................................................459 1. Federal: Fed. R. Civ. P. 56........................................................................459 2. State: N.C. R. Civ. P. 56...........................................................................460VI. TRIAL CONSIDERATIONS..........................................................................................460 A. Number of Jurors.................................................................................................460 1. Federal: Fed. R. Civ. P. 48........................................................................460 2. State: N.C. R. Civ. P. 48............................................................................460 B. Demand for Jury Trial in a Removed Action: Fed. R. Civ. P. 81(c).......................460 C. United States Magistrate Judges..........................................................................461 1. Delegated Duties.....................................................................................461

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2. Consent Jurisdiction................................................................................461 3. Typical Duties.........................................................................................461 D. Voluntary Dismissal............................................................................................461 1. Federal...................................................................................................461 a. By Plaintiff or by Stipulation.......................................................461 b. By Order of Court........................................................................462 c. Costs...........................................................................................462 2. State.......................................................................................................462 a. By Plaintiff or Stipulation...........................................................462 b. By Order of Court.......................................................................462 c. Costs...........................................................................................462 E. Involuntary Dismissal.........................................................................................463 1. State Rule: N.C. R. Civ. P. 41(b)...............................................................463 F. Judgment as a Matter of Law, Directed Verdict and J.N.O.V..............................463 1. Federal: Fed. R. Civ. P. 50.......................................................................463 2. State: N.C. R. Civ. P. 50.............................................................................463 G. Jury Instructions..................................................................................................463 1. Federal: Fed. R. Civ. P. 51.........................................................................463 2. State: N.C. R. Civ. P. 51.............................................................................464 H. Findings by the Court..........................................................................................464 1. Federal: Fed. R. Civ. P. 52........................................................................464 2. State: N.C. R. Civ. P. 52............................................................................465 I. Offer of Judgment...............................................................................................465 1. Federal: Fed. R. Civ. P. 68........................................................................465 2. State: N.C. R. Civ. P. 68...........................................................................465VII. JUDGMENTS AND POST-TRIAL MOTIONS.............................................................466 A. Costs for Prevailing Party...................................................................................466 B. Default Judgments...............................................................................................466 1. Federal: Fed. R. Civ. P. 55(b)(1)...............................................................466 2. State: N.C. R. Civ. P. 55(b)(1)...................................................................466 C. Entry of Judgment...............................................................................................466 1. Federal: Fed. R. Civ. P. 58..........................................................................466 2. State: N.C. R. Civ. P. 58.............................................................................467 D. Confession of Judgment......................................................................................467 E. Motion for New Trial...........................................................................................467 1. Federal: Fed. R. Civ. P. 59.........................................................................467 2. State: N.C. R. Civ. P. 59.............................................................................467 F. Execution........................................................................................................467VIII. NOTICE OF APPEAL....................................................................................................468PART II: GENERAL PROCEDURES UNDER LOCAL PRACTICE OF THE THREE NORTH CAROLINA DISTRICTS.................................................................................469I. WESTERN DISTRICT...................................................................................................469 A. Geographic Jurisdiction and Organization.........................................................469

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B. Judicial Offi cers..................................................................................................469 C. Filing...................................................................................................................472 D. Assignment of Judges.........................................................................................472 E. Pre-Trial Procedures............................................................................................472 1. Pre-Trial Conferences..............................................................................472 2. Discovery................................................................................................473 3. Motions Practice......................................................................................473 F. Trial.....................................................................................................................473 1. Calendaring.............................................................................................473 2. Jury Pool and Selection............................................................................473II. MIDDLE DISTRICT.......................................................................................................474 A. Geographic Jurisdiction and Organization..........................................................474 B. Judicial Offi cers...................................................................................................474 C. Where to File.......................................................................................................476 D. Assignment of Judges..........................................................................................476 E. Pre-Trial Procedures............................................................................................476 1. Initial Pre-Trial Conference and Meeting of the Parties............................476 2. Discovery...............................................................................................477 3. Motions Practice......................................................................................477 4. Final Pre-Trial Conference......................................................................478 F. Trial....................................................................................................................478 1. Calendaring............................................................................................478 2. Jury Pool and Selection............................................................................478III. EASTERN DISTRICT....................................................................................................479 A. Geographic Jurisdiction and Organization..........................................................479 B. Judicial Offi cers...................................................................................................479 C. Where to File.......................................................................................................481 D. Assignment of Judges.........................................................................................482 E. Pre-Trial Procedures............................................................................................482 1. Discovery...............................................................................................482 2. Motion Practice.......................................................................................482 3. Final Pre-Trial Conference......................................................................483 a. Stipulations................................................................................483 b. Contentions................................................................................483 c. Exhibits......................................................................................483 d. Designation of Pleadings and Discovery Materials.....................484 e. Witnesses..................................................................................484 F. Trial...................................................................................................................484 1. Calendaring............................................................................................484 2. Jury Pool and Selection............................................................................484

