In a recent ruling by the North Carolina Court of Appeals, Ember Catherine Seaman’s appeal against a protective order was affirmed. The order, issued on September 24, 2024, quashed Seaman’s subpoenas and restricted her speech concerning a former parenting coordinator. The court found that Seaman’s actions were intended to harass the coordinator and upheld the protective measures imposed by the lower court. Despite raising First Amendment concerns, Seaman’s arguments were deemed unpreserved for appellate review.
The case stems from ongoing custody proceedings between Seaman and Steven Neal Wetherington over their two children. The protective order prohibited Seaman from issuing further subpoenas or making public statements about the coordinator. The appeals court determined that these restrictions did not violate her rights and supported the trial court’s findings with substantial evidence.
Source: COA25293_Wetherington_v_Seaman_Opinion_North_Carolina_Court_of_Appeals.pdf
