When something needs to be done for a client—when a child’s safety hangs in the balance, when a father needs his voice heard, when the courthouse is closing and your filing isn’t complete—Waneta Ellis stands in the gap.

Here’s something they don’t teach you in law school: the person who answers the phone is the most important person in the building.

Every photographer knows the secret to a perfect image: it’s not just about what you see. It’s about light, timing, patience, and an eye trained to notice what others miss.

This year, Cape Fear Family Law is proud to recognize Marcus Tingling as the 2025 Runner-Up for the Client Champion Attorney Award—a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about his dedication, skill, and the profound impact he has made in such a short time.