Best Divorce Lawyers Raleigh nc
Heather W. Forshey
Divorce Lawyers
Attorney Heather Williams Forshey opened Raleigh Divorce Law Firm in May 2010. She is a Board-Certified Family Law Specialist, is certified as a family financial mediator by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission, and is also a Certified Parenting Coordinator.
Heather was selected as a Super Lawyer in 2021 & 2022, an honor given to 5% of attorneys. Over the prior seven consecutive years, she has been named a Rising Star by North Carolina Super Lawyers, an honor given to no more than 2.5% of attorneys who practice family law in N.C.
Heather has exclusively practiced North Carolina family law since 2006. In that time, she has earned a reputation for providing knowledgeable, highly skilled legal counsel to clients contemplating divorce or struggling with family law issues, such as custody. Her firm only handles divorce, domestic issues, adoptions, appeals of family law issues, and related matters. She is an experienced litigator and has focused her family law practice on the area of child custody and modifications of child custody.
Heather has been a speaker at continuing legal education courses on topics including equitable distribution, child custody, parental alienation, and child support. She most recently served as the moderator for a panel of judges at the National Business Institute’s “What Family Court Judges Want You to Know” seminar in December 2018. While the majority of Heather’s practice focuses on cases in the Raleigh area, Heather has also handled cases in Smithfield, Lillington, Sanford, Chapel Hill, Durham, and surrounding areas.
Heather went to law school at Wake Forest University, where she was on Law Review and a member of the Moot Court Board. Heather was a finalist in the law school’s Moot Court oral argument competition during her first year and continued to compete successfully in oral argument competitions during the rest of her law school career.
Daphne Edwards
Divorce Lawyers
Daphne Edwards focuses her practice primarily on divorce and custody litigation, as well as family law appeals. Daphne has more than a decade of experience in state and federal courts and is committed to helping each client through divorce at any stage in the process. She is dedicated to client service and to achieving the best legal remedy for each individual she represents at the most affordable cost, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation and trial. Daphne is first and foremost a trial attorney.
Daphne is an experienced divorce and family law counselor. She ensures you understand the laws and rules governing your North Carolina divorce, illuminates the pros and cons specific to your unique circumstance and helps create the most strategic path toward recognizing your stated goals in consultation with you as a team. Your goals remain central to the strategy, negotiation, and selected course of action at each stage of the divorce process.
Daphne possesses the unique ability to team with the people she represents. She believes that divorce is a difficult and stressful time for her clients and that part of being a counselor is offering support to her clients while championing their rights. She helps divorce to be viewed as a transition to possibility and potential for each person. Daphne is a staunch advocate for her clients’ significant goals and long-term interests.
Lisa M. Angel
Divorce Lawyers
Lisa is fortunate to have gained many accolades over her law career, but she’s most proud of being one of Triangle Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” list in 2002 and the Triangle’s list of Top 25 Women in Business in the Triangle in 2004. Lisa was also inducted into the YWCA Academy of Women for the “Professions” category in 2003, which recognized her work, dedication and positive impact on the community. She graduated cum laude from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received her J.D. degree from Wake Forest University School of Law.
In 1997, Lisa received the Outstanding Young Lawyer Award for her service as chair of the Domestic Violence Commission for the North Carolina Bar Association’s Young Lawyer Division and, in 2005, was appointed by Governor Easley, no less, to serve as chair for the North Carolina Domestic Violence Commission.
Lisa is considered to be an expert on family law issues. Once again, however, you won’t hear her boasting, despite the fact that she is part of Interact’s Speakers’ Bureau and has been a guest lecturer at Duke University School of Law and Campbell Law School. Or even though she is an elected member of the Wake County Bar Association Board of Directors and the Council of the Family Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association.
Her leadership skills in her field are almost Wonder Woman-esque. Lisa is past president of the Women’s Center of Wake County Board of Directors and the current Co-Chair of Wake County Family Lawyers. She’s a member of the Wake County Volunteer Lawyers Program Advisory Board and Co-Chair and founding board member of Project Together, a Wake County Domestic violence pro bono project. She has served as the North Carolina Bar Association Liaison to the North Carolina Medical Society Task Force on Domestic Violence and as a member of the UNC Hospitals Domestic Violence Intervention Advisory Board.
