Best Divorce Lawyers Wilmington nc
Janet Gemmell
Divorce Lawyers
Trying to describe family law attorney Janet L. Gemmell in words is like trying to capture lightning in a bottle. She is constantly on the go with cell phone in hand, but her fierce attention to detail and organization keeps her focused on the tasks at hand. Handling complex divorce cases is her passion and the focus of her practice. As a Wilmington family law attorney, she works on child custody issues, relocation matters, equitable distribution (or in other words division) of property, and alimony and spousal support representing both Husbands and Wives in divorce proceedings.
After graduating cum laude from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a B.A. in just under three years and earning her law degree from the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University, Janet began her professional law career with the Law Offices of Timothy C. Morris. Next she practiced with large scale tobacco litigation with the firm of Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice in Winston-Salem. She then joined the prestigious Rosen Law Firm the day before 9/11 in 2001. In 2007, Janet opened her own practice, Cape Fear Family Law, which continues to grow with hand-selected attorneys, paralegals, and assistants. In addition to being admitted to practice in North Carolina, she recently passed the bar exam in Florida.
Janet is one of only three Board Certified Family Law Specialists in the Tri-County area, which means she is certified by the State Bar for her special knowledge, skill and proficiency in family law. A lifelong learner, Janet likes to share her knowledge and insights at Continuing Legal Education conferences, free seminars for residents and in local schools.
Christine M. Sprow
Divorce Lawyers
Sprow has experience representing clients in family law matters and criminal matters. She obtained her Juris Doctorate degree from Wake Forest University School of Law in 2009 and her Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy from Washington and Lee University in 2006. She has owned and operated her own law firm and worked as an attorney for other law firms in the areas of family law, criminal defense, and civil litigation.
While in law school, Ms. Sprow interned for the Forsyth County District Attorney’s Office and McNaughton & Shelton, PLLC and assisted with appellate matters.
Sprow has represented more than 500 clients primarily with family law related issues (including alimony, child custody, child support, divorce, equitable distribution, post-separation support, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements), criminal law matters (including DUI, misdemeanors, traffic tickets and other district court criminal matters) and juvenile matters (DSS, Termination of Parental Rights).
She became the sole owner of Rice Law, PLLC on 10 August 2018 and is the Managing Partner.
Bar Admissions
- North Carolina, 2009
Education
- J.D., 2009
Wake Forest University School Law, Winston-Salem, NC - B.A., Public Policy, 2006
Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA
Erin Russell
Divorce Lawyers
Allan Brandon Tise
Divorce Lawyers
From September 1986 until February 1988, Mr. Tise began working as an associate with Newton, Harris and Shanklin in Wilmington, North Carolina. While working with Newton, Harris and Shanklin, Mr. Tise practiced in civil, criminal and admiralty law.
Melodi R. Hayes
Divorce Lawyers
Attorney Melodi R. Hayes graduated from the Cumberland School of Law of Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama in 1987 receiving a Juris Doctor. She worked in general practice in Winston-Salem, NC for her first years after completing law school, and subsequently worked for the District Attorney’s office in Bladen, Brunswick and Columbus counties for several years after leaving Winston-Salem. In 1994, Ms. Hayes moved to Wilmington, NC where she began her solo practice in the family law area.
Prior to receiving her J.D., Ms. Hayes received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro in 1977 and practiced critical care nursing for several years in academic medical centers in Chapel Hill, NC, Nashville, TN, Winston Salem, NC, Atlanta, GA, Birmingham, AL, and St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. She has consistently maintained a current nursing license, and remains current to date.
Ms. Hayes says there is a natural crossover from nursing to family law because in both cases, families are dealing with sometimes traumatic events that leave their lives spiraling out of control. At the Law Office of Melodi R. Hayes, each client’s needs are addressed as they are guided through every step of the legal process until all issues are resolved.
R. Clarke Speaks
Divorce Lawyers
Clarke graduated from East Carolina University with a BS in Economics. Then, he attended the MBA program at ECU. During law school, Clarke’s focus was always on trial skills. He took every available class, internship, and opportunity to improve these skills. In the summers, he worked for litigation law firms and a federal U.S. District Judge Malcolm J. Howard. During law school, he also worked for the District Attorney’s office.
