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Best Family Lawyers in Raleigh, NC

Our Recommended Top 19

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Raleigh Family Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

254Reviewed

160Curated

19Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

2301 Rexwoods Dr Ste 118, Raleigh, NC 27607

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (45)
Avvo
4.5 (22)
Facebook
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Daphne Edwards Divorce & Family Law, PC is a boutique law firm in Raleigh that represents clients in family law matters. She focuses more than 20 years of experience on issues relating to divorce, custody, and property settlement litigation, and provides mediation services to other attorneys and their clients. She is commonly recognized by North Carolina Super Lawyers, Martindale Hubbell, and the Business NC Legal Elite.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Daphne Edwards - PrincipalActive27 yrs

1620 Hillsborough St Ste 200, Raleigh, NC 27605

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Elizabeth A. Stephenson is one of the managing partners of New Direction Family Law. The firm has operated for 4 years and has a legal team with over 30 years of combined family law experience. The firm's practice is devoted exclusively to family law and handles cases involving divorce, property division, child custody and visitation, and spousal support. New Direction Family Law also reviews, modifies, and enforces existing post-divorce agreements and court orders. The American Institute of Family Law Attorneys named the firm among the 10 Best for Client Satisfaction.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Sarah jane Hink - Attorney/PartnerActive10 yrs
Elizabeth Stephenson - Attorney/PartnerActive24 yrs

8341 Bandford Way Ste 1, Raleigh, NC 27615

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

FindLaw
5.0 (40)
Yelp
1.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Raleigh Divorce Law Firm is a family law legal office that has been serving the community of Raleigh since 2010. Founding attorney Heather Forshey is board-certified in family law, and she handles sensitive cases involving divorce, child custody battles, alienation of affection, and paternity actions. She also fights for those who have suffered at the hands of a loved one. Forshey was named a Super Lawyers Rising Star by Thomson Reuters.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Heather Forshey - OwnerActive18 yrs

8315 Six Forks Road Suite 103, Raleigh, NC 27615

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
3.9 (12)
Avvo
4.4 (7)
Yelp
3.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Located in Raleigh, Hopper Law Office is a family-owned and family-operated law firm that focuses on advocating and fighting for clients' rights throughout the process of family law litigation. Since 1994, it has provided legal representation to a wide range of family law cases, such as child support and custody, establishing paternity, distribution of assets and properties, domestic violence, same-sex divorce, and grandparents' rights. Its team of attorneys has a collective legal experience of more than 40 years.

  • Divorce
  • Child Custody
  • Alimony

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Kevin Hopper - PartnerActive30 yrs

3801 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 420, Raleigh, NC 27607

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (20)
Yelp
3.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

McKnight Law handles diverse matters on family law on behalf of clients in Raleigh. The firm helps individuals end marital unions through separation or divorce, representing them in inequitable assets distribution and alimony. Its attorneys offer assistance in sorting out children's issues that come with the conclusion of marriages, like custody and support. McKnight Law's mediation and arbitration services are also available to same-sex couples. John McKnight is a Legal Aid's Project Together and North Carolina Bar Association member.

  • Divorce
  • Child Custody
  • Alimony

1027 U.S. Hwy 70 West Suite 203, Garner, NC 27529

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (18)

Why choose this provider?

Tim Fowler Law Firm, P.A., represents clients in Raleigh in various practice areas. It takes a compassionate approach to help individuals reach mutual agreements on various family law matters, such as child custody and support, marital property division, and alimony. The law firm has been representing victims of car accidents, unsafe premises, and medical malpractice since 1999. Tim G. Fowler, the firm's founder, handles criminal defense cases involving assault, shoplifting, and stalking. He holds a psychology degree, which helps him understand clients' perceptions and preferences. 

