Valdese Family Lawyers

Personal, Professional attention to select clients.

Christina Clodfelter was raised in Statesville, NC, and is a graduate of Statesville High School. She received a B.A. degree in Political Science and English from the University of South Carolina in 2007. She then returned to North Carolina where she received her Juris Doctorate from the University of North Carolina School of Law. Ms. Clodfelter lives in Statesville and practices in the Statesville office. Ms. Clodfelter is excited to be practicing law in her hometown. She enjoys spending time with her family, who has strong ties to the Statesville community, and is an active South Carolina Gamecock fan.

Deirdre A. Farrington is a family law attorney and NCDRC-certified family financial mediator in Boone, North Carolina. She accepts cases in Watauga County and surrounding counties, including Ashe, Alleghany, Avery, Mitchell and Yancey Counties. She is a member of the North Carolina State Bar, the Watauga County Bar Association, the Virginia State Bar, and the Florida Bar Association.

The Law Office of Kelli Y. Allen provides personalized, comprehensive professional legal services. Kelli represents immigration clients worldwide. Her immigration law practice focuses on family-based visas, adjustment of status, consular processing, unlawful presence waivers, naturalization, DACA, U-visas, removal of conditions, and some non-immigrant employment visas. Kelli is a member of the American Immigration Lawyer's Association and previously clerked with the Charlotte Immigration Court. Our North Carolina elder law practice consists of long-term care planning, asset protection, establishing long-term care Medicaid eligibility without having to "spend down", preparation and submission of NC long-term care Medicaid applications, and representation before the Department...

I am originally from Fort Bragg, North Carolina. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from North Carolina Central University in 2003 with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and Psychology. I obtained my Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 2006. I than began work with Legal Aid of North Carolina. While at Legal Aid, I served as a staff attorney representing clients in housing, employment, education, and consumer matters. I also served as the director of Legal Aid’s statewide Bankruptcy team. In October of 2011, I began work with Mike Lewis Attorneys. There...

Mr. Harris was born and raised in Charlotte along with his eight brothers and sisters. After attending Piedmont Open Middle, he attended and graduated from Woodberry Forest School in Orange, Virginia. Mr. Harris then attended Duke University, where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Before attending law school, Mr. Harris taught ninth and tenth grade World History in Limestone, Tennessee and Rome, Georgia, where he was also a Resident Dorm Master and coached various sports teams, including the 1999 Lacrosse State Championship team.

Mr. Harris attended Duke University for law school, where he participated on a National...

Mr. McArdle has lived in Charlotte since 1979. He attended Saint Gabriel Catholic School and Charlotte Catholic High School. Mr. McArdle continued his education at the University of North Carolina. At Chapel Hill, he played on the Junior Varsity Basketball Team and served on the UNC Supreme Court. He also received recognition for being an All-ACC Student Athlete. After graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Political Science, Mr. McArdle attended law school at Campbell University.

Mr. McArdle returned to Charlotte in 1995 and has been representing clients in Charlotte and the surrounding Charlotte region since. In 2015 he became a...

To R. Anthony “Tony” Hartsoe, the law has always felt like a calling, not a job. He loves helping people through some of the toughest moments in their lives. With a family of his own and work experience that dates back to when he was 12 years old, Tony can relate to many of his clients and utilizes his knowledge to aggressively represent them with strength and integrity. He received his Bachelor of the Arts Degree from Oral Roberts University before attending Washington University School of Law. Tony graduated with a Juris Doctor Degree in 1994. Attorney Hartsoe has worked...

“Board Certified Specialist” in family law by The North Carolina State Bar – 2006 to present

Rated “AV” Preeminent (Judicial Edition), the Highest Possible Rating in both legal abilities and ethical standards reflecting the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and Judiciary – Martindale-Hubble / Lexis-Nexis – 2013 to present

Anastasia Cowan pursued her undergraduate degree at Ohio State University. She was a resident advisor, a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society, and a member of the Women’s Glee Club.