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CHAPTER IXENVIRONMENTAL LAW

STATE STATUTORY/REGULATORY REFERENCES..........................................................488FEDERAL STATUTORY/REGULATORY REFERENCES.....................................................488REFERENCES...........................................................................................................................488I. INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................491II. REAL PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS..........................................................................492 A. Introduction........................................................................................................492 B. Residential Property Transactions.......................................................................492 C. Industrial/Commercial Real Property Transactions.............................................493 1. Introduction............................................................................................493 2. The Purchase and Sale Agreement (or Asset Purchase Agreement)..........494 3. Liability and Due Diligence.....................................................................496 4. Environmental Insurance........................................................................498 5. Leasing of Commercial and Industrial Property.....................................498 6. Brownfi elds Agreements.........................................................................499III. REPRESENTATION OF BUSINESS CLIENTS GENERALLY: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS...................................................................500 A. Introduction.........................................................................................................500 B. Reporting/Releases............................................................................................500 C. Annual Reporting Under EPCRA........................................................................502 D. Environmental Inspections..................................................................................503 E. Waste Management.............................................................................................503 F. Permits........................................................................................................504 G. Environmental Insurance....................................................................................505 H. SEC Reporting....................................................................................................505 I. Environmental Tax Issues....................................................................................506 J. Bankruptcy Issues...............................................................................................507IV. ENVIRONMENTAL LITIGATION...............................................................................508 A. Introduction.........................................................................................................508 B. Representations of Plaintiffs...............................................................................508 1. Introduction............................................................................................508 C. Representation of the Defendants in Environmental Litigation..........................510V. REPRESENTATION OF SECURED LENDERS AND FIDUCIARIES........................512 VI. CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................512ATTACHMENT 1: DENR Regional Offi ces and Telephone Numbers.....................................513ATTACHMENT 2: Typical Environmental Indemnifi cation Clauses.........................................515ATTACHMENT 3: Contract for Environmental Consulting Services.........................................517

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CHAPTER XIMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY LAW

STATUTORY REFERENCES....................................................................................................530I. INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................531II. OVERVIEW OF IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY LAW...................................532

A. Temporary Admission to the United States..........................................................532 1. Non-Immigrant Classifi cations...............................................................532 2. Entering the United States as a Non-Immigrant.....................................533 3. Extending and Changing Non-Immigration Status................................533B. Permanent Residence..........................................................................................533 1. Avenues to Permanent Residence............................................................534 a. Family Relationship....................................................................534 b. Employer Relationship................................................................534 c. The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (AKA the “Green Card Lottery”).............................................................................534 d. Refugee, Asylum and Related Programs.....................................535 2. Entering the United States as a Lawful Permanent Resident.................535 3. Adjustment of Status...............................................................................536C. Citizenship and Naturalization............................................................................536 1. Avenues to Citizenship............................................................................536 2. Naturalization.........................................................................................536D. Admissibility and Removal.................................................................................537 1. Admissibility........................................................................................537 2. Deportability.........................................................................................537 3. Removal............................................................................................537

III. DETERMINING IMMIGRATION STATUS.................................................................538A. Categories of Immigration Status........................................................................538 1. US Citizens..............................................................................................538 a. US Citizen by Birth......................................................................538 b. Naturalized Citizen.....................................................................539 2. Lawful Permanent Resident....................................................................539 3. Lawful Non-Immigrant...........................................................................539 4. Those Present in the US Unlawfully........................................................539 a. Status Violation............................................................................539 b. Entry Without Inspection.............................................................540 c. Unlawful Re-Entry......................................................................540B. Gathering Information from the Client...............................................................540C. Scope of Inquiry..................................................................................................541

IV. POTENTIAL IMMIGRATION-RELATED ISSUES.....................................................541A. Criminal Acts......................................................................................................541 1. Crimes of Moral Turpitude......................................................................541 2. Drug Offenses.........................................................................................542

