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.
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.
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.
“I endorse this lawyer. Melissa is one of the best trial attorney’s I have ever had the pleasure of being in a courtroom with. She zealously represents all her clients with expert skills and knowledge.”
Robert Craig, Family Attorney
“Knowledgeable, no nonsense lawyer. Hands down great!”
Kathy H.
“I have worked with Melissa both as opposing counsel and regarding community services. She is a vigorous and careful advocate for her clients and for the appropriate management of cases involving domestic violence.”
Lisa Anne Wagner- Board Certified Family Law Specialist at the Wagner Law Firm, PC
“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
I first went to a big divorce firm for men and they charged up the yingyang for nothing. Melissa came in, had reasonable fees and knew not only how to work with me, but use her experience to our advantage.
We don’t think divorce is a game, but it may be a chess match and we were able to negotiate a fair settlement even though the other attorney had questionable practices.
Call them and give them a shot. Honest, upfront and experienced. I wish I went to her first before wasting $2k on the ‘big men’s divorce firm’ who just wanted to know how much I made before talking price!
Peter
“Outstanding Legal Services & Guidance Melissa and her team are incredible. I had a real estate issue. They worked on my case and were advocates for me. Melissa is very knowledgeable, a tactician, strategist and an impressive legal mind. She is very conscientious and efficient with your money! Yes, it’s true, she WILL NOT run up your bill. You pay for the actual services rendered. I would highly recommend Melissa.”
Beck
Melissa Averett has turned my horrific child custody, suppport and visitation case around for me. This case originated in New York and was subsequently changed over to North Carolina. I retained Attorney Averett’s services because she is well versed in New York Family Law as well as North Carolina’s. The office staff was professional and caring during my most detrimental family and financial situation. For efficient, professional, affordable and just as equally important, caring legal services – I highly recommend The Averett Law firm.
Janice
“I will always remember how dedicated, knowledgeable, and passionate you are about promoting healthy relationships and fighting against the injustices of unhealthy relationships. I truly appreciate working with an attorney of your caliber, and expect that your legacy will continue to touch the lives of many people.”
Aliece I.
“Wow I am really excited to get the opportunity to write a recommendation for Melissa. She has helped me with some really difficult situations, and she made it very simple and easy.
She has the experience and knowledge, as well as the creativity, to be very effective with difficult people. Also, I did not feel that Melissa was ever trying to run up the bill – even though I know she easily could have. I am really grateful for her assistance.”
Amy O.
I’m deeply thankful to have found this law group. Melissa Averett has been prompt, knowledgeable, compassionate and extraordinarily helpful. She is well recognized as a formidable attorney in the area.
A Happy Client
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
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.
Linda
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.
“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
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.
Dedicated attorneys and staff that are prepared to FIGHT for their clients.
Ron Cooley, Cooley Law Offices
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 Averett came through when I really needed her. She made time for me even though she had a busy schedule. Melissa is incredibly intelligent and doesn’t miss anything. I would recommend her a hundred times over!
Jenna Frye
“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.
“I have known Ms. Averett throughout my years of practice. She is a strong advocate for her clients and is reasonable opposing counsel with whom to work. She strives to provide the best possible result for her clients.”
Lisa Wagner, Family 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