Greene County Family Lawyers

Since my admission to the Bar, I have devoted my practice to helping my clients in family law matters, including custody, support, property division, divorce, adoptions, wills, estates and probate. I often deal with people at the most difficult times of their lives whether it is through a divorce or the loss of a loved one. With a combination of patience, experience and knowledge I am able to help my clients resolve his/her case with the best possible outcome.

Steve Mansbery joined Tharrington Smith in 2006 after earning his law degree from Case Western Reserve University. Prior to law school, Mr. Mansbery attended the University of Kentucky, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Finance, with Departmental Honors, and graduated magna cum laude. He is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization.

Mr. Mansbery has been appointed to the Wake County Bar Association and the Tenth Judicial District Bar Professionalism Committee every year since 2009. He was recognized as a “Rising Star” in North Carolina Super Lawyers magazine for the years...

Family Law and Divorce attorney with 16 years of experience. Lecturer for over 5 continuing legal education seminars teaching other attorneys about family law and divorce.

Cristina Quantock joined Beaver Courie Law Firm in 2012. Prior to working in private practice she served as a prosecutor in Hoke County. Since joining the firm, Cristina has worked on hundreds of cases in both District and Superior Courts. During her 10 years of practicing law, Cristina has exemplified an attention to detail and a dedication to achieving the best possible results for her clients. She has experience in handling difficult cases and knows how to help clients through challenging times.

Cristina’s practice covers all areas of family law including absolute divorce, child custody, alimony and equitable distribution. Cristina also...

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...

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...

Ellis Family Law, PLLC was founded in 2002 by board certified attorney 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, North Carolina’s Legal Elite, and Best of Durham.

Jeff Marshall has practiced family law for over 21 years. He brings a high level of experience to the firm along with a strong commitment to ethics and the desire to aggressively advocate for his clients and their best interests. Mr. Marshall is a Board Certified family law and divorce attorney in Raleigh who is well known for his ability to handle difficult cases in a professional manner. He handles a wide variety of family law and divorce-related cases including complex equitable distribution matters and highly contested child custody cases. Most of his clients come from...

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...

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...

Lynn Burleson is a native of Albemarle, North Carolina. He was admitted to the practice of law in North Carolina after receiving his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Public Administration degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and his Juris Doctor degree from the Wake Forest University School of Law. Before joining Tharrington Smith, Mr. Burleson served as a district court judge and was a partner in the law firm of Kilpatrick Stockton. He has served as an adjunct professor of law for the Wake Forest University School of Law and High Point University....

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...

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...

My practice is restricted to family law issues such as adoption, annulment, divorce, child custody, child support, postseparation support, alimony, equitable distribution, separation agreements, premarital agreements and enforcement of court orders. I am certified by the NC State Bar as a Family Law Specialist in family law. I received the AV preeminent peer review rating from Martindale Hubbell; NC Business Legal Elite for family law; Super Lawyers for family law; rated 10.0 by Avvo.

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...

Derrick Hensley is a Child Welfare, Family, and Immigration lawyer who manages a small law firm in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Derrick founded his own firm in order to ensure he could take cases that make a real difference for his clients, and to ensure that his practice always observed the highest principles of the legal profession. Derrick is dedicated zealously advocating for his clients and to fostering an open, communicative attorney-client relationship based on trust and honesty.

Derrick's firm has practices in several fields of law, focusing on the intersections between them, including international family law, humanitarian and family immigration, and...

Barri Hilton Payne was born in High Point, North Carolina and grew up in Davidson County. She attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she majored in Religious studies and Sociology. Barri practiced for the last twelve years as a founding partner in the firm Brock, Payne & Meece, P.A. before opening her own solo law and mediation practice in 2013. Barri was involved with the Holderness Moot Court while in law school at UNC and earned her law degree in 1999. She has practiced in Durham, North Carolina since that time and concentrates her practice on...

The son of a government official, Andy grew up in various parts of the country, including Ohio, Colorado, and Texas. He attended the College of William and Mary and graduated in 1988 with a B.A. with honors in Government. Andy then went to the University of Richmond Law School, obtaining his J.D. in 1991. While in law school, he won the moot court competition, the trial competition (twice), and the writing competition. After passing the Virginia bar exam in 1991, Andy worked in one of the largest law firms in the country in its Norfolk office, primarily defending large...

Ms. McCray loves the practice of law and enjoys helping people. She was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina and attended South Carolina College (the University of South Carolina's honors college) receiving undergraduate degrees in English and Psychology. Ms. McCray graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law in Columbia, South Carolina. During law school, she clerked for Judge C. Tolbert Goolsby at S.C. Court of Appeals and interned one summer in Raleigh for the North Carolina Family Policy Council where she gained intimate knowledge of the legislative process in North Carolina. During her third year, she clerked...

For over 20 years, Julie has effectively advocated for individuals in family law matters in Durham and Orange County courts. A Mediator and Collaborative Divorce practitioner, she is a skilled and experienced negotiator, using creative problem-solving techniques to achieve excellent results. Julie graduated from UNC Law School in 1990. Following her association with the Durham law firm of Pulley, Watson, King & Lischer, she established her own family law practice in 1997. Focuses on finding practical, efficient solutions to her clients' legal problems, Julie helps her clients minimize financial difficulties and uncertainties and reduce parenting conflicts...

Matthew Burkert was raised in Durham, North Carolina, and still resides in the same area he grew up in. He is a graduate of East Carolina University, where he received a bachelor’s degree majoring in Criminal Justice in 2008. Matt then attended North Carolina Central University School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor degree in 2012. He passed the North Carolina Bar Exam in February, 2013, becoming a licensed attorney in the State. Matt joined the Constantinou Law Group, PA as a law clerk while in law school in 2010. He remained at the firm after passing the bar, becoming...

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...

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...

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...

Mark E. Sullivan is the principal of Law Offices of Mark E. Sullivan, P.A. in Raleigh, North Carolina. A retired Army Reserve JAG colonel and a Board-Certified Specialist in Family Law, Mr. Sullivan is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the author of The Military Divorce Handbook, (ABA, 2nd Ed. 2011).

He was co-founder of the military committee of the North Carolina State Bar in 1981, and he has been a member of the committee or its director ever since. He is a past chair of the Military Committee of the ABA Family...

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...

Casey Fidler grew up in Huntersville, North Carolina. She graduated with Highest Distinction from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication with a second major in Political Science. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from Wake Forest University School of Law and is licensed to practice law in North Carolina.

While in law school, Casey served as the Executive Editor of the Wake Forest Law Review and was a member on the Moot Court Board. She was also a student advocate in the Elder Law Clinic. Throughout her time...

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...

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.

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...

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.

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,...

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...

Attorney Val Cesanelli handles family law cases for our firm, with a focus on child custody cases and matters arising out of the process of separation and divorce, such as separation agreements and questions of spousal and child support. Val also handles other family related cases, such as paternity actions, legitimations, name changes and changes in birth certificates, as well as provides drafting services of powers of attorneys and simple wills.

Val is as much a litigator as she is a counselor at law for her clients. As a mother of three children and three stepchildren, Val is both professionally and...

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...

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...

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...