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
Top rated
Cape Fear Family Law - Wilmington4.7
Based on 277 reviews
Jessica Pesce
2 years ago
Wonderful firm! So easy to work with and very caring and responsive to your needs. Can't recommend them enough! Highly recommend Adrian Davis.
Samuel Birgel
4 months ago
I recently worked with Cape Fear Family Law on a tough, drawn-out custody case and they made a real difference. My attorney, Waneta Ellis, was steady and practical the whole way through. She explained things clearly without sugarcoating, kept me focused on what actually mattered, and helped me secure sole legal custody of my daughters. It was a long process, but having someone competent and responsive in my corner made it more manageable to endure. I’d recommend them if you’re dealing with a complicated family law or custody situation.
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.
S. Family
7 months ago
I had a very disappointing experience with this firm -- specifically Matthew Geiger. I relied on their guidance and paid substantial fees based on their recommendations. However, shortly after, they reversed course and suggested dismissing the matter entirely. It felt misleading and poorly thought out from the start. I would strongly encourage others to seek a second opinion before committing here.
Kyle Varoskovic
6 months ago
Great experience working with Allie! Additional staff was helpful too.
Excellent
Cape Fear Family Law - Raleigh5.0
Based on 8 reviews
Ellen Snyder
1 year 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. ⚖️
Spencer Hodges
2 years ago
Response from the owner:Thank you!
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! 💙
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!
Justin B
6 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**
Top rated
Cape Fear Family Law - Durham4.8
Based on 416 reviews
Isaiah Castillo
11 months ago
Marcus and his team helped me immensely with their professional knowledge and guidance.
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
Joelleene Benitez
10 months ago
Spencer Hodges
2 years ago
Hannah M
1 year ago
10/10 recommend Wes. Caring and compassionate but also cut throat. Would recommend to anyone and would use again if the situation arose.
Excellent
Cape Fear Family Law - Raleigh5.0
Based on 8 reviews
Justin B
6 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
1 year 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
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!
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) 858-2744

RALEIGH OFFICE

Cape Fear Family Law – Raleigh
4601 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 3B
Raleigh NC 27607
(919) 925-4199

FAX

(877) 848-4028

Contact Us Today!

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Latest Blog Posts

What Documents Does My Attorney Need Before Alimony Negotiation?

The Complete North Carolina List.
For an alimony negotiation in North Carolina, gather records showing both spouses’ income, actual household expenses, assets, debts, insurance, and employment benefits.

Should I Keep the House or Sell It?

The Short-Term Case for Stability and the Long-Term Case for the Asset

How Do I Prove My Standard of Living for Alimony?

In North Carolina, you prove the marital standard of living for alimony with categorized monthly numbers from real transactions, not from memory.

How Is Alimony Calculated in North Carolina?

There Is No Formula — Here Is What Actually Decides the Number

A Child Was Left at My House and DSS Was Never Involved. Do I Have Any Rights?

If a child was left in your care and no court or DSS was ever involved, here is the hard truth

“Having an attorney you can trust makes a real difference.” 💚We’re grateful to Kevin D. for sharing his experience working with Wesley Taynton at Cape Fear Family Law.From providing knowledgeable guidance to answering questions and staying responsive throughout the process, Wesley is committed to helping clients feel informed and supported along the way.Thank you, Kevin, for your trust and for recommending Wesley and our team!
Looking for guidance with a family law matter in North Carolina? We’re here to help you understand your options.📍 Wilmington | Jacksonville | Durham | Raleigh#CapeFearFamilyLaw #WesleyTaynton #ClientTestimonial #NCFamilyLaw #FamilyLawAttorney #ClientExperience
Part 5 🎥 New partner, two very different outcomesSame separation. Two different approaches to a new partner. Watch how each one lands on the kids. 🎙️ Janet Gemmell, Attorney & Board Certified Family Law Specialist#FamilyLaw #CoParenting #CustodyCase #DivorceTok #WilmingtonNC
Your memory number: $4,500.
Your bank statements: $7,800.In an NC alimony case, the court tests the number. It doesn't take the story.Attorney Melissa Bradnick breaks down how to build a 12-month record that matches the financial affidavit, and why soft estimates are what the other side wants.Link in bio to read the post and download the free guide.#NorthCarolinaAlimony #NCFamilyLaw #AlimonySupport #StandardOfLiving #DivorceNC #FamilyLawyer #CapeFearFamilyLaw #WilmingtonNC #RaleighNC #DurhamNC #JacksonvilleNC
Part 4 🎥 Dating, overnights & custody — what NC law actually saysA kid's trust is earned, not automatic. And no — an overnight guest doesn't mean an automatic loss of custody in NC. Courts look at the whole picture, not just who you're dating. 🎙️ Attorney, Board-Certified Family Law Specialist Janet Gemmell#FamilyLaw #CustodyCase #CoParenting #NCLaw #WilmingtonNC
“Hands down, a remarkable and unforgettable experience.” 💚We’re grateful to Gina S. for sharing her experience working with Erica Benson and the Cape Fear Family Law team through a complex traditional surrogacy matter.When a case doesn’t have a clear path forward, having a team that takes the time to listen, understand the details, and guide your family through each step can make all the difference.Thank you, Gina, for trusting us with such an important part of your family’s journey. 💛#CapeFearFamilyLaw #EricaBenson #ClientTestimonial #TraditionalSurrogacy #FamilyLaw #NCFamilyLaw #FamilyLawAttorney #ClientExperience