Elizabeth A. Stephenson
Divorce Lawyers
Family law has been Elizabeth Stephenson’s passion for 22 years. She enjoys learning her client’s story, as this allows her to dig deep to discover their goals and work with them to develop a winning strategy. That means sitting face to face, when possible, and sharing the pros and cons of their case. Family law cases are often times filled with bitter emotions and resentment, and Elizabeth won’t sugar coat it. She’s upfront and honest about the likely outcome. Every case has its good and bad, and her job is to put her client’s facts and circumstances in the best light to achieve the best outcome. Elizabeth understands the emotional upheaval and stress experienced by families facing separation and divorce and is dedicated to providing steadfast support and guidance to each and every client. Her regular practice includes Wake and Durham Counties.
Elizabeth is a certified parenting coordinator and assists families in high‑conflict custody cases develop healthy co‑parenting relationships and nurture the bond between parents and their children. As the proud mom of a teenager, Elizabeth is keenly aware of the deep connection that exists between a parent and child. She knows how important it is to protect that relationship, especially during stressful times like divorce or separation.
Elizabeth attended North Carolina Central University School of Law, graduating with honors in 2000. Prior to graduating from law school, she was the Program Director for Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina. She was also the Executive Director of The Covenant with North Carolina’s Children. With a master’s degree in social work, Elizabeth helped families by providing therapeutic services to children and families in need. Following her passion for helping victims of domestic abuse and the casualties of broken marriages, she chose to go into family law. Elizabeth is a member of the North Carolina State Bar, the North Carolina Bar Association, and the Family Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association. While in law school, she was a member of the Trial Advocacy Team, Moot Court, and Senior Editor of the Law Journal.
Charles R. Ullman
Divorce Lawyers
A North Carolina native, Charles R. Ullman represents clients in family law matters in Raleigh, Cary and throughout Wake County and surrounding areas. He also serves as a family law arbitrator.
His credentials include status as a board-certified family law specialist. Certified by the North Carolina State Bar’s Board of Legal Specialization in Family Law, Mr. Ullman was one of fewer than 300 family lawyers to receive this distinction at the time he earned certification. Lawyers who are designated by the State Bar as specialists in designated practice areas, such as Mr. Ullman, are recognized for the depth and commitment of their service to the public within the area they practice.
Mr. Ullman’s approach to the practice of law focuses on fairness and understanding. He takes time to listen to each client’s values and goals and to discuss ways to reach a reasonable result that lies within the boundaries of the law. Mr. Ullman also brings compassion and consideration to clients who are grappling with family law issues. He understands the sensitivity of ethical and religious concerns when it comes to divorces.
Mr. Ullman is a trained collaborative law attorney, as well as a practicing family law arbitrator and assists clients in international custody cases.
JONATHAN BREEDEN
Divorce Lawyers
That may be by helping a parent get the help and support they need to be successful or by resolving a contentious divorce, custody, or child support matter in a way that allows the family to move forward in a positive direction that places the child’s needs first.
Jonathan opened his law practice just outside of Raleigh in 2000. Since then, he has provided compassionate, personalized representation to families experiencing divorce, custody disputes, adoptions, and other domestic matters in Johnston and Harnett Counties and surrounding areas. He also defends people charged with DUI, traffic violations, theft, assault, or other criminal offences. With four convenient office locations, Jonathan Breeden can better serve you in Raleigh, Angier, Garner, and Smithfield.
Cathy Hunt
Divorce Lawyers
Partner Cathy Hunt represents business owners going through divorce and clients with complex financial estates. Before joining Gailor Hunt Davis Taylor & Gibbs, PLLC in 2001, Cathy practiced corporate law with Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice in Raleigh and McGuire, Woods, Battle and Booth in Northern Virginia. Most of Cathy’s time was devoted to mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.
Cathy’s former corporate law experience including the formation of business entities and subsequent representation on corporate matters, provides her with the expertise necessary to understanding complex equitable distribution cases, especially those involving business valuation issues. Cathy’s practice also includes in-depth financial analysis in alimony and child support cases. She was a judicial clerk for the Honorable Adolpho A. Birch, Jr., former Chief Justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Cathy represents mothers and fathers with complex custody cases. She also prosecutes and defends claims for Alienation of Affection and Criminal Conversation.
Cathy received her J.D. degree from the University of Memphis where she was a member of the Law Review. Cathy received a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, graduating first in her class. She is licensed to practice in North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Cathy has been recognized by her peers as a member of North Carolina’s Legal Elite in Family Law as published in Business North Carolina Magazine
She has also been named as one of North Carolina’s Top Lawyers in the area of Family Law by Business Leader magazine.
Angela McIlveen
Divorce Lawyers
Angela McIlveen, Board Certified Specialist in Family Law, is the CEO and Co-Founder of the McIlveen Family Law Firm. She is the driving force behind the growth of the law firm. Angela and her husband and business partner, Sean McIlveen are committed to growing a practice that serves families and is a great place to work for employees.