Patrick McCroskey is a Board Certified Specialist in Family Law and an American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellow. He limits his family law practice to complex matters surrounding separation and divorce. As a Certified Family Financial Mediator, Patrick provides services to other family law attorneys and their clients through mediation, and to the community at large in his capacity as Buncombe County Certified Parenting Coordinator.

Since 2007, Patrick has been continuously recognized by Best Lawyers in America, and named the Family Law Lawyer of the Year for Asheville in 2015, 2017, and 2020. He has been named to North...

Mr. Arnold is an experienced trial attorney who has tried bench and jury trials in both North Carolina District Court and North Carolina Superior Court and has argued cases in front of the North Carolina Court of Appeals, the North Carolina Supreme Court, and the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, VA. Mr. Arnold grew up in Charlotte, and attended Carmel Junior High, South Charlotte Middle, and graduated from Providence Senior High School. Mr. Arnold earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology graduating cum laude from Belmont Abbey College where he received a basketball scholarship and played varsity basketball...

Zachary D. Jackson graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Law. Prior to attending Law School, Mr. Jackson graduated Magna Cum Laude from Campbell University where he majored in Business Administration with a Specialty in Trust and Investment Management and minored in Financial Planning. Mr. Jackson also received his Masters in Business Administration from Campbell University. Mr. Jackson worked for several years as a Trust Officer with Bank of America prior to attending law school. Prior to opening his own law practice, Mr. Jackson worked with two law firms and held an...

Courtney Carter is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but has resided in the Charlotte area since 2011. Prior to relocating to Charlotte, Courtney pursued her undergraduate degree at Kent State University. She graduated with her Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Management with a focus of Pre-Law in three years. During her time at Kent State University, Courtney had the opportunity to perform an internship with one of Pennsylvania’s State Senators. During Courtney’s time with the Senator’s office, she was able to assist constituents with government assistance programs, as well as organize events for children, veterans and senior citizens.

While in law...

Was born and raised in Charlotte, NC.

Charlotte Wills, Trusts, Probate Law, Estate Planning; Guardianships, Elder Law, Special Needs Planning, Asset Protection; Business Succession Planning; Estate, Gift and Income Taxation; Estate Administration; Business Law Mecklenburg County (Member, Tax Section) and North Carolina (Citizen-Lawyer Task Force) Bar Associations; South Carolina Bar (Member, Tax Section); Charlotte Women's Bar Association (Board Member; Secretary; Treasurer; Vice President; President, Past Chair); American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (Member, Taxation Committee); Institute of Management Accountants; Charlotte Christian Chamber; Women's Initiative Network, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Western and Central North Carolina; Carolina Foster Kids Foundation Director. Order of the...

I represent clients going through divorce and family law issues, including separation agreements and prenuptial/premarital agreements, alimony, equitable distribution, child support and custody. I mediate cases for spouses that cannot reach a resolution on their own. My divorce practice across North Carolina gives me a wide range of experience on how judges rule.

I created a free downloadable North Carolina Child Support Calculator which reflects North Carolina's statutes. This can be found by contacting our firm.

Other attorneys also hire me to mediate their clients' disputes prior to going to court. I advance the practice and knowledge of law for...

I will try any case, anytime, anywhere, if the cause is just.

Mr. Payne is the CEO & Managing Partner of Apple Payne Law, PLLC, which he co-founded with retired attorney Bill Apple after owning his own firm Payne Law, PLLC. Mr. Payne's practice areas are estate planning, probate & business advising, and the firm also has family law and real estate teams to serve the full family's needs. Mr. Payne started the practice of law when he founded Payne Law, PLLC after graduation from the Wake Forest University School of Law in 2011. Before attending Wake Forest University School of Law, Mr. Payne attended Florida Coastal School of Law, where he was...