  • Child Custody
  • Divorce

203 W Millbrook Rd #101, Raleigh, NC 27609

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (29)
Avvo
4.3 (6)
Yelp
3.7 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Young Law Offices PLLC provides guidance and representation in the Raleigh metro. It handles various aspects of family law, helping individuals and families settle property division, alimony, and child custody and support issues. The legal firm also takes on contested and uncontested divorce cases and assists clients in filing premarital and postnuptial agreement disputes. In addition, it deals with estate planning and administration services. Primary attorney Rhona Young is also a parenting coordinator and a superior court mediator.

  • Divorce

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Rhonda Young - PrincipalActive16 yrs

202 West Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27609

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (19)
Google
4.6 (11)
Avvo
4.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Kelly Thompson Family Law aims to build strong, positive connections with their clients in Raleigh. As a family law firm, it handles cases involving child support and custody and absolute divorce and conducts mediation. Additionally, it caters to issues of alimony and post-separation support and equitable distribution. The solo practitioner was a member of the Smithfield Law Review and clerked at the Mast Law Firm. She also serves the Wake community and the adjacent counties.

  • Divorce
  • Child Custody

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Kelly Thompson - PrincipalActive17 yrs

7000 Harps Mill Rd #203, Raleigh, NC 27615

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
3.8 (7)
Google
5.0 (6)
Avvo
4.3 (6)

Why choose this provider?

The Mueller Law Firm, P.A. has provided legal solutions for clients dealing with family law matters in Raleigh and nearby areas for the past 25 years. It comprises attorneys who focus on all aspects of family law, including alienation of affection, child custody and visitation, negotiation and litigation, domestic violence, mediation and arbitration, and grandparents' rights. The firm's founder and lead attorney, Len C. Mueller, is a North Carolina and Wake County Bar Associations member.

  • Divorce

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Len Mueller - FounderActive39 yrs

1135 Kildaire Farm Rd., Ste. 200, Cary, NC 27511

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (27)
Avvo
5.0 (23)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of James Tyler Brooks works with Raleigh metro residents seeking advice on family legal affairs. It is dedicated to providing clarity to clients on the processes involved in marital separation, divorce–spousal support, asset division, and child custody and support. Founding lawyer James T. Brooks represents clients in discussions with their partners or their spouses' attorneys, in either mediation or collaborative law settings, or in court if situations require. Brooks has been recognized as one of Business North Carolina's Legal Elite.

  • Child Custody
  • Divorce

300 S. Main Street, Suite 212, Holly Springs, NC 27540

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (59)

Why choose this provider?

Miller & Smith provides legal representation to residents of Raleigh and the surrounding areas. Its scope of practice includes divorce, settlements, child and spousal support, asset division, and child custody. It also assists domestic violence victims in obtaining shelter and learning more about the legal system. The firm has been featured in Good Housekeeping and CNBC. Marshall Miller, one of its legal practitioners, has won various community awards, such as SAFE House's Purple Ribbon Award.

  • Asset Distribution
  • Child Custody

891 Washington St, Raleigh, NC 27605

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (47)
Avvo
4.4 (18)
Yelp
3.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Breeden Law Office is a litigation firm that serves clients in Raleigh. The company focuses solely on family law practice, handling matters related to divorce, child custody and support, adoption, legal guardianship, and domestic violence. Jonathan Breeden, the firm's founding lawyer, also represents clients in wills disputes, powers of attorney cases, and criminal litigation. Breeden has been practicing law for over two decades. He supports children with special needs through the Crossroads Civitan Club.

  • Divorce
  • Child Custody
  • Domestic Violence

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Jonathan Breeden - PrincipalActive24 yrs

5 W. Hargett Street Suite 507, Raleigh, NC 27601

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.1 (26)
Facebook
5.0 (4)
Avvo
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Graber Law Firm, PLLC., serves residents of Raleigh with family law concerns. The firm handles cases involving divorce, child custody and support, alimony, and equitable distribution of property. In addition, it offers criminal defense services. The firm's lawyer Erin Mulligan Graber began her practice in 1997 as an advocate for sexual assault and domestic violence victims. She was a former district court judge in the 10th judicial district. She also serves on the board of the Wake Women Attorneys.

