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 - Wilmington4.7
Based on 278 reviews
Chris Vandiford
1 year ago
The team was very professional and empathetic to my situation. Fortunately prior to executing my separation agreement my wife and I decided to reconcile. Ashley was very encouraging of this. This firm was great to work with.
Jaime
1 year ago
Kayleigh Davenport is a great attorney. She is communicative, responds to questions quickly, and was a great support during my divorce. I am very happy with her representation.
Mariana Godwin
11 months ago
Janet is wonderful. Brilliant and responds quickly.
Heather Rock
11 months ago
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.
mallory gould
1 year ago
So apparently Cape Fear Law Firm has a good reputation. We must have been given the worst attorney in the bunch. Our experience with Melenni Balbach was horrible. This law firm robbed us for $16k. We retained her in Sept. 2024 and my bf was given visitation with his daughter in Dec. 2024 which was great and then from then on it was downhill. The mother wouldn’t cooperate and Melenni wrote a motion for contempt. It is now August 2025 and he still hasn’t seen his daughter. She didn’t fight for him. She def didn’t have her client’s back! She wanted to continue to write motions that = money! Motions for what? The most important one is contempt and she should have fought for an emergency mtg w the judge. She and her team also wrote 4 letters to opposing counsel and NOTHING was followed up or done with those 4 letters that cost money. I would NOT recommend this firm. We have since asked for funds returned for work not rendered. They are giving the sob story. We have since secured another legal counsel. Had to click one star in order to post! I give them a negative star! There is so much more to this story. I’m just warning you go elsewhere.
Excellent
Cape Fear Family Law - Raleigh5.0
Based on 9 reviews
Milen Michael
1 year ago
Allie Moore worked diligently, and I was very pleased with her services. Thank you Allie Moore & Cape Fear Family Law!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you were pleased with Allie Moore’s hard work and dedication. 🌟 She is a true asset to our team, and we’re proud of the care and diligence she brings to every client she serves. We appreciate you choosing Cape Fear Family Law and are grateful for the opportunity to help you. Wishing you all the best in the future, and if you ever need us again, we’ll be here for you! 💙
Dora Rose
2 years ago
Kayleigh and her team were so helpful and fast to respond when I needed them! So glad I picked them for my separation/divorce!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊 We're so happy to hear that we were able to help you during such a difficult time - we love being there when a client needs us! It was truly our pleasure working with you, and we appreciate your trust in Kayleigh and our enitre team. We wish you all the best for a bright future! ✨
Dallisha Rogers
1 year ago
Marcus Tingling was my lawyer and he won my case. He was very patient and he cared for me and my situation. Me and my family are Greatful for everything he has done for us!
Response from the owner:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Our hearts are full reading this! 💙 Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! Knowing that Marcus not only won your case but also showed you the patience and genuine care you deserved during what was likely a challenging time - that's everything to us! 🙌 What really stands out is how you felt truly CARED for throughout the process. That's not always easy to find, and it speaks volumes about the kind of person you are that you recognized and appreciated Marcus's dedication to you and your family. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦✨ We're absolutely thrilled that we could be part of your victory! 🎉 But honestly? Clients like you - who show gratitude and take time to acknowledge good work - make Marcus's job so much more meaningful. You're the reason he loves what he does! Your family's gratitude means more than you know, and we're just so honored we could help during an important chapter of your lives. 🏆 Wishing you and your entire family continued success, happiness, and all the wonderful things life has to offer! You deserve every bit of good fortune coming your way! 🌟🚀 Keep that amazing spirit of gratitude - it's going to take you far! With heartfelt appreciation, The Team 💙 P.S. - Marcus is beaming and says working with families like yours reminds him why he became a lawyer in the first place! 😊
Cristina Leone
2 years ago
Mark was super amazing! He was clear & answered all of my questions...it felt so comfortable discussing with him about everything
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊 We love hearing that Marcus made you feel comfortable and supported – that’s exactly what we strive for with every client. His clear communication and approachable style really shine, and we’re so glad he could be there to answer all your questions and guide you through it all. Wishing you all the best moving forward, and if you ever need us again, you know where to find us – Marcus will be ready to help! 💙
Spencer Hodges
2 years ago
Response from the owner:Thank you!
Excellent
Cape Fear Family Law - Durham4.8
Based on 418 reviews
verl matthews
2 years ago
I would like to thank everyone at Cape Fear Family law.Especially Marcus Tingling he was a caring person.He was there when I needed help getting custody of my grandchildren. I could call anytime if I needed help with stuff I didn’t understand. I would call their law firm again!
Melenni and the staff at Cape Fear Family Law were extremely helpful and supportive. I was always afraid that lawyers would try to milk me for every cent, and I never felt that way with Melenni or any one else I worked with at Cape Fear Family Law. I felt valued and understood, and everyone was kind, friendly, and compassionate. I HIGHLY recommend Cape Fear Family Law!
Tiffany Parker
9 months ago
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!
Kirsten Husband
1 year ago
I had scheduled a consultation about divorce, and instead of calling me, they called my estranged husband which immediately caused major problems.
Taylor Obenauf
2 years ago
I cannot thank this firm enough! I hired Attorney Roy Jacobs for my custody case. With not the best past legal experience prior, he was nothing less of EXCEPTIONAL! He was personable, always kept me up to date with my case, reassured me when my emotions were getting the best of me, and gave me realistic expectations. He prepared me for what was to come; and advocated for my children's best interests every step of the way. What could have been a long and expensive process became relatively quick. He made a very hard and emotional experience much more manageable. Prayerfully I never find myself needing a family law attorney again, but if I do I will not hesitate to retain him again. If you are in need of a family law attorney, I cannot recommend Roy enough. I am forever grateful for what Roy and Cape Fear Family Law have done for me and my children.
Excellent
Cape Fear Family Law - Raleigh5.0
Based on 9 reviews
Dora Rose
2 years ago
Kayleigh and her team were so helpful and fast to respond when I needed them! So glad I picked them for my separation/divorce!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊 We're so happy to hear that we were able to help you during such a difficult time - we love being there when a client needs us! It was truly our pleasure working with you, and we appreciate your trust in Kayleigh and our enitre team. We wish you all the best for a bright future! ✨
Spencer Hodges
2 years ago
Response from the owner:Thank you!
Dallisha Rogers
1 year ago
Marcus Tingling was my lawyer and he won my case. He was very patient and he cared for me and my situation. Me and my family are Greatful for everything he has done for us!
Response from the owner:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Our hearts are full reading this! 💙 Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! Knowing that Marcus not only won your case but also showed you the patience and genuine care you deserved during what was likely a challenging time - that's everything to us! 🙌 What really stands out is how you felt truly CARED for throughout the process. That's not always easy to find, and it speaks volumes about the kind of person you are that you recognized and appreciated Marcus's dedication to you and your family. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦✨ We're absolutely thrilled that we could be part of your victory! 🎉 But honestly? Clients like you - who show gratitude and take time to acknowledge good work - make Marcus's job so much more meaningful. You're the reason he loves what he does! Your family's gratitude means more than you know, and we're just so honored we could help during an important chapter of your lives. 🏆 Wishing you and your entire family continued success, happiness, and all the wonderful things life has to offer! You deserve every bit of good fortune coming your way! 🌟🚀 Keep that amazing spirit of gratitude - it's going to take you far! With heartfelt appreciation, The Team 💙 P.S. - Marcus is beaming and says working with families like yours reminds him why he became a lawyer in the first place! 😊
Cristina Leone
2 years ago
Mark was super amazing! He was clear & answered all of my questions...it felt so comfortable discussing with him about everything
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊 We love hearing that Marcus made you feel comfortable and supported – that’s exactly what we strive for with every client. His clear communication and approachable style really shine, and we’re so glad he could be there to answer all your questions and guide you through it all. Wishing you all the best moving forward, and if you ever need us again, you know where to find us – Marcus will be ready to help! 💙
Milen Michael
1 year ago
Allie Moore worked diligently, and I was very pleased with her services. Thank you Allie Moore & Cape Fear Family Law!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you were pleased with Allie Moore’s hard work and dedication. 🌟 She is a true asset to our team, and we’re proud of the care and diligence she brings to every client she serves. We appreciate you choosing Cape Fear Family Law and are grateful for the opportunity to help you. Wishing you all the best in the future, and if you ever need us again, we’ll be here for you! 💙
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