Angela McIlveen says, “The first thing you will notice when you meet me is that I genuinely care about the clients of the Firm. Maybe it’s because I remember going through my parents’ nasty divorce when I was 6 years old. I know how my parents’ divorce impacted my life and growing up with my dad when kids didn’t grow up with their fathers definitely shaped my life. In case you are wondering, no my mom wasn’t a bad person. My dad just had the best attorney in town.” Having witnessed her own parents’ divorce and custody battle, Angela McIlveen knows how hard divorce can be for children.
She also has the unique perspective of having gone through her own custody trial. Angela was actually called as a witness and had to testify in court. Having lived through her own case, Angela McIlveen knows how crazy going through a divorce or custody lawsuit can make you.
When asked about why her colleagues say she is aggressive, Angela says, “I wouldn’t say that I’m aggressive. I would say that I’m passionate about my clients and what I do. Whether I am in or out of the courtroom, I give it my all. And I hate to lose!”
While Angela lives for the courtroom, she knows that it isn’t always the best place for clients to resolve their disputes. Despite her reputation for being a tough divorce lawyer, she is always willing to discuss a reasonable settlement. In fact, Angela McIlveen thinks that most cases should be resolved outside of the courtroom through mediation.
Advantages of Having the Best Divorce Lawyer in Raleigh, NC:
Expertise in North Carolina Divorce Laws: The best divorce lawyer in Raleigh will have a deep understanding of the specific divorce laws and regulations in North Carolina. This knowledge is crucial for ensuring that your rights are protected and that the legal process is followed correctly.
Local Court Knowledge: Experienced divorce lawyers in Raleigh will be familiar with the local court system, judges, and procedures. This familiarity can be instrumental in predicting how a case might unfold and in crafting strategies tailored to the local legal environment.
Specialization in Family Law Matters: Top divorce lawyers are well-versed in various aspects of family law, including child custody, visitation rights, child support, spousal support, and property division. They can provide expert advice and representation in these critical areas.
Strong Negotiation Skills: A skilled divorce lawyer is an adept negotiator. They can advocate on your behalf to achieve favorable settlements, ensuring that your interests are protected and that you receive a fair share of marital assets.
Emotional Support and Objectivity: Divorce can be an emotionally trying process. A divorce lawyer can offer objective advice and support, helping you make rational decisions that are in your best interest, even when emotions are running high.
Preventing Costly Mistakes: Without legal representation, individuals may make costly errors in their divorce proceedings. A skilled lawyer can help you avoid these pitfalls, potentially saving you money and stress in the long run.
Child Custody and Support Advocacy: If children are involved, a top divorce lawyer will work tirelessly to protect your rights as a parent. They’ll aim to establish custody arrangements that are in the best interests of the children and ensure that child support is determined accurately.
Asset and Property Division: Dividing assets and property can be a complex process. A skilled divorce lawyer will work to ensure that this is done fairly and that you receive an equitable share of the marital assets.
Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution: A top divorce lawyer can facilitate mediation or other alternative dispute resolution methods, which can lead to a more amicable and cost-effective resolution, especially in cases where a trial may be avoided.
Post-Divorce Support: Even after the divorce is finalized, a good lawyer can provide guidance and support, especially in situations where modifications or enforcement of court orders may be necessary.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Going through a divorce is inherently stressful. Having a skilled lawyer can alleviate some of that stress by handling the legal aspects, allowing you to focus on your emotional well-being and other important matters.
Impact of Divorce on Family:
Divorce can have various effects on family members, including:
Emotional Impact: Divorce can lead to a range of emotions for all family members, including sadness, anger, confusion, and anxiety.
Changes in Family Dynamics: The structure and routines of the family may change, leading to adjustments in roles and responsibilities.
Impact on Children: Children may experience emotional distress, including feelings of sadness, anger, and confusion. They may also face challenges in adjusting to new living arrangements.
Financial Changes: Divorce often leads to financial adjustments, including changes in income, expenses, and potential support payments.
Parent-Child Relationships: Depending on custody arrangements, the relationship between parents and children may evolve. Effective co-parenting can help maintain healthy relationships.
Potential for Conflict: Divorce can sometimes lead to ongoing conflicts between ex-spouses, which can further impact family members, especially children.
Long-term Adjustment: It may take time for the family to adjust to the changes brought about by divorce. Therapy or counseling can be beneficial for individuals and families in this process.
It’s important to approach divorce with sensitivity and consideration for the well-being of all family members. Seeking professional support, such as counseling or therapy, can be invaluable in helping individuals and families navigate the emotional challenges that often accompany divorce.