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3. Domestic Violence..................................................................................542 4. Aggravated Felonies...............................................................................542B. Domestic Cases...................................................................................................543C. Workers’ Compensation......................................................................................543D. Personal Injury....................................................................................................544 1. Standing.................................................................................................544 2. Damages..................................................................................................544E. Employment Law................................................................................................545 1. Discrimination........................................................................................545 2. Limited Remedies for Unlawful Workers...............................................545 3. RICO for Unlawful Employers...............................................................545 4. The Uneasy Position of the Uncertain Employer.....................................546F. Litigation Issues: Discovery, Evidence and Threats.............................................546 1. Discovery...............................................................................................546 2. Evidence.................................................................................................548

V. ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION...........................................................549A. The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services........................................549B. American Immigration Lawyers Association.....................................................549C. Treatises.....................................................................................................549 1. Immigration Law in General...................................................................549 2. Criminal Law...........................................................................................549 3. Domestic Law..........................................................................................550D. Additional Web Based Information.....................................................................550E. Finding Immigration Lawyers............................................................................550

FORM 1: Immigration Status Questionnaire.............................................................................551FORM 2: SSA “No Match” Letters: Top 10 Tips for Employers................................................553

CHAPTER XIINTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

I. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................559II. PATENTS ..........................................................................................................559III. UTILITY PATENT PROTECTION ..................................................................560 A. Categories of Patentable Subject Matter...........................................................560 B. Novelty Requirements Under 35 U.S.C. §102.................................................562 C. Non-Obviousness Requirement Under 35 U.S.C. §102....................................565 D. The Concept of Effective Filing Date Under the New Law.............................565 E. The Change From First-To-Invent to First-To-File Under the AIA..................566 F. Joint Inventorship..............................................................................................567 G. Ascertainment of the Prior Art - Searches........................................................568 H. The Patent Application, Patent Proceedings, Patent Issuance and Costs...........569 I. Product Marking to Convey Patent Status........................................................570 J. Provisional US Patent Applications..................................................................571 K. Prohibition of Patents on Human Organisms.....................................................572

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L. Third Party Prior Art Submission.......................................................................572 M. Post-Grant Proceedings Involving Issued US Patents.........................................572 N. Ex Parte Re-Examination..................................................................................572 O. Inter Partes Re-Examination.............................................................................573 P. Post-Grant Review.............................................................................................573 Q. Supplemental Examination................................................................................574 R. Prior User Rights...............................................................................................575 S. AIA Advice of Counsel Provisions....................................................................576IV. DESIGN PATENT PROTECTION .....................................................................576V. WRITTEN RECORDS OF INVENTION ................................................................576VI. COMMERCIAL EXPLOITATION OF INVENTION RIGHTS .................................577VII. ENFORCEMENT OF PATENT RIGHTS ..........................................................579VIII. TRADE SECRETS AND EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIPS ...............................582IX. COPYRIGHT ...............................................................................................................583X. TRADEMARKS ..........................................................................................................586FORM 1: Invention Record Document......................................................................................591FORM 2: Confi dential Disclosure and Restricted Use Agreement............................................595

CHAPTER XIINEW MOTOR VEHICLE WARRANTIES ACT “LEMON LAW”

I. INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................601II. NORTH CAROLINA “LEMON LAW”.........................................................................601 A. Vehicles Covered Under the Lemon Law..............................................................601 B. Qualifi cations (Presumptions) for a Lemon.........................................................602 C. Disqualifi cations (Affi rmative Defenses) for a Lemon.......................................602 D. Prequalifi cations, or Who Must be Notifi ed.........................................................602 E. Remedies Available (Choice of Consumer).........................................................602III. OTHER REFERENCES FOR THE NC “LEMON LAW”.............................................603

A. North Carolina Pattern Jury Instructions.............................................................603 B. UCC and Magnuson Moss Federal Warranty Act................................................603 1. N.C.G.S. Chapter 25, Article 2, Sales....................................................604 2. Mugnuson Moss Warranty - Federal Trade Commission Improvement Act of 1975, Title 1, 15 U.S.C. §§ 2301 to 2312....................................604WEBSITES.................................................................................................................................605FORM 1: Lemon Law Refund Form Pursuant to N.C.G.S. 20-351 et. seq..............................607FORM 2: Lemon Law Refund Form Pursuant to Magnuson-Moss Federal Warranty Act (No Usage Fee, Finance Charges Reimbursed)..................................609FORM 3: Lemon Law Refund Form Pursuant to Magnuson-Moss Federal Warranty Act (Usage Fee, All Payments Reimbursed).........................................611FORM 4: Lemon Law Refund Form for Leased Vehicle Pursuant to N.C.G.S. 20-351.3(b).................................................................................................613FORM 5: Consumer’s Notice of Final Opportunity to Repair...................................................615FORM 6: Attorney’s Notice of 15-Day Last Change to Fix......................................................617