Find an attorney in your North Carolina County

Select the North Carolina County that your case will be filed in to see which of our attorneys practice within your county. Then choose a lawyer form the list to read more about each attorney.

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

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Family law cases are won in the details. Clear, organized documentation gives your attorney the clarity they need to advocate for you — and helps keep your case moving forward with confidence. 📋✨Not sure what to keep track of? Our team can walk you through it. Link in bio to schedule a consultation.#FamilyLawTips #DivorceSupport #CaseOrganization #CapeFearFamilyLaw #NCFamilyLaw #KnowYourRights #DivorceJourney #LegalClarity
"No one tells you this before you separate…"If you're the spouse who makes less money, waiting until your savings run out is the biggest mistake you can make. 😳I didn't know this until I started digging into NC family law, but you can actually ask for help right after separation — not months down the road when you're already drowning:💰 Postseparation support (temporary spousal support)
🏠 Possible use of the marital home
👶 Temporary child support
⚖️ Even help covering attorney's feesThe catch? None of it happens automatically. You have to ask for it — and the earlier you file, the stronger your case.Being the lower earner in a marriage isn't a character flaw. It's a legal situation with real solutions — but only if you know they exist.📖 Full breakdown (including a first-30-days checklist)
Link in bio.#NCFamilyLaw #Divorce101 #KnowYourRights #WilmingtonNC #FamilyLawAttorney #PostseparationSupport
POV: A client asks, "What happens between now and my court date?"Here's what we tell them 👇Your case isn't final yet — but life doesn't pause while you wait. Temporary custody, support, and property issues often come up before that final order is ever signed.That means decisions about where the kids stay, who's covering what bills, and how shared property gets handled right now — not just eventually.The good news? None of this has to feel like guesswork. Knowing what's coming makes the in-between so much easier to get through.If you're in this stage right now, drop a "🤍" or send us a message — happy to walk you through it.
There’s a side of leaving a marriage that people don’t talk about enough: what happens when you don’t have the financial resources to actually leave?@_jen_hamilton_ put words to something so many women experience — the fear, the uncertainty, the emptiness, and the feeling that there’s no clear way forward.And seeing what happened when people came together to support her was honestly incredible.It’s a reminder that sometimes, what someone needs most isn’t judgment or advice. They need someone to say, “You’re not alone. There is a way forward.”Jen’s story is powerful — and it’s a conversation worth having. ❤️#DivorceSupport #WomenSupportingWomen #DivorceRecovery #FamilyLaw #YouAreNotAlone
Civil contempt jail time requires proof of a present, willful ability to pay. Don't let fear paralyze your defense. #CivilContempt #ChildSupportEnforcement #NCFamilyCourts #LegalDefense #WilmingtonLawyer #CapeFearFamilyLaw