Ocracoke Lawyers

Mark Upright is an Asheville-based attorney specializing in family law, serving clients across Western North Carolina. Originally from Philadelphia, he holds bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Accounting, and an MBA from DeSales University. Mark earned his law degree from Rutgers School of Law while serving as Vice President of Administration for the Association of Independent Growth, an organization supporting individuals with developmental disabilities . Admitted to the North Carolina Bar in 2006, Mark began his career as President and CEO of Eliada Homes and Foundation in 2002. In this role, he led the organization for 14 years, launching the ESTA trade...

I am Larry J. Ford, an attorney with 49 years of experience, providing legal services to business owners, families, individuals, and retired persons. My areas of practice include Asset Protection Planning, Business Planning, Corporations, Charitable Trusts, Estate Planning, Federal Tax Planning, Family Limited Partnerships, Limited Liability Companies, Living Trusts, Medicaid Planning, Real Estate, and Wills and Estates. I began my legal career in the Asheville/Hendersonville area, then transitioned to the corporate business and legal sectors in Charlotte, NC, before moving back to Hayesville in 1991. While in Charlotte, I held positions as Vice-President/Legal Counsel at two different title insurance companies and...

Tim joined the Law Office of Nathan Earwood in 2021 and practices immigration, family law, and estate administration. He prides himself on zealously advocating for his clients and not backing down from a scrap. Tim seamlessly weaves through the nuances of immigration law and the complexities of family affairs. Tim lives in Canton with his wife Kelly and their three dogs: Bean, Leela, and Zapp.

Tyler Stull is an associate in the firm’s Brevard office, where he focuses his practice on commercial litigation, class action litigation and business torts. In addition, Mr. Stull handles labor and employment disputes on behalf of both individuals and businesses.

Mr. Stull began his career in 2013, where he worked for boutique firms handling commercial and employment litigation. Mr. Stull has served as lead counsel in both trials and arbitrations, and has broad experience in both the State and Federal Courts. Mr. Stull has been selected as a Super Lawyers Rising Star for the years 2016-2018.

Awards/Recognitions

Selected as Florida Super Lawyers® “Rising...

Melody J. King is an experienced litigator and negotiator in Family Law where she focuses her practice on child custody and child support, spousal support, equitable distribution (property division), and divorce. In addition to litigation, Melody has significant experience in the drafting of premarital and postmarital agreements, as well as Separation and Property Settlement Agreements. Coming from a large law firm, Melody decided to open her own firm exclusively practicing in the area of family law. Melody works closely with clients to determine their specific needs and goals and to make difficult family law cases manageable for her clients, with...

My practice focuses on the representation of individuals and families dealing with the aftermath of severe injury and loss, including death. I have extensive experience with complex medical issues in personal injury and medical malpractice cases. Our firm consists of four experienced trial lawyers and a remarkably talented and devoted support staff.

Susan Waller Ramos is a graduate of Emory University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Spanish, and St. Mary’s University School of Law. She is licensed to practice law in North Carolina, Texas, and New Mexico (currently inactive), and began practicing immigration law in 2003. Ms. Ramos is fluent in Spanish and assists individuals, families, and employers in connection with assessing available U.S. immigration options. Ms. Ramos’ practice includes preparing and filing individual, family-based, and employment-based petitions, immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applications, and waivers of inadmissibility. She assists with complex consular processing...

A general law practice focusing on estate planning and elder law, veterans benefits, corporate planning, and issues affecting families. In addition to extensive litigation experience, Heidi is also an experienced mediator and collaborative law attorney. She focuses on helping clients resolve disputes amicably and provides mediation services to lawyers and private individuals.

Christian has always had a passion for protecting the rights and interests of those seeking justice. While injured clients are now the focus of his personal injury and social security disability practice, Christian was previously an immigration attorney and he was an Asylum Officer with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In those capacities, he adjudicated refugee claims for people fleeing their home countries as the result of brutal violence and persecution.

Christian understands that bad things happen to good people. He knows that when people become injured because of the negligence of others, they need an attorney who knows how...

I have served as General Counsel to a Fortune 500 Company, Carnival Cruise Lines, Inc., and have practiced in both large and medium size law firms. I have also worked for and with State and Federal agencies in regulatory matters and litigation. As the in-house General Counsel for Carnival Cruise Lines, during its explosive growth period, I developed considerable expertise in all facets of corporate governance and management, including intellectual property, securities, anti-trust issues and every imaginable type of litigation and contractual matter. During this period major events, coordinated and directed through my Office, included Carnival's Initial Public Offering; the...

Mark Morris was voted Best Attorney of Rutherford County, North Carolina by the Rutherford County Daily Courier Readers Poll for 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. He practices family law, automobile accidents, criminal law and civil litigation in Rutherford, Polk, Cleveland, and McDowell Counties of North Carolina. Mark has also won the Clients Choice Award through Avvo. He fights for his clients' rights to obtain the best results possible.