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FORM 7: Attorney’s 10-Day Last Change to Resolve and Notice of Suit Letter......................619FORM 8: Complaint Against Manufacturer and Dealer (TIL)...................................................621FORM 9: First Set of Interrogatories to Defendant Manufacturer..........................................629FORM 10: First Request for Production of Documents and Things...........................................633FORM 11: First Set of Interrogatories to Defendant Dealer.......................................................639

CHAPTER XIIIAPPEALS

I. APPELLATE REVIEW...................................................................................................647 A. Civil Cases..........................................................................................................647 1. Final Judgments......................................................................................647 2. Interlocutory Orders................................................................................647 a. Rule 54(b) Certifi cation...............................................................647 b. Substantial Rights Doctrine.........................................................648 c. Motions to Dismiss Appeals from Interlocutory Orders.............651 d. Certiorari...................................................................................651 B. Criminal Cases....................................................................................................651 1. Defendant’s Right to Appeal...................................................................651 a. General Rule...............................................................................651 (1) Suffi ciency of Evidence to Support Sentence.................652 (2) Appeal as to Prior Record or Conviction Level.............652 (3) Denial of Motion to Suppress.........................................653 (4) Denial of Motion to Withdraw Guilty Plea...................653 b. Interlocutory Orders....................................................................653 2. State’s Right to Appeal............................................................................654 a. Dismissal of Criminal Charges...................................................654 b. Order Granting New Trial...........................................................654 c. Prior Record or Conviction Level..............................................655 d. Order Granting Motion to Suppress...........................................655II. NOTICE OF APPEAL....................................................................................................655 A. Time Limits.........................................................................................................655 B. Content of Notice................................................................................................656III. PROTECTION OF APPEAL..........................................................................................657 A. Avoiding Dismissals and Sanctions....................................................................657 1. Motions...................................................................................................657 2. Rule 2......................................................................................................658 3. Certiorari.................................................................................................658 B. Seeking a Stay......................................................................................................658IV. PERFECTING APPEAL.................................................................................................659 A. Obtaining a Transcript.........................................................................................659 B. Service of Proposed Record on Appeal...............................................................660 C. Settlement of Record...........................................................................................661 D. Filing of Record...................................................................................................662

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V. BRIEFING...................................................................................................................662 A. Filing...................................................................................................................662 B. Content................................................................................................................663 C. Formatting........................................................................................................665 D. Reply Briefs........................................................................................................665VI. ORAL ARGUMENT.........................................................................................................666VII. PETITIONS FOR REHEARING.....................................................................................666VIII. APPEAL TO SUPREME COURT...................................................................................666 A. Appeal of Right...................................................................................................666 B. Discretionary Review..........................................................................................667 C. Certiorari.............................................................................................................668

CHAPTER XIVEMINENT DOMAIN — CONDEMNATION

I. CONSTITUTIONAL LIMITATION ON THE POWER OF EMINENT DOMAIN.....675 II. PUBLIC USE..................................................................................................................675III. LEGISLATURE HOLDS EXCLUSIVE POWER OF EMINENT DOMAIN...............675 A. Private Condemnors............................................................................................676 B. Extent of Taking in Discretion of Condemnor....................................................676IV. INVERSE CONDEMNATION.......................................................................................677 A. Taking vs. Police Power or Regulation................................................................677V. DISPOSITION OF EXCESS PROPERTY......................................................................678VI. RIGHT OF ENTRY PRIOR TO CONDEMNATION...................................................678VII. THREE SEPARATE EMINENT DOMAIN PROCEDURES......................................678 A. Article 2, Chapter 40A Procedure – Private Condemnor.....................................679 1. Petition...................................................................................................679 2. Service of Process....................................................................................679 3. Lis Pendens..............................................................................................679 4. Answer to Petition....................................................................................680 5. Notice of Hearing to Appoint Commissioners.........................................680 6. Hearing on Appointment of Commissioners...........................................680 7. Commissioners’ Hearings........................................................................680 8. Commissioners’ Report...........................................................................681 9. Exceptions to Report...............................................................................681 10. Judgment of Clerk...................................................................................681 11. Appeal................................................................................................681 12. Possession by Condemnor.......................................................................681 13. Final Judgment; Vesting of Title..............................................................682 14. Costs.......................................................................................................682 B. Article 3, Chapter 40A Procedure – Local Public Condemnors........................682 1. Notice of Action......................................................................................682 2. Complaint and Declaration; Deposit.......................................................682