  • Divorce

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Erin Graber - PrincipalActive20 yrs

4048 Barrett Drive, Raleigh, NC 27609

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (20)
Avvo
3.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Rik Lovett & Associates assists families in the Raleigh area. The firm represents parents attempting to gain child custody. It helps clients navigate through child support responsibilities like private school tuition, health insurance, and daycare. The resolves conflict between divorced spouses through negotiation with attorneys, collaborative law sessions, trials, and motions hearings. Attorney Rik Lovett has been listed as a National Advocate Top 100 Matrimonial and Family Lawyer by the American Institute of Family Lawyers.

  • Divorce
  • Child Custody
  • Alimony

109 North Boylan Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27603

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.4 (184)
Yelp
2.6 (15)
Avvo
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Triangle Divorce Lawyers has years of experience dealing with family law matters in Raleigh. It handles cases such as collaborative divorce, child custody, child support, property division, domestic violence, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. It also offers modifications and enforcement services regarding child support orders and visitation rights. Triangle Divorce Lawyers is owned by Mary Gurganus, who is also a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. The law firm serves clients from three offices across North Carolina.

  • Divorce
  • Child Custody
  • Alimony

4208 Six Forks Road Suite 1000, Raleigh, NC 27609

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (16)
Avvo
5.0 (11)
Facebook
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Julyan Law Firm, PLLC, serves the legal needs of individuals and families in Raleigh and the surrounding areas. It has been taking on family law matters since 2009, handling a wide variety of issues including divorce, prenuptial agreements, child custody and support, property distribution, and domestic violence. The firm also serves LGBTQIA individuals in need of legal counsel for matters such as domestic partnership agreements, same-sex or transgender litigation, and adult name changes. Previously, founder Michelle Julyan contributed articles about family law and divorce to NC Lawyer's Weekly.

  • Adoption
  • Child Custody
  • Divorce

5 W Hargett St, #507, Raleigh, NC 27601

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (10)
Avvo
5.0 (7)
Yelp
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

The Palmé Law Firm focuses its practice around family and divorce law cases. It serves families and individuals in the Raleigh metro who are dealing with issues such as child support, child custody, property division, and domestic violence. Its team of attorneys also assists with prenuptial and separation agreements. The firm's senior lawyer, Steve Palmé, is a member of the North Carolina Domestic Violence Council. He also published an interstate support and custody article for the North Carolina Advocates for Justice magazine.

  • Divorce

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Steve Palme - PrincipalActive19 yrs

150 Fayetteville Street Suite 1800, Raleigh, NC 27601

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (49)
Yelp
3.7 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Tharrington Smith LLP Attorneys at Law is a firm serving Raleigh individuals and families. It assists clients in different areas of family law such as separation agreements, equitable distribution, same-sex divorce, alienation of affection, and retirement division (QDROs). Its legal team provides representation in court, arbitration, and mediation with consideration to the financial matters within the case. One of the firm's practitioners, Mary Aiken Barrow, has served as a guest lecturer at the University of North Carolina School of Law's family law practice seminar.

  • Divorce
  • Child Custody

421 Fayetteville St, Ste 1100, Raleigh, NC 27601

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.8 (35)
Facebook
4.7 (15)
Google
4.6 (10)

Why choose this provider?

Gantt Family Law represents individuals and families in the Raleigh area. As a board-certified family law specialist, Richard Gantt works with a wide array of clients facing various issues, from couples pursuing legal separation or divorce to plaintiffs and defendants in cases of domestic violence and alienation of affection. He offers litigation and alternative dispute resolution services. Gantt has been practicing law for over 20 years and regularly holds educational seminars on family law for other attorneys.

