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 276 reviews
Ruth Molina
1 year ago
quiero dar Las gracias a todo El equipo de cape fear family law, me Han ayudado con El proceso de divorcio y realmente senti q todo lo hicieron ver y sentir facil . Todo El proceso siempre se mantuvieron en contacto y cada vez q tenia una duda fueron contestadas con prontitud. Asi q si alguien esta en busca de un buen abogado yo les digo Cape Fear Family Law es q de debes escojer
Connor Green provided exceptional representation during my divorce, guiding me through one of the most difficult periods of my life with professionalism, clarity, and genuine care. From the very beginning, it was clear that Connor approaches family law with empathy at the center of his practice. He took the time to understand my situation, explain my options, and make sure I felt supported every step of the way. His skill in legal writing and his ability to break down complex issues made the process far less overwhelming. Connor’s collaborative style helped keep communication smooth and productive, and I always felt like he was truly advocating for my best interests. What stood out most was his calm, steady presence during emotionally charged moments—he never lost sight of the human side of the case. I’m deeply grateful for the meaningful difference he made in my life. Anyone looking for a family law attorney who is both highly competent and genuinely compassionate would be fortunate to work with Connor.
mallory gould
12 months 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.
Matt Wooten
11 months ago
Would highly recommend CFFL! The entire office staff, support team, and especially Matt Greiger were more than just legal help during a very difficult family case. Matt is extremely knowledgeable, strategic, and is focused on winning for his clients. What was even more impressive was his support team and the office as their empathy, compassion, and understanding throughout the entire process was over the top!
Jessie Chavez
1 year ago
I worked with Matthew Geiger on a custody matter and honestly can’t recommend him enough. Matt really knows his stuff, stayed on top of everything, and made sure I always felt informed and supported throughout the process. What really stood out was his great sense of humor - it made a stressful situation feel a little more manageable. On top of being incredibly knowledgeable and professional, he was also prompt, responsive, and easy to talk to. If you're navigating something as important as custody, having someone like Matt in your corner makes a big difference. I’m grateful for his help and would absolutely recommend them to anyone in the area looking for a reliable family attorney.
Excellent
Cape Fear Family Law - Raleigh5.0
Based on 9 reviews
Bill Mathias
11 months ago
Janet is definitely, by far, the best attorney I have ever dealt with. She is patient, courteous, competent, and cares about her clients and time. Thank you for everything Janet
Justin B
3 months ago
Ashly F. went above and beyond outside of business hours to get me the paperwork I needed promptly.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the review! We truly appreciate you taking the time to highlight the hard work Ashly Futch put in for you. Ashly is a total rockstar on the **#BestTeaminLegal**, and we are so glad she was there to get you across the finish line! We often tell her that the "business hours" sign on the front door is more of a "suggestion" to her when a client is in need, but seeing her dedication recognized like this means the world to us. We’re starting to suspect she might actually be powered by a secret, high-grade espresso machine ☕️ we haven't found yet! At Cape Fear Family Law, our "We Take Care" mission means doing whatever it takes to ensure our clients feel supported, even when the sun goes down. Now that the paperwork is off your plate and in the right hands, we hope you can finally breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy some well-deserved peace of mind! **#BestTeaminLegal**
Marcus was responsive, courteous and professional
Response from the owner:I love hearing about any of our team being responsive and courteous, much less professional - of course I EXPECT it of Marcus, because it's part of his character - but I love hearing about!!! Thanks for the review and wishing you all the best in your future!
Ellen Snyder
11 months ago
Each person I spoke with genuinely listened to me and my goals. Answered questions readily. These folks are top notch and I wouldn’t hesitate to contact them in the future.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that our team took the time to listen, answer your questions, and support your goals every step of the way. At Cape Fear Family Law, genuine connection and clear communication are at the heart of what we do. We truly appreciate your trust and look forward to being here for you anytime you need us in the future. ⚖️
Cristina Leone
1 year 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! 💙
Excellent
Cape Fear Family Law - Durham4.8
Based on 416 reviews
Isaiah Castillo
8 months ago
Marcus and his team helped me immensely with their professional knowledge and guidance.
Mike Joyce
2 years ago
Kayleigh and the whole team were wonderful to work with. They were prompt, efficient and responsive. They truely cared for me as a client.
Gabriel Reid
2 years ago
Marcus and Janet were excellent in guiding me on what to do.  They really know child support and Marcus lives in Durham and loves the area.
LaTonia Curtiss
4 months ago
A warm, dedicated team of professional attorneys who genuinely care about their clients and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcomes. I couldn’t have asked for a better team. Thank you, Erica, and the entire Cape Fear Law Firm.
Jessie Chavez
1 year ago
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Matthew Geiger and I truly couldn’t have asked for a better attorney to guide me through such a personal and important process. From day one, they brought not only deep knowledge of family law but also a great sense of humor that helped lighten some of the more stressful moments. Matt was always timely, communicative, and thorough—keeping me informed and on track throughout the entire process. I always felt like I had a true partner in my corner, and their confidence and clarity gave me real peace of mind. I highly recommend Matt to anyone looking for someone who is not only skilled and professional but also genuinely enjoyable to work with.
Excellent
Cape Fear Family Law - Raleigh5.0
Based on 9 reviews
Ellen Snyder
11 months ago
Each person I spoke with genuinely listened to me and my goals. Answered questions readily. These folks are top notch and I wouldn’t hesitate to contact them in the future.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that our team took the time to listen, answer your questions, and support your goals every step of the way. At Cape Fear Family Law, genuine connection and clear communication are at the heart of what we do. We truly appreciate your trust and look forward to being here for you anytime you need us in the future. ⚖️
Marcus was responsive, courteous and professional
Response from the owner:I love hearing about any of our team being responsive and courteous, much less professional - of course I EXPECT it of Marcus, because it's part of his character - but I love hearing about!!! Thanks for the review and wishing you all the best in your future!
Bill Mathias
11 months ago
Janet is definitely, by far, the best attorney I have ever dealt with. She is patient, courteous, competent, and cares about her clients and time. Thank you for everything Janet
Cristina Leone
1 year 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! 💙
Justin B
3 months ago
Ashly F. went above and beyond outside of business hours to get me the paperwork I needed promptly.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the review! We truly appreciate you taking the time to highlight the hard work Ashly Futch put in for you. Ashly is a total rockstar on the **#BestTeaminLegal**, and we are so glad she was there to get you across the finish line! We often tell her that the "business hours" sign on the front door is more of a "suggestion" to her when a client is in need, but seeing her dedication recognized like this means the world to us. We’re starting to suspect she might actually be powered by a secret, high-grade espresso machine ☕️ we haven't found yet! At Cape Fear Family Law, our "We Take Care" mission means doing whatever it takes to ensure our clients feel supported, even when the sun goes down. Now that the paperwork is off your plate and in the right hands, we hope you can finally breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy some well-deserved peace of mind! **#BestTeaminLegal**
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

