Vander Divorce Lawyers

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

Ellis Family Law, PLLC was founded in 2008 by board certified family law specialist Gray Ellis with the singular goal to provide the very best legal representation to North Carolinians facing challenging family law issues. Since that time, the firm has successfully represented hundreds of husbands, wives, children, grandparents, and other family members in courts across the state. Our work has not gone unnoticed as the firm has earned awards from both national and local organizations such as Super Lawyers, Martindale Hubbel, North Carolina’s Legal Elite, NC Lawyer's Weekly Power List, NC leader's in the Law, and the...

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...

Shahzad Khan, a native of Pakistan, has put down roots in High Point, North Carolina, where he serves the legal needs of his community and the residents of the surrounding counties of the Triad.

A former business owner and manager of a used car dealership, Shahzad earned a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina – Greensboro. Shahzad then went on to pursue his Juris Doctor, which he received from Elon University School of Law.

Shahzad made the decision to pursue a legal career when he saw a need for accessible, efficient, and affordable representation in...

Rachel is a born and raised Richmond, Virginia native. She attended James Madison University, where she received her undergraduate degree, including Bachelor of Arts degrees in both International Relations and Arabic Language. After graduating from college, she worked for one year as a paralegal at an elder law firm in the Midlothian area, which solidified her desire to attend law school.

Rachel attended law school at Elon University School of Law, in Greensboro, North Carolina, where she received her Juris Doctor degree in 2017. During law school, Rachel had the opportunity to serve as an intern to the Honorable David J....

Former District Court Judge. General Practice, Criminal Law and Family Law Attorney in Guilford County, Greensboro, North Carolina, handling District and Superior Court Litigation.

At the Law Office of David E. Sherrill, we provide the best possible legal services to clients needing help in Greensboro, High Point, and throughout Guilford County, North Carolina. If you’re looking for the best lawyer to help with your criminal, traffic, juvenile, divorce or other family law case, please consider us as your 1st choice. We work with you to achieve the best possible results, no matter your legal issue. With a strong...

Upon graduation from law school, I joined my present firm and began practicing family law. I am a Board Certified Specialist in Family Law, handling child custody and support, adoptions, alimony, equitable distribution (division of marital property), paternity, domestic violence, and issues related to military family law and non-traditional families. I also practice collaborative family law, a type of alternative dispute resolution.

I spend my time helping my clients and their families face the reality of handling child custody, asset divisions, child support and divorce. Many of these issues involve not only legal, but emotional, practical and even business implications. Our effective team understands the nuances of these cases, and provides supportive, competent, and, when needed, aggressive representation.

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.

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 Barbara I. Jones has a rich professional background, which includes not only legal practice but also writing, teaching, speaking, military service, and founding a Christian community theater organization. She brings decades of diverse life experience to her legal practice. She strives to be of service to her clients and community in every area of her life and sees her legal practice as a unique opportunity to be an advocate for those who might otherwise not have a voice in the judicial system. Ms. Jones understands that our legal system is a tool, and is only as good as the...

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.

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...

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.

Following a successful 15-year career managing several well-known retail stores throughout the country, Mr. Lundell decided to refocus his passion for customer service and apply it to the practice of law. His determination to provide superior “customer” – or client – service is the keystone of his relationships with each and every client. “Whether carefully guiding parents through a highly emotional child custody dispute, or navigating a conflict between employer and employee, it is important to me that the people with whom I interact are provided sound legal advice in a language they understand. ‘You have to...

Dealing with family law issues can be overwhelming—especially if you are looking to file for divorce. The Collins Family & Elder Law Group is a law firm committed to helping individuals file for divorce and find solutions for their other family law matters. The team has over 200+ years combined legal experience, and has the ability to take on even the most complicated cases. If you are about to file for divorce, the team can assist you; regardless of if your situation calls for mediation, negotiation, or litigation. The team understands how difficult and emotionally draining it can be to...

Sarah Gerow believes that the role of a family law attorney is that of a patient counselor and a staunch advocate. Sarah knew from a young age that she wanted to be a lawyer, and her desire to advocate for others developed while working with children with disabilities as a summer camp counselor during college. This led Sarah to the University of North Carolina School of Law, where she focused on education and family law. After marrying her husband, a member of the North Carolina Army National Guard, she worked as an associate at Sullivan & Hilscher Family Law, specializing...

