Coats Family 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...

Sara Barlowe is an associate attorney at Bagwell Holt Smith where she practices in the Firm’s Family Law department. Sara joined the Firm in July of 2020 shortly after relocating to the Research Triangle area from Astoria, Queens with her family and their two cats. While in New York, Sara worked as an Assistant District Attorney with the Bronx District Attorney’s office where she focused primarily on domestic violence and special victims cases with the exception of a year-long stint in the office’s Special Investigations Division where she handled long-term wiretap investigations. Sara received her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Benjamin...

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...

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,...

Mary Aiken Barrow, a Raleigh native and Broughton graduate, is a partner at Tharrington Smith. She is a Board Certified Specialist in Family Law.

Prior to joining Tharrington Smith in 2012, Ms. Barrow earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2006 and subsequently received her law degree from the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University in 2012. During her time at Campbell Law School, Ms. Barrow served as a member and as submissions co-editor of the Law Review. Additionally, she was a family law research assistant for Professor Jean...

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...

D. Cole Phelps manages our office in the northeastern part of the state. Attorney Phelps is a native of Washington County, and he returned to his home community to serve and give back. After winning his first primary election with over 62% of the votes, he later became the youngest county commissioner at the time of his election to serve in any of North Carolina’s 100 counties. During his first term of office, he was selected by his fellow board members as vice chairman and then chairman. Currently, he is serving his second term of office as a member of...

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...

Jeffrey R. Russell is a Board Certified Specialist in Family Law. A Western North Carolina native, he is a member of the Family Law section at Tharrington Smith, LLP. Mr. Russell earned his undergraduate degree in political science from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina in 1999 and subsequently graduated magna cum laude from the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University. During his time at Campbell Law School, Mr. Russell served as a candidate member and as Chief Comments Editor of the Law Review. Additionally, he was a research assistant for Professor James B. McLaughlin...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

With more than two decades of experience, Melinda Flinn has dedicated her legal career to family law within Cumberland County, North Carolina. Recognizing the emotional toll and strain associated with family law and divorce matters, Melinda is committed to offering her clients compassionate and pragmatic legal guidance. Employing a hands-on approach and drawing upon her comprehensive understanding of the local legal system, she tirelessly pursues her clients' interests in every case. Melinda places great importance on engaging her clients in their own legal journeys. She endeavors to provide them with a comprehensive overview of all potential outcomes, empowering them to make informed...

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...

Our nationally recognized Raleigh law firm focuses on criminal defense, family law, and professional license defense. A small firm mentality allows us to provide personalized attention to each matter. Our philosophy of tireless devotion to our clients and uncompromising honesty has earned us the reputation as one of the go-to firms in the State. We counsel our clients through all aspects of the case, providing the individual attention necessary to achieve justice and return peace to your life.

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.

Andrea Bosquez-Porter is the founding member of Bosquez Porter Family Law, a boutique family law firm that provides exceptional and hands-on service to its clients. She is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist, a Certified Family Financial Mediator, and a Parenting Coordinator.

Ms. Bosquez-Porter is originally from San Antonio, Texas. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York and a Master of Business Administration degree from Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. Ms. Bosquez-Porter graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin Law School.

Ms. Bosquez-Porter is admitted to practice law...

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...

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...

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...

In 2012, Sharon Thompson became Of Counsel to NicholsonPham. She has been in private practice since 1976 and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the areas of family law, including all aspects of adoption and family formation through assisted reproduction and surrogacy; estate planning, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney and probate administration; and LGBT legal issues. In 2010, Sharon became the first female attorney in North Carolina to be accepted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys. A significant portion of Sharon’s practice has been devoted to providing advice and services to LGBT...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

William Vásquez is a native of Queens, NY. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 2000-2007. He is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and received the Joint Service Achievement Medal for his work as a Spanish linguist for the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2005. William graduated from Campbell University in 2007 with a degree in computer science. He earned his J.D. in 2011 from the North Carolina Central University School of Law. His practice areas include immigration law and criminal defense cases. He is licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of North Carolina and...

Timothy D. Edwards has been practicing Family Law in Fayetteville, NC since 1995. He was raised in North Carolina and graduated from Richmond Senior High School in 1988. He then studied at Liberty University where he was a competitive member of the top nationally ranked Debate Team. He then received his Law Degree from Campbell University in 1995. He joined the law firm of Blackwell & Edwards upon graduation. His practice focuses on family law.

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.

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...

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...

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...