Attorney Brandon Jaynes is the managing partner and owner of Archonix Law, primarily working in the areas of estate planning (wills, trusts, probate, etc.) and business law . Brandon received a Bachelors of Computer Science and a Bachelors of Mathematics from Gardner-Webb University in 2003 where he graduated magna cum laude. While at Gardner-Webb, Brandon was President of both the SIGMA Math Association and the Association for Computing Machinery, Gardner-Webb chapters. In 2006, he was awarded a full scholarship to attend Campbell University’s Norman A. Wiggins School of Law, graduating cum laude with his Juris Doctor degree in 2009. While in...

Mr. Anderson has been a practicing attorney for over twelve years and has represented individuals and corporations in complex, high stakes legal matters throughout his career. He received his law degree, with honors, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After law school, Mr. Anderson honed his legal skills at two of the largest and most prestigious law firms in Atlanta and Charlotte. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the Virginia Military Institute and also has a Masters in Business Administration from Old Dominion University. Prior to attending law school, Mr. Anderson served the United States...

I am a North Carolina native who was born in Marion, but grew up in Rutherfordton. While I was truly blessed to be raised in a loving, caring, and stable home, I realized at a young age that not everyone had that opportunity and always had a heart to help my friends who were hurting. Upon graduating high school, I began working with my father who has a real estate office in Bat Cave, North Carolina, while at the same time, attending Gardner-Webb University. I was seeking what direction to go with my career. At the...

Martin is a partner at Gottholm, Ralston and Benton, PLLC. In almost 20 years of practicing law, his experience includes roles as an assistant District Attorney and District Court Judge. Martin practices primarily in the area of criminal defense. He has represented clients on charges ranging from speeding tickets to first degree murder. Having been a former Judge and Prosecutor has brought Martin a varied perspective and wealth of experience as a criminal defense Attorney. That experience is both recognized by his peers and appreciated by his clients. You will find no one more zealous and committed to advocating on...

Jason is a 1993 graduate of Oak Ridge Military Academy. From there, he attended The Citadel, the military college of South Carolina. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in business administration in 1997. Jason attended Cumberland School of Law, at Samford University, in Birmingham, Alabama where he received his Juris Doctorate in 2000. He has been a member of the North Carolina State Bar since 2001. Jason has practiced law full time in the Iredell County and surrounding areas since 2001 and joined the firm of Gottholm, Ralston and Benton, PLLC in 2014. Jason practices primarily in...

Born in Shelby, NC July 18, 1978. I grew up in Kings Mountain, NC. Appalachian State University, 2002; University of South Carolina School of Law, 2008. Member: North Carolina Bar Association; Iredell County Bar Association Bio: I taught US History for three years at Hunter Huss High School in Gastonia North Carolina. During my time as a teacher, I also coached the boys and girls soccer teams and participated in other school activities. I am an avid Appalachian State football fan and enjoy traveling to Boone, NC for the games. ...

Regina R. Gillespie was born near Boston, Massachusetts in 1958 and was raised in South Florida, moving to Florida before she started elementary school. During her early career, she was a paralegal, a mortgage banker, and the manager of a title insurance company. Regina was thirty-three years old when she began her first year at Wake Forest School of Law. Highlights of her Law School accomplishments include winning her first year Moot Court competition, competing in Chicago and New York Moot Court competitions, and membership in The Order of Barristers. Regina graduated from Wake Law in 1993, a single mother...

Since 2010, I have dedicated my practice to securing favorable outcomes for both individuals and businesses grappling with challenging tax issues. Resolving IRS tax problems is my sole focus. Certified as a Tax Resolution Specialist by the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers, I possess the necessary experience to tackle your tax concerns effectively. Don't put off resolving your tax problem; it only gets worse.

Matthew Damon Byerley was born and raised in Alexander County, graduating from Alexander Central High School in 2003. Matthew is a 2007 graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. He obtained his law degree from Elon University School of Law in 2011. While at Elon Law, Matthew concentrated his studies in general practice and litigation. He became a licensed attorney in North Carolina in August 2011, and has been practicing in Alexander and the surrounding counties since that time. Matthew and his wife, Catherine, also an attorney, reside in Conover, North...

Mike Godley has practiced family law in Mooresville, North Carolina for 31 years. Family law deals with issues concerning the break up of a marriage such as divorce, custody of children, child support, spousal support and division of property. Family law also involves issues prior to marriage such as prenuptial agreements and issues after marriage such as separation agreements.

Mike serves his clients as an educator, adviser and advocate through the legal system, which can often be very confusing, frustrating, and time-consuming without a guide to help through the process.

Mike Godley is also a mediator who helps parties and their...

Vicki Webb is a native of North Carolina. She graduated from NC State University with a B.S. in Statistics. Knowing she wanted to work with people more than numbers and with a desire to make a difference in the world, she chose to pursue law. She saw a chance to broaden her horizons and view of the world when she was accepted to California Western School of Law in San Diego.

During law school, Vicki founded the Family Law Society at CWSL. She was chosen to participate in the year long Child Abuse Interdisciplinary Program, an intense...

