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
Our Core Values
Knowledgeable
We know what to do and we actively share our knowledge.
Integrity
Honesty in action and a good moral compass.
Empathetic
Active understanding without judgment.
Accountable
To yourself, your clients, your colleagues and the court.
Areas Of Practice
Services We Provide
Money and Assets
Financial security is vital to success. Let us help protect your financial future.
Parent Coordinator Services
Navigating the complexities of custody disputes by serving as a neutral third-party Parent Coordinator.
Certified Mediators and Mediations
Working with both parties (and their attorneys) to facilitate negotiations and find a mutually agreeable resolution to their dispute.
Meet Our Team
Find an attorney in your North Carolina County
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
Contact Us Today!
Latest Blog Posts
Is custody mediation required in NC? Short answer: usually, yes — if your case involves a contested custody or visitation issue, the court generally sends you there before it sends you to a judge.
Here`s the part people miss: mediation is free, but the agreement you sign there becomes a binding custody order. Not a rough draft. Not a "we`ll clean it up later." A court order — covering school decisions, holidays, exchanges, and everything in between.
Attorney Janet L. Gemmell breaks down what actually happens in the room, when mediation can be waived, and why "we`ll figure out the details" is the most expensive sentence in family law.
Read the full breakdown: Link in bio.
📄 Free download: our Mediation Day Checklist, so you walk in knowing exactly what you want.
#CapeFearFamilyLaw #NCFamilyLaw #ChildCustody #CustodyMediation #WilmingtonNC #CoParenting
Think everything in a divorce is automatically split 50/50? Think again. ⚖️
In North Carolina, property division follows the principle of equitable distribution—and “equitable” doesn’t always mean equal.
Factors like income, property contributions, debts, and other circumstances can affect how assets are divided.
Before making assumptions about what you may receive—or lose—make sure you understand how the law actually works.
#DivorceLaw #NorthCarolinaDivorce #EquitableDistribution #FamilyLaw #DivorceAdvice #CapeFearFamilyLaw #NorthCarolinaAttorney #DivorceTips
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 fees
The 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.
