How Can We Help You?
Divorce
In North Carolina, spouses must be separated for a year prior to filing for divorce. This period begins the day one spouse moves out.
CHILD SUPPORT
Each parent has an obligation to support their children. North Carolina Child Support Guidelines are very specific, but you may still have questions.
Adoption
Welcoming a child into your family by adoption is very exciting. We are here to help you handle the legal processes involved.
CHILD CUSTODY
Child custody is one of the most contested parts of ending a marriage or relationship. We can help you navigate custody matters with sensitivity.
Separation
The decision to separate is a difficult one, and there are many emotions involved. We are here to help you navigate your separation and to ensure your legal rights.
Alimony
North Carolina law is hazy, at best, when it comes to guidelines for alimony and post-separation support. We can help navigate your unique situation.
Division of Property
Second to child custody, the most highly contested area of separation and divorce is the division of property.
Surrogacy
Because of advances in medicine over the last several decades, there are many options available to couples that are unable to conceive naturally.
Family Law is our passion.
Family law issues are often emotionally-charged, and it is imperative that you hire an attorney that is both knowledgeable about the law and able to compassionately guide you through important decisions. Because this area of law is so wrought with emotions, it important to have an attorney to help you look beyond these emotions and advocate for your best interest.
Get in touch with us to set up a consultation, or use the contact form at the bottom of this page to inquire whether our services are right for you.
About Melissa Flanagan
Melissa has lived in North Carolina since she was seven years old, raised in the small town of Four Oaks. She graduated from South Johnston High School and then attended North Carolina State University where she completed her undergraduate education with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Sociology with a Criminal Justice Concentration.
After graduating from North Carolina State University, Melissa opted to remain in the Raleigh area. She worked in various levels of State and Local government as a Case Manager with both the State of North Carolina and Wake County Child Support Enforcement. After having worked in Child Support Enforcement for nearly nine years, she chose to leave her full-time job to attend North Carolina Central University School of Law.
No two families are alike, and because of this, family law is not “one-size-fits-all.” Our legal services are tailored to YOUR family and YOUR situation. We will take the time to get to know you and your unique circumstances. Each family pursuing legal services has differing legal needs. We strive to provide comprehensive, individualized service to each family we work with.
Education
North Carolina State University
B.S. Applied Sociology with a Criminal Justice Concentration, 1995
North Carolina Central University School of Law
Juris Doctor, 2015
Activities & Affiliations
- North Carolina Bar Association, Member
- Wake County Bar Association, Member
- North Carolina Advocates for Justice, Member
- The National LGBTQ+ Bar, Member
- The Pauli Murray LGBTQ+ Bar Association, Member
- Leadership Fuquay-Varina, Class of 2019
- Fuquay-Varina Citizen’s Police Academy, Class of 2020
- Fuquay-Varina Downtown Association, Member/Friend of Downtown
- Development Committee of the LGBT Center of Raleigh, Former Member
- Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Former Member
Bar Admissions
- North Carolina State Bar
- Tenth Judicial District Bar
Passion.
Experience.
Diligence.
Our Client Stories
Renee Holmes2023-07-26Family Court and the Wake County residents are fortunate to have Melissa. If you are in the unfortunate need of representation- Melissa is ethical, professional and wise. With my work and personal experience, many attorneys do not match her level of professionalism and knowledge. She is truly focused on the best interest of the minor- which should always be the focus of parents. I would highly recommend anyone entering a new chapter involving her areas of law- to meet with her early on in your journey- she will navigate the steps and provide the necessary support regardless of how far along in the process you are. Melissa is detail oriented, genuine, patient while being direct and informative. She understands the law and the complexities of family court and is an asset to the Wake County court system.
Alex Westfall2023-04-12I can not speak highly enough of everything Melissa was able to do for me. She is very professional, highly knowledgeable, inclusive, and eager to assist me with everything I needed in a legal sense. I was genuinely nervous to speak to a legal professional due to being in the LGBT community. My experience was everything I could have hoped for and more. Thank you so much for everything, Melissa.
David Bunt2023-03-17Extremely informative. So informative we were left with little questions. Once a decision was made we jumped right into the process. Highly recommend Fuquay-Varina Family Law!!!
LaDonna Bethea2022-01-02Due to Melissa’s knowledge and professionalism, the legal portion was the least of my issues with obtaining a divorce. I highly recommend her to anyone who wants to take a no nonsense approach.
Emily Maas2021-09-16Melissa is not just an amazing attorney, she actually cares about you. I’ve worked with Melissa for the past year during a very hard divorce. I wasn’t always the perfect client, but she stuck by me during my hardest days. If I needed her, even after work hours, she would always respond. She’s reliable, dependable and always in your corner. I cannot say enough about this woman as a person and a professional. If you need an amazing lawyer during your hardest days ahead, she is the one!
Lisa Frangullie2021-06-23I found Melissa through single parent group recommendation from social media while going through the lowest and most stressful time of my life following a separation with my 2 young kids. She has been nothing short of amazing and has been the most loyal, prepared, and informed advocate for my children during a contentious, and long drawn out custody dispute. She is not only knowledgable about the quirks of NC family law and Wake County Family Court, but she is also kind, non-judgemenal, and patient. She could not have done a better job for us and ultimately thanks to her, my children will have a much better quality of life than was previously facing them. I highly recommend Melissa if you need a strong and compassionate, but realistic advocate for you or your children.
Kelly Nystrom2021-03-01Melissa is very knowledgeable, kind and fights for her clients. I knew I did not have to worry about anything, because Melissa was going to fight for what was right, fair, and due to me.
Sarah Raquel Crawford2020-11-22Melissa helped our family with step-parent adoption. Unfortunately, due to the circumstances of COVID, our case took a lot longer than anticipated. During our 10 long months, Melissa made sure to stay on top of our case and kept us informed all along. We are so thankful for her dedication and hard work through all of the unexpected.
Orion Mondragon2020-11-04Fantastic firm!! Melissa and her team were fantastic, responsive and professional. Hopefully I'll never need to talk to them again but if I do need legal counsel later, I will definitely come back.