SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS & PUBLICATIONS
Global reputation
North Carolina certified family law attorney D. Melissa Averett is an international family law attorney and speaker, addressing legal audiences in the US and across the globe on family law topics.
Continuing legal education speaker
Melissa teaches continuing legal education classes to attorneys in NC, speaks to Bar Association members internationally on common family law topics, and acts as an expert witness in domestic violence cases.
Public and speaking engagements
Melissa speaks regularly to legal groups in North Carolina and around the world. Here are a few of her recent engagements.
Trauma-informed Legal Representation
Australian and Maltese Family Law conference, Sliema, Malta (June 2019)
Tort Claims in Family Law Cases
Durham Family Law Attorneys, Durham, NC (April 2019)
Every Sperm is Sacred
Regulating Commercial Surrogacy, Australian Family Law Conference, Hoi An, Vietnam (July 2018)
Tort Claims in Family Law Cases
NC Family Law Annual Meeting, Charleston, SC (May 2018)
Spousal Support Guidelines
Australian Family Law conference, Hoi An, Vietnam (September 2017)
DV orders for Minors
Lunch and Learn for Legal Aid, Raleigh, NC (September 2017)
Drafting Effective Court Orders
Law to the People CLE, Raleigh, NC (June 2016)
Chapter 50B and 50C
Family Violence & Rape Crisis Services of Chatham County Advocate Training (April 2015)
Obtaining Civil Domestic Violence Protection Orders in North Carolina, with Professor Deria Hayes
Law to the People CLE, Durham, NC (January 2015)
Child Custody and Domestic Violence
Law to the People CLE, Raleigh, NC (October 2014)
Representing Clients Seeking DVPO’s and No Contact Orders
NC Central University School of Law
CLE, Durham, NC (June 2014)
Child Support – When can you deviate from the Guidelines
NC Justice Academy CLE, Cary, NC
(September 2011)
Domestic Violence Primer
NC State Bar Paralegal CLE, Cary, NC (March 2011)
Legal conferences attended
International Academy of Family Law Attorneys
Introduction of the AIFL, Sydney, Australia (February 2019)
International Academy of Family Law Attorneys
Annual Meeting, Melbourne, Australia (February
2019)
International Academy of Family Law Attorneys
U.S. Chapter in Savannah, Georgia (February 2018)
Australia Family Law Annual Meeting
Brisbane, Australia (October 2018)
Australian Family Law Conference
Hoi An, Vietnam (September 2017)
World Congress on Family Law and Children Rights
[Delegate], Dublin, Ireland (June 2017)
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International family lawyer
While the laws are different in every state and country, there are many common themes in family law.
Knowledge sharing
Melissa shares her knowledge and perceptions on divorce, custody, child support, equitable distribution, marital torts, litigation, and more, with attorneys from around the world at various conferences.
What they are saying...
Satisfied Customer
Austin took over my case from another law firm, after I felt they were not doing enough to assist me in my case. Austin is extremely knowledgeable in family law and straight forward. He was very firm and aggressive with the opposition and ensured that my best interest was represented. As soon as he took over my case, he accomplished in a few weeks what my previous attorney was not successful in accomplishing in about six months. During the mediation process he made it very difficult for the opposition where the case was eventually dropped, as I was the defendant. I HIGHLY recommend Averett Family Law and Austin in any divorce or post divorce (with was my situation), or any family law matter.
Joy
The legal insurance plan through my employer suggested Averett Family when we had to do future legacy planning for my parents. After reading the three prior Yelp reviews before mine, we decided on this firm. We found attroney, Sara Harrington, very easy to work with and also parient when my mother still needed time to review paperwork. Kasey was also helpful and timely with responses. They treated us with respect. I highly recommend them for estate planning. The motto on their website, which is a good summary, is “caring | efficient | fierce:. Love it!
Janice
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.