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Melissa Averett
NC Board Certified Family Law SpecialistBadges
Claimed Lawyer ProfileQ&A
Summary
I love practicing law. Guiding clients through the stress and upheaval of divorce, a custody battle or the aftermath of a death in the family is position of trust that I take seriously. Drafting an amicable separation agreement, or completing an adoption efficiently with as little drama as possible is equally important. I have been a NC Certified Family Law Specialist since 2009. My law firm handles divorce, custody, child support, alimony, property division, grandparents' rights, domestic violence, tort claims and personal injury, prenuptial and separation agreements, estate planning and administration in Chatham, Orange and Durham counties.
Practice Areas
- Divorce
- Family Law
- Domestic Violence
- Estate Planning
- Personal Injury
- Probate
Fees
- Credit Cards Accepted
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
- North Carolina
Languages
- English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
- Managing Attorney
- Averett Family Law
- - Current
- Family Law firm representing clients in cases involving divorce, custody, probate, estate planning and personal injury
- Founder and Executive Director
- DVC Legal Services, Inc.
- -
- Non profit law firm representing indigent domestic violence victims in Orange and Chatham County, NC
Education
- North Carolina Central University School of Law
- J.D. (1998)
- -
- Honors: Magna cum laude
Awards
- SuperLawyer
- SuperLawyers
- SuperLawyer
- SuperLawyers
Professional Associations
- North Carolina State Bar
- Member
- Current
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- NC Bar Domestic Violence Committee
- Member
- Current
- Activities: Draft and recommend changes to NC statutes on domestic violence
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- Judicial District 15B bar - Orange and Chatham County
- Member
- - Current
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- NC Bar Association
- Member
- - Current
-
Publications
Speaking Engagements
- Domestic Violence Primer , NC State Bar Paralegal CLE , Cary, NC
- Child Support: When Can You Deviate from the Guidelines? , NC Justice Academy CLE , Cary, NC
- Representing Clients Seeking DVPOS and No Contact Orders , NC Centtral University School of Law CLE , Durham, NC
- Child Custody and Domestic Violences , Law to the People Cle , Rlaeigh, NC
- Obtaining Civil Domestic Violence Protection Orders in NC with Professor Deria Hayes , Law to the People CLE , Durham, NC
Certifications
- NC Family Law Specialist
- NC State Bar
Websites & Blogs
- Blog
- Averett Family Law Blog
Legal Answers
294 Questions Answered
- Q. Can I get alimony if legal aid helps with my divorce?
- A: It appears that you're posting from Tennessee. Are you getting divorced in Tennessee? If so you need to post your question in the Tennessee forum. Legal aid typically does not handle divorce cases in North Carolina. You can go to a workshop where they'll show you how to fill out the forums for an uncontested absolute divorce but that would not include alimony. Again that's North Carolina, Tennessee could be different.
- Q. If I’m 16 in the state of North Carolina and I’m in parental custody could I still sign papers for emancipation?
- A: Emancipation is more complicated than just signing papers. The following blog has the requirements for emancipation in NC. If you have additional questions, you will need to hire an attorney to assist you. https://averettfamilylaw.com/?s=emancipation
- Q. Is it illegal for a 15 year old in NC to leave home without parent consent?
- A: It's certainly illegal based on the COVID-19 rules to stay home unless you are an essential worker or going to an essential workplace, such as a grocery store, to conduct business.... Regardless of your age.
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