$ 360-360 per hour
D. Melissa Averett
also known as Melissa Averett, Dana Melissa Averett
About D.
Biography
I love practicing law. Guiding people through the upheaval of a custody battle, the end of a marriage or the aftermath following the death of a loved one is a honor and a position of trust that I take seriously. I enjoy finding creative ways to solve problems, efficiently handling disputes as cost effectively as possible and fiercely protecting my client's rights. Let me help you get through this, we can do it together.
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Alimony
18%
27 years
Child Custody
18%
27 years
Child Support
18%
27 years
Divorce and Separation
18%
27 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in North Carolina for 27 years
State: North Carolina
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Location
Averett Family Law 919-903-9442
101 Conner Drive, Suite 402, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514
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D. Melissa Averett's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 11 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | March 23, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Clear, concise, and authoritative
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,...
Posted by anonymous | October 24, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Very Bad Experience
Very disappointed, in my opinion Melissa completely abandoned me and misguided me down the wrong path. The estimated cost was incredibly far off and don't believe I received any notice outside regular billing. I thought she made what seemed like a simple situation into a ridiculous hassle.
Posted by anonymous | April 7, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hands down the absolute BEST!!!!!
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 r...
Posted by Chris Johnson | March 21, 2016 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Website Questions Answered
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.
Posted by Nealy | February 17, 2016 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Awesome!!
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. ...
D. Melissa Averett's Lawyer Endorsements
"Melissa has been a staple in the Chapel Hill community for many years. Known for her passionate work, particularly in the area of domestic violence. Have sent clients her way with confidence."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"I absolutely endorse this attorney. Melissa is passionate and knowledgeable in this area. I always call her with questions I have because I know she has seen it all and monitors the case law in this area."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
Stephanie Gibbs
Family lawyer
Barbara Szombatfalvy
Family lawyer
Brian Johnston
Family lawyer
Andrea Rosser-Pate
Child custody lawyer
Lusan Llabona
Child custody lawyer
Afi Johnson-Parris
Family lawyer
Rebecca Watts
Appeals lawyer
Shelley Brown
Divorce and separation lawyer
Lisa Wagner
Family lawyer
John Miskey
Family lawyer
Robert Craig
Family lawyer
Experience
Honors
2024
Who's Who Top Lawyers, Who's Who Top Professionals
2023
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2020
Lawyer of Distinction in Family and Divorce law, Lawyers of Distinction
2019
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2019
Lawyer of Distinction in Family and Divorce Law, Lawyers of Distinction
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
Work Experience
2000 - 2008
Founder and Executive Director, Domestic Violence Civil Legal Services, Inc.
Associations
2017 - Present
NC State Family Law CoucilContinuing Education Committee Member
2017 - Present
NC State Bar Family Law CouncilExecutive Committee Member
2017 - Present
Chatham County, Domestic Services CommitteeChairperson
2016 - Present
Domestic Violence Committee for NC state Bar Family Law CouncilChairperson
2015 - Present
National Crime Victim Bar AssociationMember
2014 - Present
NC Judicial District 15BCommittee Chair on Spousal Support Guidelines
2014 - Present
NC State Bar Committee on Equitable DistributionMember
2009 - Present
NC State Commitee on Domestic ViolenceFamily Law Council Member
2007 - Present
Chatham County Family Visitation CenterAdvisory Commitee
2000 - Present
N.C. Coalition Against Domestic ViolenceMember
Judicial District 15B Bar
Member
2017 - 2017
World Congress on Family Law and Childrens RightsDelegate
2004 - 2012
NC State Bar Committe on Legislation Affecting ChildrenMember
2001 - 2003
National Assoc. of Social WorkersOversight Committee
2000 - 2003
Victims with Disabilities Task ForceMember
2000 - 2000
Family Violence Prevention Center of Orange CountyFunding Committee
1999 - 2000
Orange County Womens Center Legal Info. Service
1997 - 2004
Orange County D.V. Task Force, and Legal Serivces CommitteeMember
1994 - 1998
Orange County Sheriff's Department D.V. CoordinatorCourt Advocate
1992 - 1997
Orange/ Durham Coalition for Battered WomenCrisis Line D.V. Advocate
Sample of Legal Cases
Comstock v. Comstock
DVPO renewal upheld on appeal
Education
1998
North Carolina Central University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
Speaking Engagements
2019
Durham Family Law Attorneys, Durham, NC
Tort Claims in Family Law Cases
2019
Australian and Maltese Family law Conference, Sliema, Malta
Trauma Informed Legal Representation
2018
Regulating Commercial Surrogacy, Australian Family Law Conference, Hoi An, Vietnam
Every Sperm is Sacred
2018
NC Family Law Annual Meeting, Charleston, SC
Tort Claims in Family Law Cases
2017
Lunch and Learn for Legal Aid, Raleigh, NC
DV Orders for Minors
2016
Law to the People CLE, Raleigh, NC
Drafting Effective Court Orders
2015
Law to the People CLE
Obtaining Civil Domestic Vioence Protection Orders in North Carolina, with Professor Deria Hayes
2015
Family Violence & rape Crisis Services of Chatham County Advocate Training
Chapter 50B and 50C
2015
Advocate training
Chapter 50B and 50C
2014
Law to the People CLE
Child Custody and Domestic Violence
2014
Law Symposium
Representing Clients Seeking DVPO’s and No Contact orders,
2011
Paralegal CLE
Domestic Violence Primer
2011
CLE
Child Support- When can you deviate from the Guidelines
Publications
2015
Law to the People CLE manuscript
Obtaining Civil Domestic Violence Protection Orders in North Carolina
2014
NC State Bar CLE manuscript
Child Custody and Domestic Violence
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Does North Carolina let you divorce faster in domestic violence cases?
14 Oct 2024
Q&A
Can I sue (IIED)Intentional infliction of emotional distress (Punitive Damages)?
09 Jul 2024
Q&A
What happens when the Custodial parent passes away while in child support debt?
07 Jun 2024