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3. Summons...........................................................................................683 4. Memorandum of Action..........................................................................683 5. Vesting of Title and Public Condemnor’s Right of Possession...............683 6. Disbursement of Deposit to Property Owner........................................683 7. Answer and Reply...................................................................................684 8. Filing of Plat............................................................................................684 9. Determination of Issues Other Than Damages.......................................684 10. Use of Commissioners.............................................................................685 11. Continuance of Case Until Project Completed........................................685 12. Final Judgments......................................................................................685 13. Refund of Excess Deposit to Condemnor...............................................685 14. Court Costs..............................................................................................686 a. Attorney Fees..............................................................................686 b. Reimbursement of Owner for Charges Paid Appraisers, Engineers, etc..............................................................................686 C. Article 9, Chapter 136 Procedure – DOT and DOA (State Agencies)...................686 1. General...................................................................................................686 2. Commencement, Venue, Complaint and Declaration of Taking.............687 3. Deposit of Estimated Compensation; Memorandum of Action.............687 4. Vesting of Title and Condemnor’s Immediate Right of Possession........687 5. Disbursement of Deposit to Property Owner.........................................688 6. Answer................................................................................................688 7. Filing of Plat............................................................................................688 8. Determination of Issues Other Than Damages.......................................688 9. Immediate Appeal from Determination of Issues Other Than Damages..689 10. Use of Commissioners in Chapter 136 Cases........................................689 11. Appointed Attorneys and Guardians Ad Litem.....................................689 12. Continuance of Case Until Project Completed......................................689 13. Refund of Excess Deposit......................................................................690 14. Court Costs and Attorney Fees..............................................................690 15. Dispute as to Those Entitled to Payment of Just Compensation............690VIII. VALUATION/JUST COMPENSATION IN CONDEMNATION.................................691 A. Constitutional Requirement of Just Compensation............................................691 B. “Total Take” – One Rule for Measuring Damages............................................691 C. “Partial Taking” – Different Rules for Measuring Damages..............................691 1. Chapter 136 Condemnations....................................................................691 2. Chapter 40A Condemnations..................................................................691 D. Time of Valuation – Date of Taking....................................................................692 E. Just Compensation – Market Value – Factors to be Considered...........................692 F. What Constitutes the “Parent” Tract Affected by Condemnation.....................693 G. Chapter 40A Rule on “Parent” Tract.................................................................694 H. Appraisal Methods in Condemnation Cases.......................................................694 I. General and Special Benefi ts to Remainder........................................................694

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1. Defi nition...........................................................................................694 2. Off-Setting Benefi ts in Chapter 136 Condemnations.............................694 3. Burden of Proof.......................................................................................695 4. No Consideration of Project Effects in “Before” Evaluation................695 5. Compensation to Refl ect Project as Planned...........................................695 6. Chapter 40A – Compensation Cannot be Less Than Value of the Land “Taken”.................................................................................................696 7. Interest as Part of Just Compensation....................................................696 J. Property Tax Reimbursement..............................................................................697 K. Condemnation of Property Subject to Lien.......................................................697 L. Condemnation of Property Subject to Life Tenancy.........................................698 M. Condemnation of Property Encumbered by a Conservation Easement.............698 N. Transportation Corridor Offi cial Map Act..........................................................698 O. Relocation Benefi ts..............................................................................................699FORM 1: Chapter 40A- City Condemnation...............................................................................701FORM 2: Chapter 136- City Condemnation................................................................................739FORM 3: Chapter 136- DOT Condemnation...............................................................................755FORM 4: Chapter 40A- Private Condemnation...........................................................................769

INDEX......................................................................................................................................................807

The North Carolina court forms included in this publication are created by the North Carolina Administrative Offi ce of the Courts which offi ce has given permission for the use of these forms in this publication.