Ruffin Divorce Lawyers

Alice C. Stubbs is a partner in the firm. She joined Tharrington Smith in 2006 after having served for eight years as a Wake County District Court judge. First appointed in 1997 by Governor Jim Hunt, she was elected to the judgeship in 1998 and 2002. During her time on the bench, Ms. Stubbs presided primarily in domestic court. She was certified as a juvenile judge in 2001 and was designated and presided as a family court judge from 2002 until she came to Tharrington Smith.

Ms. Stubbs is a native of New Bern. She graduated from Phillips Academy in Andover,...

Joel C. Harbinson attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated in 1977 with an A.B. degree and from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law in 1979 with a J.D. degree. He has been self-employed since 1979 as a criminal, domestic, and personal injury attorney in Taylorsville. In addition, Joel is a certified mediator in Superior Court cases, receiving accreditation from the N.C. Dispute Resolution Commission in 1998, and is a certified arbitrator in District Court cases. Joel is the former President of the 22nd Judicial District Bar Association (1987-1988, 1999-2000) and a...

Rebecca Bee is a family law attorney in North Carolina, specializing in divorce, child custody, child support, equitable distribution, alimony, and premarital agreements. She focuses on resolving family conflicts with the children's best interests in mind and works to ensure fair outcomes for her clients.

Originally from Union County, NC, Samantha Jackson pursued acting before shifting her focus to law. She graduated with honors in Political Science and International Affairs from UNC Wilmington and later attended UNC School of Law. After passing the bar, she returned to Charlotte to practice family law, focusing her practice on divorce, child custody, support, alimony, domestic violence, and equitable distribution.

Originally from Poughkeepsie, NY, Tom now calls Charlotte, NC home with his wife and four kids. A seasoned criminal defense and family law trial attorney, Tom has made a name for himself in handling extremely contentious custody cases and high-level felonies. He has handled cases in both federal and state courts. Tom went to law school at Liberty University School of Law in Lynchburg, VA, where he graduated cum laude. While in school Tom interned at the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Virginia. While at the USAO, Tom helped prosecute all levels of criminal cases, from misdemeanor...

For all your Family Law and Criminal Defense needs, Call Jonathan! - (704) 873-5500

Since earning his law degree with honors in 2001, Statesville, North Carolina, attorney Jonathan D. Griffin has dedicated his professional energies to advocating vigorously for clients in Iredell County and the surrounding area. Today, our extremely active, thriving practice at Griffin Law, PLLC, is focused on divorce, child custody, criminal defense, DWI, and traffic law.

Parker grew up in the Raleigh & Wake County, North Carolina. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1975. After graduation, Parker worked in public relations at Duke University Medical Center for several years before enrolling in law school at Wake Forest School of Law, where she completed her Juris Doctor in 1985. As a law student, Parker was a member of the Moot Court Board and was elected to the Order of the Barristers. She was a member of the school’s National Appellate Team and...

Dr. Stanley Elliot After being married for 13 years, I was going through a rough separation. This was not easy for me and the separation also involved a custody battle for our child. I met with several attorneys and all of them were suitable. But I didn't just need a suitable attorney, I needed an experienced, litigation-savvy attorney. Richard Gantt was that attorney. When we met over lunch, he was informative, empathetic, and also ready to do battle in the courtroom. Richard was available to talk day and night. He has thought of innovative ways to proceed with all aspects...

Evan Horwitz was born in Raleigh, North Carolina. He received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University in 1997 and graduated from the Norman A. Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University in 2001. While in law school, Mr. Horwitz was the managing editor of the Campbell Law Review. After graduating, Mr. Horwitz served as a law clerk to Justice Robert F. Orr at the North Carolina Supreme Court.

Prior to joining Tharrington Smith in 2008, Mr. Horwitz spent almost six years as an associate at Manning, Fulton & Skinner, P.A., where he was a member of the firm’s litigation section practicing...

Jaye Meyer is listed in the Best Lawyers in America® and North Carolina Super Lawyers®. Ms Meyer received the Super Lawyers award for Top 50 Women Lawyers in North Carolina from 2010-2014, and Top 100 Lawyers in 2011. She has been recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as one of the “Legal Elite” in North Carolina. Ms. Meyer is a Board Certified Specialist in Family Law, a Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and is certified as a Family Financial Mediator.

