Yancey County Family Lawyers

Julia received a BA in Criminology and BA in Sociology from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Julia went on to earn her J.D. from Thomas M. Cooley Law School (N/K/A Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School), in Lansing, Michigan. During law school, Julia competed in the Mock Trial First Year Competition and was a semifinalist. She also competed in Moot Court and was a finalist in the Negotiations Competition. During her last semester of law school, Julia completed an externship at the Durham County Public Defender’s Office. Julia is an associate attorney in the Family Law department. Julia focuses...

Emma Tillotson did not know she would find her calling in family law. Emma received her undergraduate degree from Clemson University cum laude in Psychology and Criminal Justice, with a minor in Sociology. She left her home state of South Carolina to attend the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University, where she graduated cum laude. During her legal studies she found her passion representing people going through difficult family transitions. She participated in the family law clinic representing underprivileged residents of Raleigh in their family law needs, was an active member of Law Students Against Sexual Assault...

Amanda Knight represents clients in a wide range of family law matters including divorce, child custody and support, domestic violence, spousal support, and equitable distribution proceedings. She also provides trusted counsel to clients throughout the estate planning process. A graduate of North Carolina Central University School of Law, Amanda brings a passion and commitment to achieving client goals, while maintaining civility and professionalism in the practice of law. “Changes in the family, especially ones involving legal proceedings, are always challenging. Our job as attorneys is to take as much of the burden off our clients as possible, and also reassure them that...

Sarah Gerow believes that the role of a family law attorney is that of a patient counselor and a staunch advocate. Sarah knew from a young age that she wanted to be a lawyer, and her desire to advocate for others developed while working with children with disabilities as a summer camp counselor during college. This led Sarah to the University of North Carolina School of Law, where she focused on education and family law. After marrying her husband, a member of the North Carolina Army National Guard, she worked as an associate at Sullivan & Hilscher Family Law, specializing...

Kirsten Alderdice grew up in New England and Charlotte, NC, and relocated to the Triangle in 2014. She obtained her BS degree in English Education from Boston University and her M.Ed. from North Carolina State University. Kirsten then spent eight years teaching middle and high school English. During her public school teaching experiences advocating for children with different educational needs, she decided that law school would be her best path to help families navigate transitions and the court system. She joined Ellis Family Law while attending North Carolina Central University School of Law’s Evening Program in 2022. To family law,...

In 2012, Sharon Thompson became Of Counsel to NicholsonPham. She has been in private practice since 1976 and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the areas of family law, including all aspects of adoption and family formation through assisted reproduction and surrogacy; estate planning, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney and probate administration; and LGBT legal issues. In 2010, Sharon became the first female attorney in North Carolina to be accepted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys. A significant portion of Sharon’s practice has been devoted to providing advice and services to LGBT...

I graduated from Elon University School of Law's charter class in 2009. I was admitted to the North Carolina Bar in August, 2009. In the beginning of my legal career, I practiced in Charlotte, North Carolina, where I focused primarily on guardianship and litigation discovery. After awhile in Charlotte, I became a partner at Enecks, Watson, & Evans, PLLC, in Greensboro, North Carolina. At Enecks, Watson, & Evans, my focus was primarily on family law, including divorce, custody, spousal support, property division, and domestic violence. I also practiced criminal law and estate law. In...

Gib Irons is the managing partner of Irons & Irons, P.A. in Greenville, NC. He is in charge of running the day to day operations of the business including but not limited to implementing firm policy related to cash flow and profitability, staffing, client development, time management, and productivity systems. His practice is focused on family law and personal injury litigation. He does extensive screening before accepting a family law or personal injury case. He seeks to limit the number of active clients that he is representing at any given time in an effort to streamline the litigation process....

An established law firm based in Midtown Raleigh, Midtown Divorce & Family Law is a family owned domestic litigation practice providing high-quality legal services at affordable rates in the family law areas of separation, divorce, post separation support and alimony, child custody, child support, domestic violence, wills and other estate documents, and appeals.

Shaunis Mercer co-owns Peaceful Law with her husband, where together they champion amicable resolutions in family law and comprehensive estate planning. With nearly two decades of legal expertise, Shaunis is passionate about helping her clients achieve clear and peaceful agreements—be it prenuptial, separation, or custody—that protect and honor their family. Her holistic approach to estate planning ensures that her clients' legacies reflect their values and aspirations for generations to come. In addition to her role at Peaceful Law, Shaunis is a respected consultant for other law firm owners. She shares her insights on business growth, client relations, and the delivery of...