Relocation in a North Carolina Custody Case

Ask Permission, Not Forgiveness — and How the Parent Left Behind Can Win Big Blocks of Time and Lower Child Support

Helping Your Aging Parent Through a Divorce

Alzheimer’s, Long-Term Care, and Adult Children Caught in the Middle. Adult children helping a parent divorce in NC face three concerns the parents often miss.

Gray Divorce in North Carolina

Social Security, Pensions, RMDs, Crypto, and the Mistakes That Cost You. A “gray divorce” — divorce at or after age 50 — is the same problem one chapter earlier.

Narcissistic Parent in NC Custody Court

How Personality Disorders Show Up in Litigation, and How Kids Learn the Traits

Is My Spouse a Narcissist?

How do NC family courts handle a narcissistic parent? Learn how narcissistic traits, alienation, gaslighting, co-parenting refusal, contempt, and child impact show up in North Carolina custody court.

There is no automatic "safe distance" to move with kids in NC. If it disrupts the schedule, it requires legal review. #ChildCustody #RelocationLaw #NCFamilyLaw #CoParenting #MovingWithKids #CapeFearFamilyLaw
If custody questions are taking up more space in your head than they should — you're not alone, and you're not overreacting.We tell our clients this all the time: the anxiety usually isn't about the situation itself. It's about not knowing where you stand. Once you have clear answers, even hard situations become manageable.That's the work. Understand your options. Take the next step with confidence.#ChildCustody #FamilyLaw #NorthCarolina #CapeFearFamilyLaw
Helping a parent through divorce later in life isn't just a legal question — it's capacity, long-term care, and inheritance, all tangled together.Board Certified Family Law Specialist & Partner Waneta Ellis breaks it down where to start — and why the order of operations matters.Read the full blog: Link in bio.#GrayDivorce #NCFamilyLaw #CapeFearFamilyLaw #ElderLaw
We're committed to staying at the forefront of family law. 💚This week, our CEO and Board Certified Family Law Specialist, Janet Gemmell, is attending the Board Certified Family Law Specialist CLE in Asheville, where she's learning about the latest case law, emerging legal trends, and best practices alongside fellow specialists from across North Carolina.Every opportunity to learn helps us better serve the families who place their trust in us.#BoardCertifiedAttorney #CaseLawUpdates #ContinuingLegalEducation #FamilyLawSpecialist #NorthCarolinaLaw
Zillow says it themselves: the Zestimate isn't an appraisal. Great for kitchen-table negotiation — risky in a courtroom. Going to trial? Get a real appraisal. Cape Fear Family Law → link in bio.
#ZillowZestimate #DivorceNC #EquitableDistribution #NCFamilyLaw #PropertyDivision #CapeFearFamilyLaw