Ms. Meyer was admitted to the North Carolina Bar in 1990. She received her B.A. cum laude from...

Jill Schnabel Jackson originally is from Wisconsin. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota in 1996. Ms. Jackson graduated with honors from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1999. While in law school, Ms. Jackson was a staff member for the North Carolina Journal of International Law and Commercial Regulation and a member of the Holderness Moot Court National Team. She also received the Gressman-Pollitt Award for outstanding oral advocacy during her first year of law school. Before joining the firm, Ms. Jackson served for two years as a law clerk to the Honorable...

With over a decade of experience practicing family law in the Triangle area, she has cultivated a stellar reputation for her genuine kindness and unwavering dedication to her clients' well-being. Holly's approach is deeply rooted in building meaningful relationships with each of her clients. By understanding their individual priorities, she crafts tailored case strategies that reflect their needs. Armed with a formidable skill set in negotiation and litigation, she consistently goes above and beyond for her clients at Breeden Law, earning admiration for her thorough preparation and tireless advocacy.

Matthew Stauff believes the practice of law is a privilege that requires him to fight for those needing advocacy during life’s most trying times. He represents clients in divorce proceedings, child custody hearings, and defends those who have been wrongfully terminated from their jobs. During his nearly seven years with Legal Aid of North Carolina he developed extensive experience in family law, employment law, and civil litigation. While court is an option in many cases, Matthew believes that working matters out amicably through settlement leads towards a longer lasting outcome that is more cost-effective and efficient outcome.

Born and raised in...

It doesn’t take more than a phone call to learn that this Asheville native is a tenacious, straight-talking lawyer who won’t back down from your fight.

Kathleen has an uncanny ability to meld unembellished honesty with compassion. You will always know what to expect on the road ahead–and no matter the challenge–you’ll feel confident knowing Kathleen is on your team.

After graduating from Campbell University Law School, Kathleen worked alongside some of the most respected family law attorneys in the Triangle. Absorbing her colleagues’ tenured wisdom and meshing it with her own style, Kathleen has helped clients find hope–even when they had...

Len C. Mueller graduated in 1982 from North Carolina State University with a B. S. in English, and graduated in 1985 from The Campbell University School of Law with her J. D. She has been practicing domestic law in Wake County since that time. Ms. Mueller was certified as a specialist in the area of family law by The North Carolina State Bar in 1994. Ms. Mueller is also certified as a Family Financial Mediator. Ms. Mueller credits her former law partners, prominent local attorneys, Richard (“Rick”) Gammon and Russell W. DeMent, for her success as a trial lawyer. She...

Family Law and Divorce attorney with 16 years of experience. Lecturer for over 5 continuing legal education seminars teaching other attorneys about family law and divorce.

Whether you are going through a separation and divorce, have suffered personal injuries as a result of an auto accident, or have pending criminal charges or a traffic ticket or need a Will drawn up or you need a probate attorney to help administer an estate, Tim G. Fowler is available to help you get the results that you both want and need. Tim has over 21 years of experience helping clients just like you. He is a knowledgeable, skilled, and determined attorney with attorney's fees that are fair and reasonable. Just as importantly, he is also a good person...

Valerie grew up in Alabama and obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. During her undergraduate studies, Valerie became interested in the study and practice of law. She went on to attend the Charlotte School of Law, where she served as the president of the Trial Advocacy Board and had the opportunity to try cases in front of attorneys and judges across the country. Valerie has furthered her experience in the practice of law through her work with the nationally recognized Cochran Firm; and she has gained perspective from the bench by clerking...

W. Carey Parker was born and raised in Statesville, North Carolina. After law school he returned to Statesville to join his father, David P. Parker, practicing law. Carey represents clients in the areas of family law, land litigation, civil litigation and estate planning and probate. Carey is heavily involved in the community he lives in - serving on several non-profit boards and as an elder at his church.

