Passion. Experience. Diligence.

Because every family deserves advocacy and care.

FUQUAY-VARINA FAMILY LAW HISTORY

Melissa opened her solo practice in 2017, and since then, her practice has been in downtown Fuquay-Varina (the “Fuquay side” of downtown if you’re local). Because of the practice’s growth, Melissa knew it was time to hire an Associate Attorney. For her, finding the perfect Associate Attorney came easily.  Jonathon Mendoza spent time with Fuquay-Varina Family Law as a Legal Assistant during the summer of 2021, prior to attending George Mason University School of Law. After graduating from law school, Jonathon returned to Fuquay-Varina Family Law to work as Paralegal while he studied for the bar exam.  Jonathon joined the practice as an associate attorney in April 2025.  The rest of it is history!  Melissa and Jonathon are eager to assist those in need of a family law attorney in Wake County, North Carolina. 

A woman with curly brown hair, glasses, and a bright smile, wearing a black blazer over a red lace top, against a dark background.

Melissa Flanagan

Managing Attorney/Owner

Melissa practices family law primarily in Wake County and is passionate about guiding families through important life transitions with thoughtful, personalized legal representation. She and her husband have lived in Fuquay-Varina for more than fifteen years, where they enjoy exploring local restaurants and breweries and spending time with friends, family, and their rescued German Shepherds, Karen and Kyle.

  • North Carolina State University
    B.S. Applied Sociology with a Criminal Justice Concentration, 1995

    North Carolina Central University School of Law
    Juris Doctor, 2015

    • North Carolina State Bar

    • Tenth Judicial District Bar

  • 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. For two summers during law school, Melissa was an intern at the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, where she worked in both the Special Litigation and Public Assistance Divisions.

    Melissa is licensed to practice law in North Carolina, and is an active member of The North Carolina State Bar, The North Carolina Bar Association, The Tenth Judicial District Bar, The Wake County Bar Association, North Carolina Advocates for Justice, The National LGBTQ+ Bar, and The Pauli Murray LGBTQ+ Bar Association. Melissa is a member of the Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce and a member (“friend”) of the Fuquay-Varina Downtown Association. In addition, Melissa is a former member of the Development Committee of the LGBT Center of Raleigh and a former member of the Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

    Melissa practices primarily in Wake County, but occasionally handles matters in Harnett County. Melissa’s passion is family law, and her aim is to provide quality legal services tailored to YOUR unique family. 

    Melissa and her husband John have lived in Fuquay-Varina for fifteen years. They enjoy trying new local restaurants and breweries and love to spend time with friends, family, and their rescued German Shepherds, Karen and Kyle.

    • 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

Headshot of a young man with short dark hair, a mustache and goatee, wearing a black suit, white shirt, and black tie against a dark grey background.

Jonathan Mendoza

Associate Attorney

Jonathon was born in Cary, North Carolina, and grew up primarily in Apex, North Carolina. He graduated from Middle Creek High School and then attended the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a Minor in Pre-Law magna cum laude.

  • George Mason University School of Law
    Juris Doctor, 2024

    University of North Carolina at Wilmington
    B.A. Political Science with a Minor in Pre-Law, magna cum laude

    • North Carolina State Bar

    • Tenth Judicial District Bar

  • Jonathon was born in Cary, North Carolina, and grew up primarily in Apex, North Carolina. He graduated from Middle Creek High School and then attended the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a Minor in Pre-Law magna cum laude.

    Jonathon spent time with Fuquay-Varina Family Law as a Legal Assistant during the summer of 2021 prior to attending George Mason University School of Law. After graduating from law school, he returned to Fuquay-Varina Family Law as a Paralegal.

    In his free time, Jonathon enjoys cooking, especially Mexican and Salvadoran dishes from his childhood. He also enjoys going to local venues for live music. Jonathon is the second youngest of five siblings and enjoys spending time with them (and the rest of his family) whenever he has the chance.

    Jonathon’s favorite part of his job is interacting with clients and potential clients, whether on the phone, through email, or in-person. He shares Melissa’s goal of providing an affirming and welcoming space for clients. He is happy to be back at Fuquay-Varina Family Law and looks forward to continuing to service our client’s needs.

    • North Carolina Bar Association, Member

    • Wake County Bar Association, Member

    • North Carolina Advocates for Justice, Member

    • The Pauli Murray LGBTQ+ Bar Association, Member

    • NC Lawyers on Call (4ALL) 

    • NC Bar Association SOGI Name Change Clinic

    • Leadership Fuquay-Varina, Class of 2025

    • 2026 Wake County Bar Association Basketball League

    • North Carolina Bar Association Grab-a-Coffee Mentorship Program

What Sets Us Apart

Tailored Services

Our services are uniquely tailored to each client we serve based upon their individual needs and desired outcomes.

LGBTQIA+ Affirming

We recognize the importance of providing an openly affirming environment for our LGBTQIA+ clients.

Clarity, Not Confusion

We provide our clients with honest, clear advice, along with a plain-language overview of North Carolina family law.

Get In Touch

We know that finding the right attorney to represent you is a choice not to be taken lightly. That’s why we offer $350.00 consultations to walk you through your needs, the scope of your goals, and your budget.

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