"My clients aren't legal cases; they are real people going through tough problems. I'm their advisor, their advocate and their path to a better life."
Family law is my passion and it’s all I’ve practiced for over 20 years. I enjoy taking the time to really get to know my clients and learn their story. This gives me the chance to dig deep to discover their ultimate goals and work with them to develop a winning strategy. That means sitting face to face with them, if possible, and sharing the pros and the cons of their case. Family law cases are often times filled with bitter emotions and resentment and I won’t sugar coat it. I’m upfront and honest about the likely outcome. Every case has it’s good and bad, and my job is to put your facts and circumstances in the best light to get you the best outcome.
As the proud mom of a teenager, I am keenly aware of the deep bond that exists between a parent and child. I know how important it is to protect that relationship, especially during stressful times like divorce or separation. That’s why I’m such a strong advocate for children and families.
I have extensive experience helping North Carolina families struggling with issues like:
· How to be the best parent you can be when going through a separation or divorce.
· Helping develop a plan to get out of an abusive relationship.
· Determining if you should receive or pay child or spousal support.
· What’s the best division of the marital property for you and your long term goals?
I understand the emotional upheaval and stress experienced by families facing separation and divorce. Using expert knowledge of North Carolina family law and 17 years of practice in the field, I am dedicated to providing steadfast support and guidance to each and every client.
I have a wide range of experience in a range of different legal proceedings, including mediations, arbitrations, litigation, and appeals, and she is the person you want by your side when you’re facing divorce, separation, child custody, property division, domestic violence, or any other family law issue.
With a master’s degree in social work, I’ve helped families by providing therapeutic services to children and families in need. Following my passion for helping victims of domestic abuse and the casualties of broken marriages, I choose to go into family law. I attended North Carolina Central University School of Law, graduating with honors in 2000.
I’m a native of Cary, North Carolina, a member of the North Carolina State Bar, the North Carolina Bar Association, and the Family Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association. While in law school, she was a member of the Trial Advocacy Team, Moot Court, and Senior Editor of the Law Journal. In addition to practicing law,
I believe in giving back to the community. I’m an active supporter of the North Carolina Theatre, North Carolina Museum of Art, Prevent Child Abuse, SAFEChild, American Heart Association, InterAct of Wake County and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) of Wake County.
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Chat withState: North Carolina
Acquired: 2000
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150 Fayetteville St., Suite 500, Raleigh, NC, 27601
5 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Divorce & Separation
Posted by anonymous | February 20, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
The best at what they do!
Elizabeth and her team were amazing to work with. They made an extremely difficult and stressful time as easy as possible and walked me through every step of the process and had my best interest at heart 100%of the time. Couldn't ask for a better team in my corner through my divorce. Thank you again...
Posted by Clark | August 27, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Great Lawyer
Elizabeth has served as my attorney for over 5 years. After my divorce became acrimonious she stepped into a very complicated situation and immediately brought clarity and a rational perspective into the case. She has worked tirelessly on my case over the years from filing and defending emergency p...
Posted by Craig | August 27, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
The Perfect Blend of Professionalism, Effectiveness and Compassion
Divorce is never an easy thing to go through. No one goes in to a marriage preparing for a divorce. So, needless to say, it's a confusing time. Elizabeth was nothing short of the perfect blend of professionalism, effectiveness, and compassion. She was an ear when I needed one. She was very professi...
Posted by Rod | August 26, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
In a class of her own.
Elizabeth guided me through a very difficult separation and, ultimately, divorce. Though it hasn't been easy, she has been there with me through the good times and the bad and worked tirelessly to make sure I was protected in every way. Elizabeth was initially a friendly referral who immediately too...
"I endorse this lawyer. Elizabeth is a wonderful attorney to work with. She keeps her client's best interest at heart always."
"I am impressed with Ms. Stephenson's thoughtful legal guides 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 endorse this lawyer. I have known Elizabeth for some time. Great attorney who really cares about her clients and gets results."
"I endorse this lawyer as a top litigator, well respected her field, aggressive and well-prepared in the courtroom, and who cares about clients and their families. it is a pleasure to work with Elizabeth."
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2020
Top 3 Divorce Lawyers in Raleigh, NC, ThreeBest Rated
2018
Best Business 2018, ThreeBest Rated
2017
Legal Elite, NC Business Magazine
2016
10 Best Law Firms in Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2016
10 Best Attorney in Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2016
Emerging Women NC of 2016, Emerging Women NC
2016
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
10 Best Attorney in Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2009
Centennial Legacy Leader, East Carolina University
2004
Outstanding Alumna, East Carolina University School of Social Work
2000
Trial Advocacy Board, NCCU School of Law
2000
Editor - Law Journal, NCCU School of Law
1997
Cum Laude, North Carolina State University
2016 - Present
Owner/Attorney, New Direction Family Law
2014 - Present
Founding Partner, Triangle Divorce Lawyers, P.L.L.C.
2002 - 2014
Owner, Elizabeth A. Stephenson Family Law
2000 - 2004
Partner, Atkins and Stephenson
2002 - Present
10th Judicial District Bar Association
2000 - Present
North Carolina State Bar
2000 - Present
North Carolina Bar Association
1998 - Present
Wake Count Bar Association
The children were ordered to be returned to my client father in the U.S. After multiple hearings, father was awarded joint legal and physical custody of the minor children.
Father received sole legal and physical custody of the two minor children
2000
J.D.
1992
MSW
1987
BSW
2017
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English
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What Do All Those Legal Terms Mean? Important Family Law Definitions
01 Oct 2015
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