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Our Story

Our Mission

We want to:

  • Listen to each client
  • Provide individualized legal advice
  • Effectively handle legal and financial decisions
  • Keep family dynamics in mind
  • Maintain cost effective fees with the client in mind

Four convenient locations:

  • Durham, NC
  • Jacksonville, NC
  • Raleigh, NC
  • Wilmington, NC
Excellent
Cape Fear Family Law - Wilmington
Based on 259 reviews
I cannot recommend Janet Gemmell and the entire team at Cape Fear Family Law enough. When I came to them, I was facing a stressful and complicated divorce case involving equitable distribution and child support. From the moment I started working with Janet, I felt a sense of relief and confidence.

The entire team—including Cassandra, Kara, and Melissa—was professional, communicative, and tireless in their efforts. They took the time to explain every detail, from the complexities of the Equitable Distribution Spreadsheet to the ongoing negotiations for child support and alimony. They were always responsive and kept me in the loop on every development, which made a world of difference.

Ultimately, Janet and the team guided me to a successful resolution. Signing the final Consent Order felt like a huge weight was lifted, and I am completely satisfied with the services they provided. If you need a dedicated, knowledgeable, and effective team for a family law matter, look no further than Cape Fear Family Law. They are truly the best in the business.
Working with Jessica and Conner is definitely Gods way of sending you strong angels to help me through a very stressful time. Hire them and you will see I promise.
Connor Green was an amazing attorney and helped me tremendously with my Child Custody and Child Support cases. He is truly an advocate for his clients and I feel it’s important to be heard in matters such as these. Thank you Connor Green for everything you’ve done for me and my daughter.
Janet is wonderful. Brilliant and responds quickly.
Janet is by far the best attorney I have ever dealt with. She is courteous, competent, values her clients and their time. She is very responsive and responds in a timely manner.
Excellent
Cape Fear Family Law - Jacksonville
Based on 95 reviews
I initially reached out to Cape Fear Law firm due to my previous attorney not being proactive in my case and I'm so glad that I did! Erica and her team were a pleasure to work with and helped getting my issue resolved!
Roy Jacob's professionalism and courtesy are unparalleled. He was timely with every request and got my case won with minimal time and effort. We got the best outcome I could have expected and exactly what I wanted to happen. I coukdnt ask for a better attorney. I will definitely be using him for the future and cant recommend him enough!
I would highly recommend Cape Fear Family Law. Janet was absolutely awesome. She was straight forward and to the point. She and her staff kept me well informed throughout the entire process. Janet was tenacious in looking after my interest and an absolute tiger in mediation. Thank you Janet!!!!
This review is for Granger Benson with Cape Fear Family Law.

Mr. Benson has been such a great pleasure to work with. He’s super attentive and always makes sure I understand what’s going on, and I always feel heard and validated. He actually listens to my input and implements it, but he’s also not afraid to play devil’s advocate and challenge how I see things. That’s something I really respect because custody cases are so emotional, and it’s easy to be tunnel-visioned or overly protective. But he helps me stay grounded and aware of all sides.
He explains everything clearly, keeps me educated, and makes sure my voice and concerns are always heard. I really appreciate that balance. He validates me but also makes sure I’m not blindsided. In the end, he made sure I got a custody order that’s truly in my daughter’s best interest, which was extremely important to me. To have an arrangement that fits our situation, not just what’s standard or convenient for the other party.

I honestly couldn’t have asked for better help through all of this. I highly recommend this firm, especially Mr. Benson. Thank you for everything! I’m so happy and relieved to finally put this chapter behind me and focus on raising my child in peace.
Ashley Owens with Cape Fear Family Law has been absolutely amazing! From the very beginning, she has gone above and beyond to make sure I understand every part of my case. She takes the time to explain each hearing in depth, answer all of my questions, and ensure I feel confident and informed every step of the way.

Ashley is incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated to her clients. Thanks to her hard work and expertise, I’ve had multiple successful outcomes in my case. I truly couldn’t have asked for a better attorney to represent me.

If you’re looking for someone who genuinely cares, communicates clearly, and fights hard for your best interests, I highly recommend Ashley Owens at Cape Fear Family Law. She’s the best!
Excellent
Cape Fear Family Law - Durham
Based on 16 reviews
Marcus and his team helped me immensely with their professional knowledge and guidance.
Janet is by far the best attorney I have ever have had to deal with She is courteous, competent, cares about her clients and their time. An asset for sure. Thank you Janet for everything you did for me
I appreciated the service and the professionally way of dealing with my case it was on a great hand. Mr. Marcus, absolutely did his job in very good way thank you sir. Definitely next time you’re gonna be my lawyer and c.f.family law is my destination’s
thank you.
Leaving 5 stars as Marcus and his team did a great job for my divorce process. Any questions or concerns I had got back to me in a timely manner and explained everything in great detail.
Have already recommended to friends in need of legal advice!
Amazing service shout out to Marcus tingling for being squared away was so good at the end of the case people were walking up to him to tell him how good he was 10/10 recommendations go for Marcus tingling and you will be good
Cape Fear Family Law | Divorce Attorney Jacksonville NC – Divorce Lawyer Reviews

Our Core Values

Knowledgeable

Knowledgeable

We know what to do and we actively share our knowledge.

