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
Ryan Lewis
2 years ago
I was unable to get any calls back from attorneys more local to me, but Cape Fear Family Law was very responsive. I had the honor of working with Kayleigh and she was able to coordinate a video call and all of the responses from her and her team were prompt and polite. Hopefully I never have to use them again, but Kayleigh will be the first one I call if I ever do!
Bill Mathias
1 year ago
Janet is by far the best attorney I have ever dealt with. She is courteous, competent, values her clients and their time. She is very responsive and responds in a timely manner.
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!
Rachelle Hutton
1 year ago
Connor Green was an amazing attorney and helped me tremendously with my Child Custody and Child Support cases. He is truly an advocate for his clients and I feel it’s important to be heard in matters such as these. Thank you Connor Green for everything you’ve done for me and my daughter.
Daniela Furlough
2 years ago
Melenni and the staff at Cape Fear Family Law were extremely helpful and supportive. I was always afraid that lawyers would try to milk me for every cent, and I never felt that way with Melenni or any one else I worked with at Cape Fear Family Law. I felt valued and understood, and everyone was kind, friendly, and compassionate. I HIGHLY recommend Cape Fear Family Law!
Excellent
Cape Fear Family Law - Raleigh5.0
Based on 8 reviews
Spencer Hodges
2 years ago
Response from the owner:Thank you!
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! ✨
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. ⚖️
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 418 reviews
devin seefluth
2 years ago
Kayleigh was absolutely amazing. From the moment I brought them on for my divorce, and breech of contract they were very communicative. Any questions I had were answered, even though I was states away she really took away all the stress from me.
jc mollys
1 year ago
I had an emergency and needed to get emergency custody and Cape Fear law got it done within six hours and they were very thorough about every part of the process very knowledgeable very quick to answer any questions and very person
Henry Aldairan
8 months ago
Hola queria felicitar al grupo de abogados de cape fear family law por averme representado en mi caso hoy en Johnson country y tambien a darlene Que se tomo el tiempo para explicarme todo con paciencia estoy Muy agradecido con ella y por ultimo felicitar Ala abogada Melissa Bradnick por su excelente travajo Muy amable y Muy professional Los recomiendo 100%🤝
Tiffany Cutler
1 year ago
I highly recommend Roy Jacobs for any divorce, custody, or child support case! He is by far the best attorney I’ve worked with or met, and I consulted with quite a few before meeting with him. He and his team stuck with me for over a year and I could not be more thankful for the work they put into my case(s). The team was always quick to respond to any questions I had, Roy made sure he had any and all information needed, and most importantly, he was 100% on top of everything in court. Nothing slipped through the cracks and he successfully got my family through an extremely stressful year. Highly recommend!
Jessica Szabo
5 months ago
Marcus was so easy to work with and was on top of everything for me. He and his team communicated with me throughout the entire process and has checked in since the case ended. I highly recommend Mr. Tingling and his team.
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! ✨
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**
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!
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 messengerIt 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 messengerIt 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
“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