I spent seven years at the Hoke County District Attorney’s Office, where my primary focus was on prosecuting serious felony cases. These cases ranged from domestic violence and drug trafficking to felony assault, child sexual assault, child abuse, rape, and murder. I have a wealth of trial experience and have devoted my career to resolving high-conflict cases. My commitment, thorough preparation, and empathy are clearly reflected in my work. I am a native of Hoke County and maintain strong connections within my community. I graduated from Meredith College with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and obtained my Law Degree from Campbell...

I am a Randolph County native and Family Law practitioner in Asheboro, NC. I provide quality legal counsel and aggressive representation and enforcement for those involved in Randolph County child custody and child support cases, property disputes stemming from separation and divorce, alimony/post-separation support actions, domestic violence, and juvenile petitions.

Charles R. Ullman is Board Certified by the North Carolina State Bar’s Board of Legal Specialization in Family Law. At the time of his certification he was one of less than 300 lawyers state-wide to achieve this distinction. He is also a member of the Wake County Bar Association, the North Carolina Bar Association and a member of the Christian Legal Society.

Attorney Steve Palme has devoted his practice exclusively to family law since 2005. The Palme Law Firm prides itself on the individual attention it offers to clients and their cases. Steve Palme has extensive experience both in and out of the courtroom and handles all aspects of family law, including: child custody, child support, interstate custody and support, alimony, equitable distribution, domestic violence, separation and prenuptial agreements, and alienation of affection and criminal conversation claims.

Fred Morelock received his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1974 and his law degree from UNC in 1976. He then practiced as a trial attorney for ten years in the areas of criminal defense and family law litigation before being appointed to the bench. He joined Tharrington Smith in 2001.

In 1986, Mr. Morelock was appointed by Governor James G. Martin to a Wake County district court judgeship. He was reelected three times and served for fourteen years. In 1990, Mr. Morelock became the first judge in Wake County to become a Certified...

Scott Montgomery is a N.C. Board Certified Specialist in Family Law, as certified by the North Carolina State Bar. Scott limits his practice exclusively to family law. His practice is focused on equitable distribution of marital property, child custody and support, alimony, as well as adoption and various other legal issues arising from separation and divorce. Scott was born in Raleigh, North Carolina and grew up in Cary. He attended Ravenscroft High School in Raleigh, class of 1999. He graduated with honors from Wake Forest University in 2003 with...

A native of Texas, Mr. Hopper was born in Beaumont and graduated from Duncanville High School in Duncanville, Texas. Mr. Hopper then attended Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in 1989. Immediately following, Mr. Hopper attended Texas Tech University School of Law, and in 1993, graduated Doctor of Jurisprudence.

Subsequent to his graduation from law school, Mr. Hopper relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina where, in 1994, he opened his own practice and has since been practicing law within Wake County and the greater Triangle area.

Currently, Mr. Hopper maintains a trial practice concentrating...

Attorney Rebecca Poole brings a powerful combination of skill, passion, and advanced training to the practice of law. Certified by both the North Carolina Board of Legal Specialization and Center for Cooperative Parenting, Rebecca has established a reputation for excellence – and results – in the areas of mediation, arbitration, litigation, and the collaborative divorce process. She also assists the firm’s clients in developing comprehensive estate plans that ensure family members and financial affairs are protected and preserved. Over the course of her legal career, Rebecca has maintained an unwavering commitment to achieving client goals, even when faced with challenging...

Edward, a Taylorsville native, knew from a young age that his calling in life was to be an attorney. Some of his earliest memories involve watching his father at his law office. Over the years, his desire to help others through legal work has only grown stronger. Edward is a third-generation lawyer, and it brings him immense pride to practice in the same building as both his father and grandfather before him.

An avid Tar Heel fan, Edward attended UNC Chapel Hill for his undergraduate studies. He received degrees in both economics and public policy.

For his legal education, Edward...

Matthew Moore was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, and attended college at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. During his undergraduate work, Matthew served as a member of the UNC Charlotte Pre-Law Society where he met his wife. He graduated on the Chancellor’s List, obtained a B.A. in Criminal Justice and Criminology and an Associate’s Degree in Spanish. While attending college, Matthew obtained a License from the North Carolina Justice Academy and became the youngest Concealed Carry Instructor in North Carolina. Upon graduation, Matthew attended law school where he served as a member of the Criminal Law Society, Family...