Jonathan is a registered patent attorney (USPTO #44,764) and concentrates his practice on patent preparation and prosecution, patentability and freedom to practice analysis, and licensing. Examples of technologies Jonathan has worked with include gas turbine engines and related technologies, medical products, computer software, consumer products, electrical equipment, piping and valving, and aircraft seating.

Nicholas Voss is an Associate at Matheson Law Firm, P.A. in Charlotte, NC. For most people, their home is the biggest financial investment they will ever make. Don’t go through the complicated and overwhelming process of buying or selling a home alone! With over a year's experience at this firm, Nicholas knows the ropes and is ready to help you with any real estate & closing legal needs.

Mr. Scott's primary areas of practice are commercial and business litigation, construction law and litigation, insurance coverage and bad faith, and products liability defense. Representative Experience: - Serve as lead and local counsel in business litigation involving all aspects of contract and commercial disputes - Experience in federal and state appellate matters and jury and bench trials - Represent and advise contractors, owners, and design professionals on public, commercial, and residential construction projects - Represent contractors, owners, and warranty companies in litigation involving construction delay, cost overrun, and defect claims - Represent insurers and insureds in complex insurance coverage and bad faith litigation - Defend manufacturers and...

We have been serving our community for 11 years now. We handle traffic and personal injury cases. We are one of the few bilingual firms in the area.

For six years, Craig worked for the United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of North Carolina. As an Assistant United States Attorney, he was responsible for conducting criminal investigations and prosecuting cases in federal court. Craig handled cases involving armed robberies, bank robberies, firearms offenses, firearms trafficking and straw purchasing, drug trafficking, drug conspiracies, money laundering, communicating interstate threats, cyberstalking, and assaults on federal officers. As the district’s National Security / Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council Coordinator for two years, he was responsible for investigating violations of federal crimes involving national security, domestic violent extremism, domestic terrorism, and energy facility and...

Michael Weisel concentrates his legal practice on corporate finance, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, commercial real estate, venture capital, business and corporate law, government relations, administrative and regulatory law, campaign finance and election law, and securities arbitration Representing corporations, financial institutions, insurance companies, associations and individuals before the N.C. General Assembly, U.S. Congress, agencies and regulators, he brings a unique blend of legal, legislative, business and political skills to successfully navigate his clients through governmental squalls. Mr. Weisel also employs his distinctive experience and expertise in business representation, believing clients need clear, concise and practical counsel from their lawyer...

Attorney Kristi Haddock was born and raised in Cary, North Carolina. A true hometown attorney, she knows how much central North Carolina has changed over the past 30 years. Kristi recognizes the issues her clients face in growing cities that lack good public transportation. For that reason, Attorney Haddock is committed to helping her clients restore their license.

Prior to starting her own firm, Kristi worked as a criminal defense attorney for four years and enjoyed successfully defending a wide variety of misdemeanors, felonies, and traffic offenses both in and around Wake County. Kristi also successfully represented clients at numerous...

Adam focuses primarily on business/corporate and construction law. As at partner of Felton Banks, PLLC, Adam understands the importance of quality, affordable legal advice. Felton Banks is structured to be the first stop for a small business's legal needs. In 2011, Adam, a lifelong North Carolinian, joined the North Carolina National Guard. He spent a short time as an engineering officer, and was then selected to serve as a North Carolina National Guard Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer, focusing specifically on soldier defense.

Mr. Whiteman has represented clients in civil lawsuits and arbitrations for over three decades. The main focus of his practice is the representation of individuals in disputes with securities brokers and disability insurance companies.

Mr. Whiteman is admitted to practice before the federal and state courts in North Carolina, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Whiteman holds a peer review rating of “AV” from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest available ranking in the areas of attorney competence and ethics.

Mr. Whiteman carefully evaluates potential cases based on their legal and factual merit, and welcomes all potential...

William “Bill” Hudson has been engaged in the practice of estate planning, wills and trust law, and probate since 1972. He has not only represented married couples with children in the “traditional” long-term, one-spouse marriage, but has also represented the more legally complex, “blended” families (the new “normal”) with multiple marriages and children from each one. He has served unmarried couples and individuals from different cultural traditions, members of the LGBT community, business owners, farmers, ranchers and other land owners, artists and clients who had eight-figure wealth as well as those who had virtually no assets but big problems....

Brandon is an attorney focused on representing technology and media clients in business, intellectual property, content clearance, privacy, commercial contracts, employment and internet regulatory matters. Why? Because of a passion for creativity and technology. Brandon is a so-so visual artist, a lousy programmer and a pretty-okay film editor, but he is a great lawyer. He keeps an old comic by Barbara Smaller that features a little boy in a cowboy outfit telling his father “Well if I can’t be a cowboy, I’ll be a lawyer for cowboys.” The creative and innovative clients Brandon serves are his cowboys.

Brandon volunteers as general...

For more than tow decades Mr. Dixon has been helping to fight for the rights of the injured. With a comprehensive skill set and a proven record of success, Kurt is a highly valued asset at the law offices of Riddle & Brantley.