D. Melissa Averett

CERTIFIED NC FAMILY LAW SPECIALIST
MANAGING ATTORNEY

Passionate. Caring. Fierce. Knowledgeable. Meet Melissa Averett. She has been practicing as a family law attorney in Orange and Chatham Counties since 1998. From separation, to divorce, to child custody and more, she fights to protect her clients’ rights.

“Guiding clients through some of the most traumatic chapters in their life, a divorce, custody battle or probate after the death of a loved one, is a position of intimacy and trust. It’s an honor to be chosen for that role.”

Melissa has been selected for the past several years running to the North Carolina Super Lawyers list in recognition of her work in family law. She speaks regularly to legal groups on family law issues, both in North Carolina and internationally.

Melissa is one of a handful of Family Law Specialists primarily practicing in Chatham County.

Curriculum Vitae

Melissa Averett, Certified Family Law Attorney in NC

PAYING IT FORWARD

Melissa shares her knowledge in North Carolina and internationally, speaking at family law conferences, and teaching workshops and continuing legal education seminars. She is a member of the National Crime Victim Bar Association and is qualified to testify as an expert witness on the subject of domestic violence.

Melissa also works with the North Carolina Bar to promote new and updated legislation related to family law.

Contact Melissa

AT HOME & TRAVELING THE WORLD

Melissa has earned a reputation as one of the go-to attorneys on complex family law topics. She has been invited to speak at a number of international conferences and attended others to stay current on the latest in family law.

When she’s not working or traveling, Melissa can be found crocheting, weaving on her floor loom, and trying to keep her cats from covering all her yarn and crafts in fur, usually unsuccessfully.

AVVO Profile

WHAT THEY SAY...

Melissa is perhaps the most intellectually gifted lawyer I know. Among trial attorneys, Melissa has few equals and no superiors.

Cheryl

intellectually gifted

Melissa and her folks were very relaxing to work with – lessening the negativity of my hectic divorce proceedings.

Anthony “Tony” Williams
Less Hectic Divorce

“Melissa Averett and I have collaborated on behalf of many clients over the years. She always provides top-quality legal care and personable service. Melissa has a passionate dedication to the legal rights of her clients and is sensitive to their emotional needs as well. She uses her fine sense of collegiality to bring together a team of professionals in each case she serves. I continue to entrust my clients to her care because of the unfailingly superior performance I have experienced each time I have made a referral to her.”

Ellen Gray- Psychotherapist
Ellen Gray- Psychotherapist

“Melissa Averett is an open-minded professional who views her clients’ interests as paramount. She always divides her attention evenly among her caseload and assures that every client receives the full benefit of her time, experience, and legal knowledge. As a professional, she is discreet as well as mindful of your time and expense. Melissa is the attorney you must contact if you are seeking an honest opinion about your legal situation and seek a strong professional that will always consider what is in your best interest and is remarkable when confronted with challenges, both in and outside of the court. “

Courtney B.
Courtney B.

Dedicated attorneys and staff that are prepared to FIGHT for their clients.

Ron Cooley, Cooley Law Offices
They Fight for Their Clients

Melissa and her team are Excellent. Highly recommend her services. Very professional, fights for the truth, she and her team are awesome. I am very thankful for her personal advice, encouraging words, and much needed help during divorce. Very thorough! Thank you!!

Karl J.
Fights for the Truth

“I have worked with Melissa as opposing counsel on cases and know her generally as a member of our local family law bar. Melissa is an excellent attorney, and any client would be well-served by her representation. She is highly knowledgeable in all areas of family law, and she is a zealous and effective advocate for her clients.”

Brian Johnston, Family Attorney
Brian Johnston, Family Attorney

When I moved to N.C, Melissa Averett was my first choice because of her deep experience and frank candor– but she was too busy to take on new clients. I felt lucky to be able to work with her when a spot opened up. Custody is difficult even in the best of cases due to the powerful emotions involved, and the last thing you need is an attorney who fans the flames of conflict. Averett keeps things clean, clear, and straightforward. Highly recommended.

Anonymous
Clear, concise & authoritative

 I had Divorce issues. Melissa and her crew made short work of it at a good price; also made settlement my favor.