I came to Harnett County in 1987 to attend Campbell University, and it has been my home ever since. Raised just south of Fayetteville, with five years spent working in Raleigh with citizens from across North Carolina, and having worked for projects across our nation, it is a true pleasure to return home and serve my neighbors and our community. The mission of Carver Law Firm, PLLC, is to insure you receive competent representation.

Jacqueline Keenan works with complex family law matters, including, but not limited to, cases involving divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence protective orders, separation agreements, pre-nuptial agreements, post-nuptial agreements, property division, equitable distribution, alimony, post-separation support and termination of parental rights. Jacqueline also practices in the area of civil litigation for matters including alienation of affection, criminal conversation and related causes of action. A native of Long Island, NY, Jacqueline had been steadily working her way south before settling in Charlotte. She received her B.A. in Political Science and minors in History and Legal Studies from Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove,...

I focus my practice on family law, dealing with a variety of cases including divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, domestic violence protective orders, adoption, separation agreements, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, property division, equitable distribution, alimony, post-separation support, and grandparents' rights. I grew up in Huntersville, NC, where I attended Cannon School. I then earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alabama, where I honed my academic abilities before embarking on my legal career. I obtained my Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo College of Law, where I actively participated in the Civil Advocacy Clinic. During...

While Patrick’s jury trial experience ranges from personal injury defense to alienation of affections actions, he’s developed a passion for domestic violence, equitable distribution and spousal support cases. For those who know him it makes perfect sense;1) he’s a numbers guy and 2) he was raised to fight for the “little guys.”

Patrick is a founding partner at Batch, Poore, & Williams. His practice areas are focused in family, divorce, domestic violence, criminal/traffic law, and civil litigation. He is also a certified parent coordinator.

Mr. Williams received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Engineering from North Carolina State...

Steven is a member of the Family Law Section of Herring & Mills, PLLC. He graduated with a BS in Business Administration from Stockton State College in Pomona, New Jersey and went on to earn his JD with an emphasis in Tax Law from the University of Arizona College of Law. Steven is currently licensed to practice in North Carolina and New Jersey and previously worked in Chapel Hill building a private practice and acting as a GAL conflict attorney for Orange and Chatham counties. He also held positions as a mortgage broker and account manager before returning to private...

For over a decade, I have dedicated myself to the legal field, serving my clients with a steadfast dedication to justice and excellence. I am recognized for my ability to simplify complex legal issues into manageable actions, always with a focus on the individual needs and objectives of my clients. My commitment is to uphold the highest standards of legal excellence and client advocacy. My professional journey is marked by diversity and significant impact. I handle a broad range of legal matters, including high-stakes litigation and detailed legal negotiations, which highlight my strategic approach and meticulous attention to detail. My primary...

Family law has been Elizabeth's passion for over 20 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...

Having been born and raised in the state of North Carolina, Travis Taylor went on to earn both his B.A. degree and J.D. degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Now, as a partner of law firm Marshall & Taylor PLLC, Taylor focuses his practice primarily on family law matters. He is admitted to practice in all state and federal district courts in North Carolina and is well prepared to effectively assist his clients. If you are currently struggling with divorce or other family law issues, contact Taylor today and learn how he can help you.

Kristopher J. Hilscher is a board certified specialist in family law. He practices family law exclusively (child custody, divorce, alimony, child support, and equitable distribution). Military family law is a special emphasis as Kris routinely serves as an expert on military family law, and is a frequent author and speaker at legal education conferences and seminars on the topic. Kris has gone to trial on numerous extensive family law cases, including several multiple day trials and trials involving expert witnesses. Kris is the co-chair of the military committee of the ABA family law section, and serves...

Charles Montgomery is a family law attorney located in Cary, North Carolina. His practice emphasizes equitable distribution of property, child custody, child support, alimony and divorce. Besides more than thirty-five years' experience as a family law attorney, he has extensive experience in commercial real property and business litigation. He received his law degree from Vanderbilt University in 1974 and his undergraduate degree with honors from Duke University in 1971. He is admitted to practice in state and federal courts and before the U.S. Supreme Court. Charles is listed in Marquis' "Who's Who in America" and "Who’s Who in American...