Fred M. Morelock

I initially had a consultation with Fred about two years prior to filing for divorce. I remember being very impressed with his thoroughness and professionalism. I left the office that day with a sense of peace, knowing I had a trusted legal advisor to call upon if/when necessary. Eventually I did connect with Fred again and this time proceeded to file for divorce. My ex and I had pretty much agreed to custody arrangements for our child, but the financial side of our separation required clarity. Fred ensured an equitable separation of assets took place and that I had adequate child support as I embarked upon single parenthood. I have had a couple of occasions to contact Fred after the separation and he has been happy to offer legal guidance as needed. Again, just a peaceful feeling knowing he's just a phone call away should any future issues arise.

Fred handled my divorce case at the recommendation of my first attorney. I could not have been happier with the recommendation. Long story short - we tried a collaborative divorce approach at first and could not come to a compromise. Fred and his team took my case and within a short period of time we had gone through mediation and come to an agreement. There's nothing easy about divorce. But the process is EASIER when you have an attorney who is compassionate, has principles, actually cares about your kids' and ex-spouse's well-being and is non-judgmental. Fred knows the law. He knows what happens in court and how family law judges think. He has a wealth of experience. He kept us out of the courtroom and I will ALWAYS be thankful for that. I consider him a good friend. I would highly recommend Fred Morelock to anyone.

When you finally make the decision to divorce, you surely need the guidance of an experienced professional. Fred was one of several family law attorneys recommended by my business attorney. I was impressed with Fred’s legal & financial understanding and consistent, steady hand on the rudder. Wish I had made as good a decision 35 years previous. Over this long, complex process Fred explained each step, considered my position and took care to manage my budget. You don’t get just Fred, you get Team Morelock – each member efficiently working their portion. If you have to walk this trail, Fred Morelock, Esquire is the one you want at your side.

I highly recommend Fred Morelock of the law firm Tharrington Smith, LLP without reservation to anyone in need of a family law attorney. I became Fred’s client ten years ago at the very beginning of a separation and divorce when my children were very young. Unfortunately, the issue of a child custody schedule became difficult to resolve. There were many complicated events including my ex-spouse moving out of state, but through it all Fred stayed focused on the long-term goal of the children’s best interests. Fred provided legal advice in a professional, knowledgeable, ethical, caring, respectful, kind, and compassionate manner. Although Fred and I tried to avoid legal proceedings as much as possible, ultimately my ex-spouse filed for full custody, and a custody trial was unavoidable. At every step along the way, Fred demonstrated his expertise with family law, including the larger issues that must be considered as well as the numerous technical legal requirements of the process. At the end of the custody trial, I was awarded legal custody and decision making authority for both of my children, and my ex-spouse was ordered by the Judge to reimburse me for a large portion of the legal fees I incurred. Now, years later, my children are doing great, and they maintain a relationship with their other parent long distance through extended visits and video calls. Fred’s previous experience as a Wake County District Court Judge for 14 years provided him with a unique understanding and knowledge of the courtroom, including how a family law Judge makes custody decisions. It was clear to me that during his time as a Judge and an attorney in Wake County, he earned the respect and friendship of the people that work in the courthouse at all levels from clerks to bailiffs to fellow attorneys and judges. Fred’s representation of my case in the courtroom was masterful. He was a passionate legal advocate. He was able to communicate easily with everyone involved, and he was able to identify and stay focused on the most relevant issues of the case. Over the course of ten years as my attorney, it has been necessary that I communicate with Fred periodically when issues of child custody resurface. Fred has always been very quick to respond to my phone calls and e-mails. His legal assistants are excellent, and if he is unavailable, which happens very rarely, he enlists the support of his colleagues in the Family Law Section at Tharrington Smith, LLP, to provide a backup contact for him. The amount of time and money that are spent during a child custody dispute can be very high. However, Fred was very careful and efficient with the amount of time that he spent on my case. The legal fees that I paid were money well spent because they resulted in a successful outcome for me and my children. In my case, a solid Court Order by a Judge based upon strong legal representation for myself has proven to be extremely valuable. It has even saved me money in the long run by providing me with successful, happy, and healthy children living in a safe and stable home. In conclusion, I highly recommend Fred Morelock without reservation to anyone in need of a family law attorney. He will work with you to determine your goals, he will provide realistic and practical advice on potential outcomes, he will be a strong ally on behalf of your goals, and he will work hard to make sure that your goals are accomplished.

Having Fred as my attorney felt like having a team of attorneys. Fred has the wisdom of an experienced attorney, the knowledge of a district court judge, and the likeability of the guy next door. Fred never encouraged me to be more aggressive than I wanted, but he always made sure I had all the facts before making any decisions. I was always reassured that I had the information I needed and a lawyer that could protect my interests anytime things went from bad to worse. As I said, he was my ace in the hole! I have since recommended Fred to many people. All have been just as pleased.

I cannot recommend Fred Morelock highly enough. Fred was recommended to me through a variety of sources, both personal and professional--a former colleague, a friend, a neighbor. I learned that he is well-regarded throughout the community in many capacities--as a former District Court Judge, an attorney, a mediator, a friend, a neighbor. He and his staff have represented me through a long, arduous and stressful separation/divorce process. They have always been kind, empathetic, and efficient while helping me to prepare for and make decisions regarding equitable distribution, court appearances and mediation--clearly and patiently answering my questions and explaining my options, and guiding me towards the most practical and effective course of action. In the end, they have helped me negotiate the best possible resolution--all the while maintaining impeccable ethics and professionalism. I have recommended Fred many times, and will continue to recommended him without reservation in the future.

Fred's integrity and command of the law was evident during our very first meeting. He provided me with legal clarity and leadership that allowed me to feel more at peace in a time of personal turmoil. I knew I was in good hands, so I slept better at night. Fred led me gently and professionally through to the other side of the separation/divorce tunnel, so that I could get my life back again! I will always be thankful to him for this, and I would certainly recommend his legal expertise and compassionate guidance to anyone facing the end of a marriage.

Fred has always been an advocate for me and a straight shooter. He told me risks and worst case senarios so that i could make an informed decision. It was not what I wanted to hear however I never had any surprises and knew what to expect. His expertise and knowledge was worth every penny and he has been exponentially important to me since my divorce . If I have an issue he is responsive and gives me direction of where to go and is always supportive. I could not ask for anything better.

During what is a difficult time in a person's life, it is comforting to know that an attorney such as Fred is there to help advise and navigate any and all questions and obstacles that may stand in the way of moving on with one's life. I have recommended Fred to several friends going through separation and divorce.

I can't say enough wonderful things about Fred. Not only does he know every twist and turn of the law, he also knows how to treat his clients. From beginning to end, I had complete confidence in Fred and felt a HUGE sense of comfort knowing he had my back. He is a gifted attorney and a true gentleman. And, yes, he was definitely my knight in shining armor!