Coats Family Lawyers

With an engineering degree and MBA, I started my career as an in-house consultant in the aerospace industry. After a few years I transitioned to engineering and consulting positions in other industries. Eventually I returned to college for a law degree and have been a courtroom lawyer for more than 20 years.

As a dedicated attorney with experience in personal injury, family law, and criminal defense, I understand that legal challenges can be overwhelming and life-altering. Whether you’re recovering from an accident, navigating difficult family transitions, or facing criminal charges, I am here to provide compassionate, strategic guidance to help you move forward with confidence. Serving Wilmington, North Carolina, and the greater New Hanover, and Brunswick Counties, I bring years of experience as an Assistant District Attorney in Brunswick, Bladen, and Columbus Counties, offering a unique perspective on each case. From securing fair compensation in personal injury cases to advocating for clients in...

I am a board certified Family Law Specialist and have practiced predominantly Family Law and all issues relating to Family Law since my licensing in 2002. I am committed to representing my clients and advocate strongly for my clients both in and out of the courtroom.

Kevin E. Heckart was born in Des Moines, Iowa in 1961. After graduating from Wentworth Military Academy he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves in the Spring of 1979. Kevin then continued to serve in the USMCR achieving the rank of Corporal while attending Drake University (B.A. – 1983). Before graduating from college, Kevin was accepted into the PLC program for prospective Marine Officers, completed the training and was Commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in May, 1983.
After college Kevin attended Drake Law School (J.D. – 1985) and, upon graduation, the Basic School for Marine Officers in Quantico, Virginia and further...

Mr. Osegueda has has nearly 15 years of civil law experience in North Carolina. His practice includes personal injury matters such as trucking cases, car wrecks, premise liability, and family law. Mr. Osegueda is also is bilingual in Spanish. Please visit our website at www.Aglinett.com to learn how Mr. Osegueda can assist you with your legal matters.

I am an experienced attorney dedicated to assisting individuals with your family law cases, according to your means and in such a way as to minimize the conflict and stress experienced by your family.

*Education* Ric received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the Honors Program at the School of Engineering at North Carolina State University in Raleigh (1973). He received his Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1977). *Specialized Training* Ric has augmented his training in advocacy and mediation. In 1996 he was certified to conduct mediated settlement conferences in Superior Court Civil actions. In 1999 he was certified to conduct mediation of equitable distribution and other family financial cases in District Court actions. In 1999 he also completed a professional intensive training program by the National Institute for...

Jennifer R. Pope has been an attorney in Jacksonville, North Carolina since 1988. She grew up in Jacksonville, and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a Morehead Scholar, graduating with her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology in 1985. She went on to attend Law School at UNC Chapel Hill, and graduated in 1988. Jennifer started her legal career with Ellis, Hooper, Warlick, Waters and Morgan, in general practice until 1992, when she joined Frank Pope and her brother, Gordon Robinson, Jr., in the firm of Robinson, Pope and Pope. In 1997, Jennifer decided to concentrate...

L. Bryan Smith’s primary practice areas are family law, criminal defense, and personal injury. He is proud of his dedication and responsiveness to clients. Bryan attended Francis Marion College in Florence, South Carolina, earning a degree in political science. He then matriculated to Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law for his juris doctor which he earned cum laude. After law school, Bryan was the founding member of a local law firm until he joined The Law Group as a partner.

Christian was born and raised in Indiana and attended Indiana University in Bloomington where he received a degree in Philosophy and Political Science. During college, Christian worked as a wildland firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management in the summers. Christian then attended the University of Montana School of Law in Missoula. While attending law school, Christian interned with Justice Goff of the Indiana Supreme Court and the Federal Defenders of Montana. It was both of these experiences that inspired Christian’s passion for criminal defense. Upon receiving his J.D., he moved to Wilmington and began...

Kelly L. Greene was born in Raleigh, North Carolina. Kelly attended high school at Woodberry Forest School in Virginia. He attended Wake Forest University where he earned a B.A. in English in 1996. He attended law school at Campbell University and received a J.D. in 1999. Kelly was admitted to the North Carolina State Bar in 1999. Kelly is a member of the Craven County Bar Association, serving as its President in 2003-2004. He is a member of the United States Eastern District of North Carolina, Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, the North Carolina Bar Association, and North Carolina Advocates for...

Attorney Van Apeldoorn majored in Trust and Wealth Management Pre-Law at Campbell University and graduated in 2018. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, she stayed to attend Campbell Law School and was active in several organizations, including the Christian Legal Society, Women in Law, and the Re-Entry Project. During law school, she was an Honor Court Justice, interned at the Craven County District Attorney’s office for two summers, and also had an externship with Judge Flanagan at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. After graduating from law school, Attorney Van Apeldoorn passed the bar exam...

I have been practicing family law since 2002, and I have handled cases in over a dozen jurisdictions in North Carolina.

Deborah Huynh practices family and criminal law in the Graham area. As her client, you’ll find she’s an approachable and trustworthy ally. In the courtroom, she fiercely seeks justice. When you need effective representation, contact Ms. Huynh, a genuine advocate who truly cares for her clients.