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 278 reviews
Ken Licata
1 year ago
My wife and myself can’t speak highly enough about Kayleigh Davenport and her staff at Cape Fear Family Law. They’ve been there every step of the way, keeping us informed of the status and goings on during the adoption of our two grandsons. Kayleigh and CFFL are fantastic!!
Chyeanne Flores
8 months ago
Conner Green has been amazing, understanding, helpful, knowledgeable and flexible to work with.
Chelsea W
2 years ago
Attorney Allie Moore and her team, including Sarah Winkler, Missy Taylor, and Halie Walker have been with me since my consultation date and on. Melenni Balbach assisted with the absolute divorce and Amy Burge helped with mediation. Not only was this group there for me when I knew separation, child custody/support, and divorce would be challenging - but they never backed down when things got scary too. I knew I had multiple people in my corner with facts and guidance, but also validation. I would highly recommend Allie and this team to be by your side if you ever find yourself in a similar situation. Thank you for all your hard work, persistence, and assurance throughout this process!
Meg'n Williamson
2 years ago
Excellent
Cape Fear Family Law - Raleigh5.0
Based on 8 reviews
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! 😊
Bill Mathias
1 year 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
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! ✨
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! 💙
Top rated
Cape Fear Family Law - Durham4.8
Based on 418 reviews
Justin B
6 months ago
Ashly F. went above and beyond outside of business hours to get me the paperwork I needed promptly.
Kenneth Bordeaux
11 months ago
Connors Green and the team at Cape Fear Family Law did an excellent job communicating and engaging when it came to work on my seperation agreement. I have been very satisfied with their work on my case.
Michelle Taylor
1 year ago
Kayleigh was supportive and a strong advocate for my family and I. She is the perfect combination of compassionate and professionally strong while representing my case. She is the best experience I have ever had with legal representation.
Caitlyn McSherry
2 years ago
I had the pleasure of having Mr Benson as my divorce and custody lawyer and he exceeded my expectations. My first call with him I was very emotional and stressed and he immediately calmed my nerves and talked me through the process and how we were going to go about things. He made everything super simple and easy to understand as well as keeping me informed of everything regarding my case as soon as something new came up. I highly recommend using him if you find yourself in an unfortunate situation regarding divorce and custody. He will not disappoint.
Excellent
Cape Fear Family Law - Raleigh5.0
Based on 8 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! ✨
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!
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! 😊
Bill Mathias
1 year 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
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 Happens If You Miss Your Equitable Distribution Hearing in North Carolina?

A 2026 Decision on Notice, Default, and Getting It Undone

Can You Waive Alimony in a Premarital Agreement in North Carolina?

A 2026 Court of Appeals Decision Says Yes — and Explains Why “I Never Read It” Does Not Help

What Should I Do Before I Move Out on My Date of Separation?

The North Carolina Walkthrough Checklist. In North Carolina, treat the day you move out as a date you will have to prove later.

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

“Mr. Tingling, very helpful in my contempt case. We won our case.” 💚

We’re grateful to Ashawnta S. for sharing her experience working with Associate Attorney Marcus Tingling at Cape Fear Family Law.

Contempt cases can be stressful and challenging. Having an attorney who provides guidance and support throughout the process can make a meaningful difference.

Thank you, Ashawnta, for trusting Marcus and our team with your case and for taking the time to share your feedback!

If you have questions about a family law matter in North Carolina, our team is here to help you understand your options.

📍 Wilmington | Jacksonville | Durham | Raleigh

#CapeFearFamilyLaw #MarcusTingling #ClientTestimonial #FamilyLaw #ContemptOfCourt #NCFamilyLaw #ClientExperience
Part 6 🎥 Rule #4: Don't make your child the messenger

It can start innocently. "Was her boyfriend there?" "Did she sleep over last night?" "Was he there when you woke up?"

You may think you're gathering evidence. But your child experiences something very different. They instantly sense that the other parent could be hurt by whatever they say, and that puts them in a loyalty bind. Over time, that can mean real anxiety, fear, and sometimes even depression.

Your child isn't a tiny investigator, a counselor, or a private detective. They should be able to come home and tell you about their time with the other parent without feeling like they're being interrogated.

Information you feel entitled to isn't worth that cost to your child.

🎙️ Janet Gemmell, Attorney & Board Certified Family Law Specialist, shares why this rule matters for your kids and for your case.

Navigating co-parenting after separation? Our team is here to help. Reach out to Cape Fear Family Law to talk through your situation.

#FamilyLaw #CoParenting #CustodyCase #ChildCustody #DivorceAdvice #WilmingtonNC #DurhamNC #NorthCarolinaFamilyLaw
Part 6 🎥 Rule #4: Don't make your child the messenger

It can start innocently. "Was her boyfriend there?" "Did she sleep over last night?" "Was he there when you woke up?"

You may think you're gathering evidence. But your child experiences something very different. They instantly sense that the other parent could be hurt by whatever they say, and that puts them in a loyalty bind. Over time, that can mean real anxiety, fear, and sometimes even depression.

Your child isn't a tiny investigator, a counselor, or a private detective. They should be able to come home and tell you about their time with the other parent without feeling like they're being interrogated.

Information you feel entitled to isn't worth that cost to your child.

🎙️ Janet Gemmell, Attorney & Board Certified Family Law Specialist, shares why this rule matters for your kids and for your case.

Navigating co-parenting after separation? Our team is here to help. Reach out to Cape Fear Family Law to talk through your situation.

#FamilyLaw #CoParenting #CustodyCase #ChildCustody #DivorceAdvice #WilmingtonNC #DurhamNC #NorthCarolinaFamilyLaw