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 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 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.
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 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
“I am a family law attorney in Greensboro with great respect for Melissa as a fellow attorney. Melissa is a fierce advocate for her clients and a leading voice in the community for victims of domestic violence. She is a valued colleague who willingly offers her knowledge to others. Her advice as a colleague is prized because of her expertise and common sense approach. She knows what she’s doing. period.”
Afi J.
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
“Melissa has kept me informed of everything that was going on in my case right from the beginning. I can honestly say that she has truly advocated for me (not the case), and has done her best to minimize my costs. She is very knowledgeable of divorce and family law in NC.”
Pete
“Melissa is a wonderful lawyer, as well as being a wonderful human being. She and her team were with me every step of the way – helping me through some of the most difficult times of my life.”
Jacky R.
“Melissa is an approachable and outstanding attorney who is committed to her clients day in and day out. She is knowledgeable and a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom. Whenever I have a client in her service area, I send them directly to her.”
Katherine Hudson, Litigation Attorney
“I was privileged to be D. Melissa Averett’s Program Manager. She is incredibly effective for her clients as well as for the judicial systems of Orange, Chatham, and the other counties she practices in. I highly recommended Attorney Averett. Justice is blind but Attorney Averett isn’t. She is sharp and so is her staff. The other side never knows what hit them. You are lucky beyond belief if Attorney Averett will take your case.”
Melissa M.
“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 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
“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.
“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
“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.
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.
As someone who has had to navigate the world of family lawyers in an incredibly difficult divorce, I have learned that there very big differences in approaches. Some simply don’t have the expertise or temperament to get truly tough when necessary. If you are in a situation where you need someone who will help you stand your ground, especially when it comes to dealing with an abusive ex, you would be very wise to have her represent you.
Mike Davis
Melissa and her folks were very relaxing to work with – lessening the negativity of my hectic divorce proceedings.
Anthony “Tony” Williams
“I really enjoy working with Melissa. She is an excellent attorney, very dedicated and hard-working, and she really cares for her clients. I hope to work with her a great deal in the future. “
Tony Parrott at Spartan Investigative Services, LLC
“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