Courtney Roller is a licensed North Carolina attorney and counselor at law. She earned her law degree from Elon University School of Law. Prior to law school, Courtney attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and earned a B.A. in journalism and mass communication. She is a certified legal observer with the National Lawyers Guild and a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and Red4NC. In 2013 Courtney was recognized by the National Association of Women Lawyers for her achievements, motivation and drive. in 2015, Courtney was elected secretary of the District 22b Bar Association. She is a member...

Janet Amburgey is a Board Certified Specialist in Family Law. Since graduating from Appalachian School of Law in 2008 she has focused her practice exclusively on family law matters, assisting people through family chaos, ensuring the protection of their rights and property and helping to blend and expand families. She has represented clients in divorce and separation with issues surrounding child custody, child support, alimony, and in property settlement matters. She also assists families through adoption, name changes and protects parents and children in both domestic violence matters and DSS matters. Janet believe’s problem-solving is a primary responsibility...

Growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina I learned to focus my energy on finding a solution rather than worrying about the problem. This mindset inevitably led me to my profession as an attorney. I graduated from the University of South Carolina with a business degree in Economics. I immediately began work in the financial field helping people navigate the world of small business loans. The following year I received the Fourth Ward Scholarship to attend Charlotte School of Law. While attending Charlotte School of Law I had the opportunity to gain valuable experience through internships with the Mecklenburg...

My main area of practice is Immigration Law. I am the son of Immigrants. However, I also, handle uncontested divorce, criminal defense for most misdemeanors, name changes and legitimation, personal injury and workers compensation.

Ben Hefferon is a highly rated divorce and family law attorney with extensive experience in handling cases related to divorce, equitable distribution, child custody, visitation, and spousal support. A graduate of North Carolina Central School of Law with High Honors, Ben is committed to achieving favorable outcomes for his clients through both court proceedings and negotiations. His dedication to the field and his ability to navigate complex family law issues make him a valuable advocate for those he represents.

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...

John Barrow has 27 years of Trial Experience in District and Superior Court in Piedmont North Carolina, Primarily Forsyth County, Kernersville and Winston Salem, NC. John is a relentless advocate inside and outside the courtroom. Enjoys an excellent reputation among the Forsyth County Bar and clients alike. Aggressive, knowledgeable and effective. Award winning Criminal Defense. Publishes an annual Law Calendar addressing DWI and Criminal laws and issues in trials and sentencing. Prior life - Grocery store manager, carpenter, mechanic, restaurateur, Racer. Enjoys - Life, Wife and Family - Plans and Projects. ...

Eleanor Panetti is a Winston-Salem lawyer who has been practicing family law for nearly three decades. Eleanor provides comprehensive legal counsel to men and women involved in family law disputes, to spouses creating and expanding families through adoption, and to those protecting and caring for children of family members. She is skilled and experienced in all matters related to divorce, custody and paternity, property settlement and support, the legal issues unique to the LGBT community, and those specific to senior populations.

Eleanor is passionate in her representation of people involved in family disputes, whether through divorce, supporting parents through child custody...

Keith Stroud is a 25+ year veteran of the practice of law. Keith supports businesses in the Triad, spouses going through a separation and divorce, individuals and couples through estate planning, executors and administrators handling the estate of a loved one, and seniors and their family members in long term care and asset protection matters. He provides a straightforward and comprehensive approach to legal representation, and offers unique solutions designed to meet the goals of his clients.

While Keith’s practice is structured to help his clients avoid litigation, he is first and foremost a trial lawyer. His civil and past criminal...

Whether civil or criminal, the legal process can be very frustrating, intimidating, and the outcome may seem too uncertain. As such, Dmitriy understands the importance of maintaining prompt communication and step-by-step comforting guidance. He also strongly believes that every case is defensible and that every client deserves the utmost dedication and attention.

Dmitriy graduated from UNC Charlotte, Magna Cum Laude, with a degree in Finance. He further attended the Charlotte School of Law and graduated Cum Laude. Dmitriy now works as a Managing Partner at Biazzo & Panchenko Law, PLLC, and serves Charlotte and surrounding areas (Mint Hill,...