Integrity

Integrity

Honesty in action and a good moral compass.

Empathetic

Empathetic

Active understanding without judgment.

Accountable

Accountable

To yourself, your clients, your colleagues and the court.

Areas Of Practice

Child custody and visitation are two of the most important issues that stem from a relationship failing, but they are not the only issues. Often with relationship dissolution the financial tensions are extreme. Managing retirement division through equitable distribution and cash flow between two homes through alimony is fraught with conflict. We take care to guide clients through the legal landscape, out of court negotiations, and in court processes that sometimes are needed when parties cannot agree.

Services We Provide

Cape Fear Family Law | Divorce Attorney Jacksonville NC Wilmington NC

Divorce

When a marriage ends, legal issues immediately arise. Getting strong legal advice is the only option.

Cape Fear Family Law | Children Child Custody Child Support Attorney Wilmington NC Wilmington NC

Children

They are the most important thing in your life. Let us help you protect what you love.

Cape Fear Family Law | Children Adoption in North Carolina

Adoption

There are multiple types of adoption available. We can help you navigate through the process.

Meet Our Team

Let's Connect

WILMINGTON OFFICE

Cape Fear Family Law – Wilmington
5101 Dunlea Court, Suite 202
Wilmington, NC 28405
(910) 210-0349

JACKSONVILLE OFFICE

Cape Fear Family Law – Jacksonville
222 New Bridge Street
Jacksonville, NC 28540
(910) 202-4063

DURHAM OFFICE

Cape Fear Family Law – Durham
3917 University Drive, Suite 250
Durham, NC 27707
(919) 342-4949

RALEIGH OFFICE

Cape Fear Family Law – Raleigh
4601 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 3B
Raleigh NC 27607
(919) 342-4949

FAX

(877) 848-4028

Contact Us Today!

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Latest Blog Posts

Two States, Three Kids & One Moving Truck—Relocation Custody in Real Time

Follow family‑law litigator Matt Geiger as he unpacks a true‑to‑life NC relocation case—three kids, two dads, and one stressed‑out mom—while teaching the legal playbook that keeps families whole.

Relocation and Resettlement in North Carolina Family Law

“Can I move with the kids?”—The question that keeps parents (and judges) up at night

Back-to-School Foundations

Custody and Child Support Strategies for a Smooth Start

Navigating Child Custody in LGBTQIA+ Divorce

Legal Realities, Diverse Beliefs & Practical Solutions

Juneteenth on the Range

How One Accidental Museum Stop Reminded Me Why Black History Matters to Every Family

As Thanksgiving approaches, we’re reminded that gratitude can exist even in the midst of change. 💛Whether you’re navigating divorce, co-parenting, or starting a new chapter, finding moments of thankfulness helps bring peace and perspective.At Cape Fear Family Law, we’re deeply grateful for the trust our clients place in us — and for the opportunity to help families move forward with strength and hope.🍂 Wishing you comfort, clarity, and gratitude this Thanksgiving Eve.#CapeFearFamilyLaw #ThanksgivingEve #Gratitude #FamilyLawNC #MovingForward #ThankfulHeart
“Empathy, strategy, and support — over the top.” 💬We’re grateful for clients like Matt W. who allow us to stand with them in their hardest moments. Attorney Matt Geiger and our full team are committed to delivering skilled representation with compassion every step of the way.At Cape Fear Family Law, we’re proud to have attorneys like Matt Geiger who show up when it matters most. 💼💬 Got questions? Drop them in the comments or send us a DM. We’re here to help you move forward.👉 Get started: https://bit.ly/3Lp2Zm4
Engagement season is here — and love is in the air (along with a few shiny rings 💫).But before the wedding planning whirlwind begins, here’s a gentle reminder: prenups take time to draft.A well-crafted prenup isn’t rushed — it’s thoughtful, fair, and focused on protecting both partners. Starting early means you can discuss everything calmly, with love and clarity leading the way. ❤️At Cape Fear Family Law, we help couples prepare for marriage with peace of mind, not pressure.📖 Start your prenup conversation now and step into your engagement with confidence.👉 Get started: https://bit.ly/3Lp2Zm4#CapeFearFamilyLaw #EngagementSeason #PrenupPlanning #StartStrong #MarriageWithClarity #FamilyLawNC
Love grows stronger with clarity 💍
A lot of couples worry a prenup will dampen the romance — but the truth is, clarity creates confidence.
A prenup isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s about building a secure foundation, being honest about expectations, and protecting each other’s future.Planning together now shows trust, maturity, and real teamwork.
If you’re ready to strengthen your commitment with transparency, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.👉 Get started: https://bit.ly/3Lp2Zm4
We watch this happen every holiday season: two parents agree to ‘just split the holidays,’ and everything seems fine… until December 24th at 4:00 PM when no one actually knows who’s supposed to pick up the kids.Clear details don’t make you rigid; they make you prepared.
And prepared parents have calmer holidays, fewer arguments, and far happier kids.If you need help tightening up your holiday schedule, we’re here to make it stress-free.📞 Call Cape Fear Family Law today!
☎️ 910-713-1355
🌐 www.capefearfamilylaw.com