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...

Daniel Krchnavek is an attorney licensed to practice law in North Carolina. He is a member of the Wake County Bar Association and the North Carolina Bar Association. Daniel mostly practices in Chatham, Durham, Harnett, Johnston, and Wake counties. The majority of his practice involves family law, including, but not limited to: adoptions, alimony, child custody, child support, divorce, equitable distribution, guardianships, and postseparation support. When not practicing law, Daniel enjoys spending time outdoors with his family.

As a small dedicated law firm, we represent clients involved in marital disputes. Our knowledge of the law allows us to aggressively represent you when you need someone on your side. We represent people who need help in the following Domestic/Family Law areas: family and domestic law including; child custody, support, alimony, divorce, and property distribution.

I have practiced law for 29 years and have over that time handled thousands of cases in court. My practice focus is Family Law cases involving child custody, grandparent and third-party custody, divorce, alimony and property distribution.

Solo Attorney focusing on Family/domestic law and real estate law providing prompt, professional, courteous service since 1996.

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...

The Law Offices of David Hinson is a general practice law firm focusing primarily on family law, including collaborative divorce law, in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Law Offices of David Hinson provides high-quality, cost-efficient, effective legal services to protect your rights and help you navigate the challenges and complexities of your legal needs. Whether you are facing divorce, separation, child custody or child support disputes, or simply have questions about your divorce or custody issue, call the Law Offices of David Hinson to schedule a consultation and learn more about how you can put our experience and dedication to...

David has been a trusted advisor to businesses, individuals and families since 1990 in a wide range of legal practice areas. This breadth of experience brings depth and to his advice and informs his decision making across all his areas of practice. David spent 10 years practicing business, family law, estate planning and probate in Seattle, WA and then attended the Georgetown School of Law where he obtained a Master of Laws Degree (LL.M) in Taxation with honors. He is included in Best Lawyers in America Trust and Estates Section.

David has represented and is currently representing clients is a wide...

Rhonda Young was born and raised in North Carolina. She is an experienced courtroom litigator and practices in all areas of Family Law and Social Security Disability. Rhonda keeps clients focused on what matters – achievable results that puts the client in the best position.

Rhonda is an active member of the North Carolina Bar Association, Wake County Bar Association and 10th Judicial District. She serves on the Wake County Bar CLE Committee and the 10th Judicial District’s Fee Dispute Committee.

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...

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...

Family Law is my focus. Child Custody and all aspects of Divorce (including military divorce) are the bulk of what I do and I love it. I have the knowledge to get you to the best possible results available to you. In addition I take pride in making sure my clients know and understand what is happening in their case, because it is their life that is being impacted. I enjoy working as a team with my client to get the case successfully resolved.

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.

I grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania called Zelienople with five older siblings. In high school, I was a member of the marching band, SVTV (our television broadcast club), Thespians (our drama club), and the Honor Society. I was very active in high school theater. I graduated from Seneca Valley High School with honors and enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh, main campus where I studied English Literature, psychology and theatre arts. I spent my free time at the university theater or learning to play pool at the student union. I also was a founding...

James is a North Carolina Board Certified Specialist in Federal and State Criminal Law and Family Law with a trial practice in criminal, domestic, and general litigation. He is deeply committed to excellence and professionalism in the practice of law, having served on the North Carolina State Bar Specialization Criminal Law Committee, the North Carolina State Bar Board of Continuing Legal Education, and was Issue Planning Editor of the Law Review at Regent University. James also lectures at criminal, family law, and trial practice continuing legal education (CLE) programs, and is regularly designated by the Capital Defender as lead counsel...

In 1977 I started my practice as a Forsyth County lawyer, and eventually came to practice throughout Triad. I have come to enjoy family law cases. What I mean by that is I enjoy the challenge of handling any legal issue which directly affects any member of either an ongoing or dissolving family. That includes criminal, traffic, divorce, separation agreements, prenuptial agreements, domestic restraining orders (50-B) juvenile cases, child custody, post separation support, alimony, equitable distribution, wills, trusts, estates, probate, real estate, personal property issues, and traffic, to name a few. A good lawyer will enjoy the technicalities involved in...