When he graduated from law school, he started R. Clarke Speaks Attorney at Law. He represented people in family court, civil court, and criminal court. For the next 20 years, he was in court nearly every day of the week.
During his first 20 years of practice, Clarke tried as many cases as possible. “It was always the client’s decision, but I never pushed a client to take a deal when they wanted a trial.” He tried family law cases, injury cases and criminal cases. He tried cases in state and federal court. He tried cases all over North Carolina including cases in Wilmington, Jacksonville, Bolivia, Burgaw, Greenville, New Bern, Raleigh, Greensboro and other areas.
In addition, Clarke has extensive appellate court experience. He has argued in front of District and Superior Court judges and in front of the North Carolina Court of Appeals, The North Carolina Supreme Court and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. He filed cert petitions in the Supreme Court of the United States of America.
For the last decade, Clarke has led a large team of talented and dedicated legal professionals. “We help people overcome adversity. Sometimes that adversity comes in the form of an accident and sometimes in a divorce and custody battle. In either instance, we help people develop and execute a plan to overcome adversity and go on to live their best lives.”
AMANDA B. MASON
Divorce Lawyers
PRACTICE AREAS
- Family Law
- Civil/Business Litigation
EDUCATION
- University of Arizona College of Law, Tucson, Arizona
- J.D. – 2003
- Southern Methodist University 1998
Emily C. Jones
Divorce Lawyers
Emily Jones Queen is a native of Wilmington, and a graduate of John T. Hoggard High School. She received her undergraduate degree Magna Cum Laude from North Carolina State University, and was a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority.
Emily graduated early from the Charlotte School of Law, with Honors, receiving her Juris Doctor, Cum Laude. During law school, Emily interned for the District Attorney’s Office in New Hanover and Pender Counties, where she prosecuted criminal offenses. She also interned for United Family Services, Victim’s Assistance, where she represented victims of domestic violence.
Wellington, North Carolina, like any other place, may have situations where individuals find it beneficial to hire the best divorce lawyer. While not every divorce requires the most expensive or highly regarded attorney, there are circumstances where having a skilled and experienced divorce lawyer can be particularly advantageous:
Complex Legal Issues: If your divorce involves complex legal issues, such as significant assets, multiple properties, business interests, or substantial debts, a top divorce lawyer can help ensure that your financial interests are protected during the property division process.
High-Conflict Divorce: In cases marked by high levels of conflict, animosity, or disputes over child custody, visitation, or spousal support, a seasoned attorney can help manage these contentious issues and advocate on your behalf to reach a fair resolution.
Child Custody and Support: When children are involved, especially if there are disagreements over custody arrangements, child support, or visitation rights, a skilled divorce lawyer can work to protect your parental rights and the best interests of your children.
Spousal Support (Alimony): If alimony is a potential issue in your divorce, an experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal requirements and negotiate fair terms, whether you are seeking or contesting spousal support.
Legal Expertise: A knowledgeable divorce attorney is well-versed in North Carolina’s family law and local court procedures, providing you with accurate legal advice and ensuring that you understand your rights and responsibilities.
Mediation and Negotiation: The best divorce lawyers are often skilled negotiators who can guide you through mediation or alternative dispute resolution processes to achieve an amicable settlement, which can save time and reduce legal expenses compared to a courtroom trial.
Document Preparation and Filing: Divorce involves extensive paperwork and documentation. An adept attorney can ensure that all necessary forms are filed correctly and on time, preventing delays or legal complications.
Courtroom Representation: If your divorce case does proceed to court, having a strong advocate who knows how to present your case effectively in front of a judge can be critical to securing a favorable outcome.
Legal Strategies: Your attorney can help you develop and execute legal strategies that align with your specific goals, whether that involves protecting assets, ensuring custody of your children, or achieving a fair property settlement.
Peace of Mind: Divorce can be a highly emotional and stressful process. Having a skilled lawyer by your side can provide peace of mind, knowing that your legal interests are being looked after, allowing you to focus on your emotional well-being and adjustment.
While hiring the best divorce lawyer in Wellington, NC, can offer numerous advantages, it’s essential to assess your individual circumstances and budget. Not every divorce requires the most expensive attorney, and some couples may find alternative dispute resolution methods, like mediation or collaborative divorce, to be more suitable. It’s crucial to choose legal representation that aligns with your specific needs and objectives during the divorce process.