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 278 reviews
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!
Jessie Chavez
1 year ago
I worked with Matthew Geiger on a custody matter and honestly can’t recommend him enough. Matt really knows his stuff, stayed on top of everything, and made sure I always felt informed and supported throughout the process. What really stood out was his great sense of humor - it made a stressful situation feel a little more manageable. On top of being incredibly knowledgeable and professional, he was also prompt, responsive, and easy to talk to. If you're navigating something as important as custody, having someone like Matt in your corner makes a big difference. I’m grateful for his help and would absolutely recommend them to anyone in the area looking for a reliable family attorney.
Bill Mathias
12 months 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.
Allie Moore is truly an incredible lawyer and a wonderful person. From the moment I reached out to her, she treated me with kindness, patience, and respect. She took the time to really listen to my concerns and walked me through everything step by step, always making sure I understood and felt supported. Her dedication to my case and genuine care for my well-being went far beyond what I ever expected. Allie made me feel like I wasn’t just a client, but someone she truly cared about. I can’t thank her enough for all she’s done, and I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone who needs not just an excellent lawyer, but also a compassionate advocate.
Rachelle Hutton
11 months 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.
Excellent
Cape Fear Family Law - Raleigh5.0
Based on 9 reviews
Spencer Hodges
2 years ago
Response from the owner:Thank you!
Milen Michael
1 year ago
Allie Moore worked diligently, and I was very pleased with her services. Thank you Allie Moore & Cape Fear Family Law!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you were pleased with Allie Moore’s hard work and dedication. 🌟 She is a true asset to our team, and we’re proud of the care and diligence she brings to every client she serves. We appreciate you choosing Cape Fear Family Law and are grateful for the opportunity to help you. Wishing you all the best in the future, and if you ever need us again, we’ll be here for you! 💙
Cristina Leone
1 year 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! 💙
Justin B
4 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!
Excellent
Cape Fear Family Law - Durham4.8
Based on 418 reviews
verl matthews
2 years ago
I would like to thank everyone at Cape Fear Family law.Especially Marcus Tingling he was a caring person.He was there when I needed help getting custody of my grandchildren. I could call anytime if I needed help with stuff I didn’t understand. I would call their law firm again!
Diane Ceron
7 months ago
Marcus was responsive, courteous and professional
Brandon Futch
2 years ago
The triangle area has some great attorneys here.
Henry Aldairan
6 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%🤝
Excellent
Cape Fear Family Law - Raleigh5.0
Based on 9 reviews
Cristina Leone
1 year 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! 💙
Milen Michael
1 year ago
Allie Moore worked diligently, and I was very pleased with her services. Thank you Allie Moore & Cape Fear Family Law!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you were pleased with Allie Moore’s hard work and dedication. 🌟 She is a true asset to our team, and we’re proud of the care and diligence she brings to every client she serves. We appreciate you choosing Cape Fear Family Law and are grateful for the opportunity to help you. Wishing you all the best in the future, and if you ever need us again, we’ll be here for you! 💙
Justin B
4 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**
Spencer Hodges
2 years ago
Response from the owner:Thank you!
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!
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) 342-4949

RALEIGH OFFICE

Cape Fear Family Law – Raleigh
4601 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 3B
Raleigh NC 27607
(919) 342-4949

FAX

(877) 848-4028

Contact Us Today!

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Latest Blog Posts

Financially Dependent Spouse in NC

How to Get Temporary Support, Housing, and Counsel Before Final Orders

Enforcement and Arrears in NC

What Actually Happens When Your Ex Stops Paying Child Support?

Does 50/50 Custody Eliminate Child Support in NC?

(Spoiler: No — Here’s the Math)

Move-Away Custody in North Carolina

Why You Ask Permission, Not Forgiveness

Called a “Narcissist” in Your NC Custody Case?

What the Court Actually Weighs — and How to Protect Your Kids

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.
There’s a side of leaving a marriage that people don’t talk about enough: what happens when you don’t have the financial resources to actually leave?@_jen_hamilton_ put words to something so many women experience — the fear, the uncertainty, the emptiness, and the feeling that there’s no clear way forward.And seeing what happened when people came together to support her was honestly incredible.It’s a reminder that sometimes, what someone needs most isn’t judgment or advice. They need someone to say, “You’re not alone. There is a way forward.”Jen’s story is powerful — and it’s a conversation worth having. ❤️#DivorceSupport #WomenSupportingWomen #DivorceRecovery #FamilyLaw #YouAreNotAlone
Civil contempt jail time requires proof of a present, willful ability to pay. Don't let fear paralyze your defense. #CivilContempt #ChildSupportEnforcement #NCFamilyCourts #LegalDefense #WilmingtonLawyer #CapeFearFamilyLaw
Your ex stopped paying child support. Here's what most people get wrong about what happens next.It's not a negotiation — it's a broken court order. But the enforcement tools most people never hear about until they need them:
→ A specific dollar amount that triggers a tax refund intercept → A specific number of missed payments that can suspend a license → Why arrears quietly accrue interest and can double before you know it → The Venmo/cash payment mistake that costs people on both sides of the caseWe broke down the full enforcement timeline — wage withholding, CSS vs. private attorney, contempt, and everything in between — in this week's blog.Read the full breakdown. 👇
https://capefearfamilylaw.com/enforcement-and-arrears-in-nc/
Child support decisions should be guided by facts, not assumptions. When parents understand how child support is actually calculated, they can focus on practical solutions, clearer expectations, and their child’s well-being.If you have questions about child support or your next legal steps, get strong legal advice tailored to your family’s situation.📍 Serving Wilmington, Durham, Jacksonville, & Raleigh
🔗 www.capefearfamilylaw.com#ChildSupport #FamilyLaw #NorthCarolinaFamilyLaw #ChildSupportGuidelines #CoParenting #LegalGuidance