Testimonials

I had a very complex divorce case that required someone like Austin Vandeveer to help me navigate.  He took the time to explain the terms and legal issues that I was not familiar with, thus allowing me to make important decisions for the future. He was a power presence in the courtroom and handled the case beautifully on my behalf.  He did not leave any room for doubt that he would always act in my best interest and fight for what was deserved.

Anonymous

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

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.

A Satisfied Client

One thing no one will prepare you for when going through a divorce is the emotional toll you will experience, which will be magnified if children are involved. There will be many dark days when your mind is cluttered, and the possibility of making emotionally-charged bad decisions will lead to missteps. That is why you want an attorney who will guide you through those days with clarity, help you separate the negative feelings from the valid ones, and be there to advise and protect you. I would not have been able to go through this challenging journey without the support of Austin and Melissa and the tremendous help of Mandy, Marissa, and Perla. You will find empathy, and trust me when I say you need it as much as you need Austin and Melissa’s determination to fight for you and get what is rightfully yours. I wholeheartedly recommend Averett Family Law.

Vanessa

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

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

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:. Lvoe it!

Joy

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

Cheryl

I am extremely pleased. Melissa has your back and best interest. You want her on your team! She is straightforward, very clear on what to expect, and no surprises. Melissa and the team made everything press and play. Would highly recommend Averett Family Law.

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 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

I would like to share my experience with the Family Law office of M. Averett. I felt it very important to share my experience with this law office because I remember how I felt when embarking on this change in life event and second enlighten those going through this in their life that it does take time requiring patience. I initially looked on line as well as went to 4 family law offices before selecting an attorney to represent me. I found that Counselor Averett was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and wise at a time and event in my life that was and is traumatic. Counselor Averett in no way conveyed any gender related treatment of me or ever delayed any progress on my case or situation. On the contrary, Counselor Averett was totally responsive to all my questions, she had my upper most interest in mind (even though I was a bit unique in my caring how people were treated in this process), and she treated me as though I was her ONLY CLIENT, very rare in this area of law. This is a totally honest and unemotional review of my experience with the Averett Family Law office, Chapel Hill, NC. I would highly recommend this Law office without any hesitation to my friends or anyone seeking assistance in family law as Counselor Averett truly cares!!!

A Happy Client

I had a great experience with Averett Family Law. I mainly worked with alex throughout my divorce and he was professional, smart, and kind. It was a pleasure to work with Alex and others in the office – it’s just a super team. I also appreciated that they tried to be cost-effective as possible at every turn. Divorce sucks and working with Alex and the team made it a little easier.

Jane

Austin is Fantastic!

S. Tam

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

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

Larry G.

My experience was a wonderful combination of a few things. One, I was set at ease that their main goal was to do their best for me no matter what that meant. That they would put my wants and needs to the top of the pile. That they also had a bull dog side if need be to fight for me and my goals. I have nothing but good things to say about Averett Family Law. Family that has your back and is willing to go the extra mile. 100%

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.

Excellent attorneys. I refer clients to them frequently without reservation.

Gray Ellis, Ellis Family Law, PLLC

Excellent attorneys and great colleagues. I refer clients to them frequently without reservation and have never gotten a complaint in response.

Emily Hurtt, Bagwell Holt Smith PA

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

Ron Cooley, Cooley Law Offices

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

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

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

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 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.

“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.

“Knowledgeable, no nonsense lawyer. Hands down great!”

Kathy H.

“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 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 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

“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 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 known to be a fighter for her clients and she always goes the extra mile to achieve positive results for her clients. Her particular niche is dealing with clients who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence in their personal relationships. She is sensitive to the dynamics of those relationships and her experience allows her to be a zealous advocate for that client, both inside the courtroom and out.”

Sarah Carr D’Amato- Bilingual Family Law 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.”

Afi Johnson-Parris- Lead 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.

“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

“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 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

“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.

“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

“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 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.

“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 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

“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 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 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

“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! “

“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 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

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

“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.”

“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