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 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
“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
“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 was referred to Melissa Averett, by another lawyer. Within a few minutes of speaking to her, I wished I had used her when I initially went through my divorce. She was so great!! Smart, to the point, knowledgeable. She came up with a great option for me and I would highly recommend her to anyone.”
Nealy
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
“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.
Afi Johnson-Parris- Lead Attorney
“Melissa is an expert in the field of domestic violence and a valued contributor to all members of the NCBA Family Law Section Listserv. When I am in need of a colleague to be a sounding board or a source of knowledge, that person is Melissa. Her superior legal reasoning, sound research, and skilled trial advocacy are only matched by her generous spirit to make sure the legal needs of domestic violence victims and the under-served poor are met. She is the type of lawyer that makes her profession proud.”
“I cannot put into mere words my pleasure with having hired Melissa. Her expert knowledge, compassion, and fortitude have yielded the best possible legal results for my family. She demonstrates an unparalleled spirit advocating for domestic violence victims. She was creative, tireless, and exceptional in addressing my concerns over two successive years. I wholeheartedly recommend Melissa for anyone in need of a family law advocate.”
Mary D.
“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
“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
“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.
“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 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
” 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! “
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
“Searching the internet, I found a family law attorney in Chatham County. Based on the information I provided, she recommended Attorney Averett. To that point, it was the best advice an attorney ever gave me. A recommendation to speak with Melissa made a world of difference for my children and I hope it can for yours too. Everyone suspects that his or her problems are worse and different from everyone else’s. Having worked my way thru family courts in three different states, I can attest that everyone is right about that. Melissa understands that each family brings their own unique challenge to the table and that each person deserves fair and respectful treatment. As I am not a resident of North Carolina, all of our first communication was over the phone. Melissa took the time to hear and understand my perspective. Based on our initial conversations, we agreed to take each other on as partners.
It was (and is) very important to me that Melissa took the time to understand my children, my own ‘worse and different’ circumstance, and me. Melissa put me in touch with the right professionals in the Hillsborough and Chapel Hill area to develop a support team. That support team was critical to the case ending in my children’s best interest. Melissa and Alva have been with me every step of the way. The legal and professional advice they have given me has been tremendous. The general ‘counsel’ they provided helped keep me calm and confidant – not making any poor ‘reactionary’ decisions. This allowed me to keep what was most important in front of me. Over time, those conversations were more important to my family than any of the excellent ‘nuts and bolts’ legal advice and guidance they provided.
Thank You, Melissa. I cannot recommend you strongly enough.”
Scott R.
“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 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
“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
“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