  • Divorce
  • Child Custody

Compare our Top Family Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Daphne Edwards Divorce & Family Law
2301 Rexwoods Dr Ste 118, Raleigh, NC 27607
Elizabeth A Stephenson
1620 Hillsborough St Ste 200, Raleigh, NC 27605
Raleigh Divorce Law Firm
8341 Bandford Way Ste 1, Raleigh, NC 27615
Hopper Law Office
8315 Six Forks Road Suite 103, Raleigh, NC 27615
McKnight Law
3801 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 420, Raleigh, NC 27607
Tim Fowler Law Firm, P.A.
1027 U.S. Hwy 70 West Suite 203, Garner, NC 27529
Young Law Offices PLLC
203 W Millbrook Rd #101, Raleigh, NC 27609
Kelly Thompson Family Law
202 West Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27609
The Mueller Law Firm, P.A.
7000 Harps Mill Rd #203, Raleigh, NC 27615
Law Office of James Tyler Brooks
1135 Kildaire Farm Rd., Ste. 200, Cary, NC 27511
Miller & Smith
300 S. Main Street, Suite 212, Holly Springs, NC 27540
Breeden Law Office
891 Washington St, Raleigh, NC 27605
Graber Law Firm, PLLC
5 W. Hargett Street Suite 507, Raleigh, NC 27601
Rik Lovett & Associates
4048 Barrett Drive, Raleigh, NC 27609
Triangle Divorce Lawyers
109 North Boylan Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27603
Julyan Law Firm, PLLC
4208 Six Forks Road Suite 1000, Raleigh, NC 27609
Palmé Law Firm
5 W Hargett St, #507, Raleigh, NC 27601
Tharrington Smith LLP Attorneys at Law
150 Fayetteville Street Suite 1800, Raleigh, NC 27601
Gantt Family Law
421 Fayetteville St, Ste 1100, Raleigh, NC 27601

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

FAQs

  • What kinds of cases do family lawyers handle?

    Family lawyers handle all types of family-related issues, including divorce, child support and spousal support, custody, adoption, paternity and guardianship. Family attorneys can also handle prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and divide marital assets based on the policies outlined in these documents. Domestic violence cases are also within the purview of family law attorneys.

  • Is family court different from district court?

    In most states, family court is a division of the district court rather than a separate court system. Family law judges primarily preside over family disputes, such as divorce and custody hearings. Most states require family law judges to receive special training on how to best address family law matters.

  • How long do custody cases last in family court?

    The duration of custody cases can differ based on the circumstances surrounding the claim. A case in which parents agree to split custody can be quick, while lawsuits in which both parents or guardians are fighting for full custody can take much longer. Most child custody cases last three to 10 days, but this can vary under more challenging circumstances.

  • Why is there no jury in family court?

    There are no juries in family court cases because the concept of innocence or guilt does not apply. While there may be some cases in which additional opinions could be helpful, most cases are based on the letter of the law versus individual circumstances. Some states, including Texas, permit jury trials for family court cases, but this is uncommon.

  • What are the most common cases in family court?

    Family law covers a variety of different cases pertaining to familial relations. The most common cases in family court include:

    • Divorce cases, including settling issues of alimony, property distribution, and child care
    • Child custody and the determination of paternity
    • Domestic violence protection orders
    • Name changes, including modifications due to adoption or personal preference
    • Guardianship, including who will handle the care of a child or adult should current caretakers be unable to do so
    • Adoptions and the termination of parental rights
    • Juvenile matters, including child abuse and neglect, foster placements, and criminal conduct
    • Emancipation, which is the process of declaring a minor as independent from their parents
    • Approval of underage marriages

  • Do family lawyers handle mediation?

    Mediation can be a valuable part of a divorce case, counseling spouses to work through areas of disagreement in a fair, calm, and unbiased manner. Most, but not all, family lawyers handle mediation. Anyone who believes they may need intervention services is encouraged to ask about an attorney’s experience with resolving disputes, to ensure that support is available if necessary.