Larry G.

Melissa and Her Crew

Averett Family Law is a team of caring and efficient professionals. As a paralegal myself, I was truly impressed by the personal and skillful service I received throughout the painful process of divorce. I would recommend Melissa Averett to absolutely anyone. She is a tireless advocate for justice.

Catherine Wright
Tireless Advocate for Justice

“Melissa Averett is all of the above and more. She has seen us through so many different scenarios where we have needed legal and professional help, with fantastic results. She knows what she’s doing, she’s effective and efficient, and what she doesn’t know, she goes and finds out or puts you in touch with who you need. I admire her both professionally and personally for all that she does and all that she is!”

Tamara Powers- Invention Manager Assistant
Tamara Powers- Invention Manager Assistant

When I was referred to Melissa and her staff, I was trying to get a grip on a very unstable situation with separation and custody. I was feeling stuck, helpless and scared until I landed in Melissa’s office. From our first meeting, Melissa “got it” and knew how to handle things knowledgeably, efficiently, safely and professionally. She helped me understand the legal system, helped me get some direction and understand my rights. She slowly but surely helped me regain a sense of confidence and control in my life and in my situation. I have told her this many times but she has honestly changed the direction and course of my life with her extensive knowledge and endless support. I felt I was a helpless person in a helpless situation and she gave me a voice.
I felt she has always worked out of the best interest of my children and myself. She responds to crisis situations very quickly, calmly and professionally. She is tough, responsive and she really knows her stuff and I am so glad I landed in her office three years ago. Thank you.

Linda
A safe and knowledgeable place to land

” Attorney Averett is beyond amazing! From the first meeting with her I felt relieved. She listened to me even when I was extremely anxious about what I felt was a difficult situation. She really helped calm my mind. She went through all my documentation and addressed every issue perfectly. I can not recommend her highly enough! If you want a tough attorney that will fight for you, she’s the one! “

Hands down the absolute BEST!!!!!

“I hired Melissa and her team over 3 years ago to handle my divorce and custody issues. She is extremely understanding and will fight to get what her clients need. She actually listens and gives her clients the legal advice and options for their particular case. She helps her clients make the tough decisions together as a team. Melissa is extremely detailed and efficient. I would strongly recommend her and her staff in whatever your legal needs are.”

“Melissa is a first-class attorney leading a well regarded firm in Chatham, Orange and surrounding counties. While not afraid to adeptly try contested cases, she strives to settle matters when possible for the benefit of her clients. She is perhaps a finer friend, colleague and member of the community. Melissa is kind, generous with her time and unquestionably experienced in all aspects of family law.”

John Miskey- Family Law Attorney
John Miskey- Family Law Attorney

“Ms Averett did a fantastic job answering multiple questions I had regarding post separation support, child support, and separation agreements. She even went so far as to recommend a military law specific attorney for me.”

Chris Johnson
Chris Johnson

“I recently had the unpleasant experience of going through a divorce in NC. Melissa and Alva have been professional, efficient and knowledgeable throughout the entire process. They respond timely and accurately. On more than one occasion, they went above and beyond to facilitate the process. Melissa sought out ways to save me time and money and was always cost-conscious when billing me for her services. I always received accurate information/analysis and was never waiting on them. I knew I was in good hands and can’t say enough about how pleased I am with the services I received from this firm.”

Jeremy T
Jeremy T

“I am impressed with Ms. Averett’s thoughtful advice and answers to legal questions on Avvo. She has an in-depth understanding of the law and an ability to communicate legal concepts clearly and effectively. I endorse this lawyer!”

Andrew Dickens, Foreclosure Attorney
Andrew Dickens, Foreclosure Attorney

Melissa was great at my court hearing today. She is very considerate, attentive to details, and very competent in what she does. If you haven’t decided on a lawyer yet, I recommend her! 5+!!!

Tatiana

Outstanding law firm. Melissa puts her clients first. She is also a no non-sense attorney who sets reasonable expectations. The fees are the most reasonable of any attorney I interviewed. I have used Averett Family Law multiple times and do not hesitate to highly recommend them!

Nee Ghi
No Nonsense Attorney