Andrea is a North Carolina girl through and through, growing up in Greensboro and completing her undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and graduating cum laude from Elon University School of Law in 2012. Since beginning her law practice in 2012, Andrea has practiced civil litigation all over North Carolina, and added Florida into her law practice in 2018. Andrea has participated in litigation in both District and Superior Court on matters varying from employment law, to business litigation, to estate litigation and family law. She has experience in collections, real property, business...

Leah Shellberg is a highly skilled and experienced trial attorney in Asheboro, North Carolina focusing on all areas of family law, as well as criminal defense and immigration matters. Ms. Shellberg appears in court weekly for her clients, and has an impressive record of success in even highly contentious family law matters. Although she is a fierce and zealous advocate in the courtroom, Leah Shellberg prioritizes exceptionally compassionate and kind client service. Ms. Shellberg practices in Randolph, Guilford, Forsyth, and Montgomery counties, and is currently accepting new clients in the areas of family law/divorce, criminal defense, and...

Allister Cooper is known for her zealous advocacy and professional demeanor. Her practice includes complex child custody, child support, domestic violence, divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. Allister is cognizant of the emotional and financial implications her clients are facing and strives to understand her clients' core values and goals. "As an attorney, it is my goal to educate my clients about the law and the options it provides, then empower each of them to make the best decisions for themselves and their families." - A. Allister Cooper Allister is a native of Durham, North Carolina. She received a Bachelor's degree in...

Julia received a BA in Criminology and BA in Sociology from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Julia went on to earn her J.D. from Thomas M. Cooley Law School (N/K/A Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School), in Lansing, Michigan. During law school, Julia competed in the Mock Trial First Year Competition and was a semifinalist. She also competed in Moot Court and was a finalist in the Negotiations Competition. During her last semester of law school, Julia completed an externship at the Durham County Public Defender’s Office. Julia is an associate attorney in the Family Law department. Julia focuses...

Kirsten Alderdice grew up in New England and Charlotte, NC, and relocated to the Triangle in 2014. She obtained her BS degree in English Education from Boston University and her M.Ed. from North Carolina State University. Kirsten then spent eight years teaching middle and high school English. During her public school teaching experiences advocating for children with different educational needs, she decided that law school would be her best path to help families navigate transitions and the court system. She joined Ellis Family Law while attending North Carolina Central University School of Law’s Evening Program in 2022. To family law,...

Paul Mengert II is a graduate of Elon University School of Law. During his eight-plus years of practice, Paul has accrued significant experience as a litigator and has handled all aspects of family law cases, including custody and divorce. Paul has a keen eye for big picture problem solving and a genuine desire to help his clients achieve their goals. Attorney Mengert is a native of Greensboro. As a young man, Paul achieved the highest rank in Scouting, the Eagle Scout Award. Paul has experience in acting, singing, and debate. While at Elon, Paul excelled at national-level mock trial competitions as...

Amanda Knight represents clients in a wide range of family law matters including divorce, child custody and support, domestic violence, spousal support, and equitable distribution proceedings. She also provides trusted counsel to clients throughout the estate planning process. A graduate of North Carolina Central University School of Law, Amanda brings a passion and commitment to achieving client goals, while maintaining civility and professionalism in the practice of law. “Changes in the family, especially ones involving legal proceedings, are always challenging. Our job as attorneys is to take as much of the burden off our clients as possible, and also reassure them that...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Emma Tillotson did not know she would find her calling in family law. Emma received her undergraduate degree from Clemson University cum laude in Psychology and Criminal Justice, with a minor in Sociology. She left her home state of South Carolina to attend the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University, where she graduated cum laude. During her legal studies she found her passion representing people going through difficult family transitions. She participated in the family law clinic representing underprivileged residents of Raleigh in their family law needs, was an active member of Law Students Against Sexual Assault...

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...

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.

Ms. Hilbert only handles domestic law cases such as Custody, Domestic Violence, Child Support, Alimony or Post-Separation Support, and Property Distribution. She handles cases in Wake County, North Carolina. Her focus is on you, the client, as you go through one of the most difficult times of your life. At the Raleigh Divorce Law Firm we know what matters most, and we're here to help. Please let us know if we can be of service to you.

I help people who are facing felony and misdemeanor criminal and traffic charges and driver’s license revocations. I also represent people on a wide array of family law issues such as Separation and Divorce, Child Custody and Support, and Alimony and Equitable Distribution, and I assist landlords and tenants with residential and commercial leasing disputes. I have been a criminal defense attorney since the beginning of my career. I worked as an Assistant Public Defender in both Gaston and Durham Counties, before I decided to move to private practice and left the Public Defender’s office to...