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 277 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!!
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.
Macey Bordeaux
1 year ago
We chose Kayleigh DavenPort again for our son’s adoption case after successfully closing our TPR case with her. Just as Kayleigh was responsive and extremely diligent in the TPR case, she took us seamlessly from TPR to adoption. She immediately began work on our case and was super efficient in getting us through the process for a successful stepparent adoption. Her trustworthiness and dependability never wavered during our cases. We would trust her over again!
Stephen Chance
5 months ago
Going through a custody case was very stressful, but Waneta Ellis and the rest of the staff there made the process much easier. Very responsive and informative, and genuinely cared about the outcome for my family. Could not be more satisfied!
Mandy Whaley
2 months ago
Melissa Bradnick was professional, knowledgeable, and supportive throughout the entire process. She communicated clearly, answered my questions promptly, and helped make a difficult situation much less stressful. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a compassionate and effective divorce attorney.
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!
Justin B
5 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**
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! 💙
Excellent
Cape Fear Family Law - Durham4.8
Based on 416 reviews
Regina Gachett
1 year ago
Cape Fear Family Law was great! I appreciate and want to thank Melanni Balbach and her staff for everything. I was well informed from beginning to end, I would recommend their service if you ever need a lawyer!
Erika Zaragoza
2 months ago
Grasias por su exelente trabajo a cape fear family low me brindo un trabajo exceptional en todo momento muchas grasias
Joelleene Benitez
9 months ago
Leslie Slotter
3 months ago
My divorce and equitable distribution case was one of the most difficult experiences of my life after nearly 39 years of marriage. The process was lengthy, emotional, and made even more challenging by a very difficult and high-conflict opposing party. There were times when I felt frustrated, overwhelmed, and impatient with the pace of the process. I was fighting for my future and often dealing with anger, fear, and uncertainty. Through those difficult moments, Allie Moore remained steady, professional, and focused. She knew when to listen, when to reassure me, and when to help me see the bigger picture. Like any long and complex case, there were decisions made along the way that I did not always agree with, and there were times I wished communication had been better. However, I appreciated that concerns I raised were addressed fairly. In particular, when issues arose regarding fees related to matters I felt were not handled appropriately, those concerns were heard and resolved. What stands out most is the outcome. Allie remained committed to achieving a fair result and helped me navigate an incredibly challenging legal situation. Her knowledge, professionalism, and ability to stay focused despite the emotions involved were invaluable. No attorney can remove the pain of divorce, but having someone who can guide you through the process and advocate for you effectively makes a tremendous difference. I am grateful for the final outcome and for Allie's efforts in helping me move forward into the next chapter of my life.
Torre Wright
2 years ago
I cannot thank this firm enough! I hired Attorney Kayleigh L. Davenport she was nothing less than exceptional from beginning to end.
Excellent
Cape Fear Family Law - Raleigh5.0
Based on 8 reviews
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!
Justin B
5 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**
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. ⚖️
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! ✨
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

Can Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, or Other Non-Parents Get Custody in North Carolina?

Can grandparents get custody in NC? The honest answer: only by proving unfitness or conduct inconsistent with parental status. Custody and visitation rules explained.

Who Pays for School Sports, Photos, Field Trips, and Fees in North Carolina?

A Board-Certified NC family law specialist breaks down what child support already covers versus what counts as an “extraordinary expense”

How Do You Prepare With Your Attorney for Financial Mediation in North Carolina?

When people hear the word “mediation,” they usually picture a single long day sitting in a neutral conference room.

What Should I Bring to Mediation in North Carolina?

The Complete List (Including What to Pack for the Kids)

Who should be on my child’s school emergency contact form after separation?

When parents separate, the annual back-to-school paperwork routine transforms from a mundane administrative task into a high-stakes legal battleground.

Part 3 🎥 Introducing a new partner to your kids?There's no rush to meet them. And once they do, dating partner ≠ parent. Boundaries first, always. 🎙️#FamilyLaw #CoParenting #CustodyCase #BlendedFamily #WilmingtonNCThis video is perfect for anyone facing the challenges of post-separation dating and co-parenting. Join us as we provide guidance for fostering healthy relationships without compromising your child's emotional stability. Ensure you’re equipped to make informed decisions on relationship introductions while protecting your child’s interests.
Can a grandparent get custody in North Carolina?Yes, but the path is narrow.Before a court can ask what's best for the child, you have to prove the parents are unfit or have acted inconsistently with their protected parental status. Being the better option isn't the legal question.Custody and visitation are also two separate claims with different rules. Confusing them can cost months.If you're a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or caregiver worried about a child, timing matters. Board-Certified Family Law Specialist Janet L. Gemmell breaks down what North Carolina law actually requires.Read the full post: Link in bio.#NorthCarolinaFamilyLaw #GrandparentCustody #NCCustody #CapeFearFamilyLaw #Wilmington #Durham #Jacksonville
Could dating someone new affect your custody case? 👀It’s not always as simple as “I’m separated, so I’m free to date.”When children are involved, a new relationship can bring big emotions, confusion, and changes to the family dynamic—especially while the divorce is still ongoing.In Part 2, we’re talking about what children may experience when a parent starts dating before the divorce is finalized.🎥 Watch Part 2 and follow us for Part 3!#ChildCustody #Divorce #FamilyLaw #CoParenting #CustodyTips #DivorceTips #ParentingAfterDivorce #Separation #NorthCarolinaFamilyLaw
Navigating the complexities of custody disputes can be challenging, especially when new relationships enter the picture. In this video, family law board-certified expert Janet Gemmell addresses a critical question: Can dating someone new impact your custody case?