Fred M. Morelock

Fred M. Morelock

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 49 years

Mediation Lawyer at Raleigh, NC
Practice Areas: Mediation, Divorce & Separation, Arbitration

150 Fayetteville Street, Suite 1800, Raleigh, NC

About Fred

Biography

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in North Carolina for 49 years

State: North Carolina

Acquired: 1976

Pending Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Tharrington Smith, LLP

150 Fayetteville Street, Suite 1800, Raleigh, NC, 27601

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Fred M. Morelock's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

14 Client Reviews

5 star (14)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Barbara | September 16, 2015 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Outstanding attorney!

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.

Posted by Daniel | September 11, 2015 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Support when I needed it the most

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 tim...e 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.

Posted by Zane | September 8, 2015 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Valued Counselor.

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 h...ad 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.

Posted by Cathy | September 4, 2015 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Navigating the storm of a Child Custody Dispute

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 custod...y 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.

Posted by KB | August 31, 2015 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

An Ace in the Hole

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 f...acts 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.

See All Client Reviews

Fred M. Morelock's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Fred
Charles N. Griffin III headshot
Charles Griffin

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Fred has helped several of my clients through difficult domestic matters. He is an excellent lawyer and my clients were glad they went to him."

Robert Samuel Gilligan headshot
Robert Gilligan

Family lawyer | Dec 16

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | May 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Fred. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Douglas E. Portnoy headshot
Douglas Portnoy

Family lawyer | Dec 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Fred Morelock is a person of exemplary character and expertise. He has experience in many areas of the law and as a former judge he is able to impart his vast knowledge to the benefit of his clients."

Kathryn V. Bumgardner headshot
Kathryn Bumgardner

Family lawyer | Mar 08

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Fred for many years in his capacity as a family court judge, mediator and fellow lawyer. He knows the law well and is extremely dedicated to his work."

View All Endorsements
Charles N. Griffin III headshot
Charles Griffin

Unknown lawyer

Allen R. Tew headshot
Allen Tew

Family lawyer

Angela Louise Haas headshot
Angela Haas

Divorce and separation lawyer

Douglas E. Kingsbery headshot
Douglas Kingsbery

White collar crime lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2020

Best Lawyers, Family Law Section, Best Lawyers in America

2020

Best Lawyer, Family Mediation Section, Best Lawyers in America

2019

Best Lawyer, Family Mediation Section, Best Lawyers in America

2018

Best Lawyer, Family Mediation Section, Best Lawyers in America

2018

Super Lawyers, North Carolina Super Lawyers

2018

Best Law Firms, U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers®

2018

Best Lawyers, Family Law Section, Best Lawyers in America

2017

Best Lawyer, Family Mediation Section, Best Lawyers in America

2017

Best Lawyers, Family Law Section, Best Lawyers in America

2017

Super Lawyers, North Carolina Super Lawyers

2017

Best Law Firms, U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers®

2016

Best Lawyer, Family Mediation Section, Best Lawyers in America

2016

Best Lawyer, Family Mediation Section, Best Lawyers in America

2016

Best Lawyers, Family Law Section, Best Lawyers in America

2016

Super Lawyers, North Carolina Super Lawyers

2016

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

Best Law Firms, U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers®

2015

Best Lawyer, Family Mediation Section, Best Lawyers in America

2015

Best Law Firms, U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers®

2015

Super Lawyers, North Carolina Super Lawyers

2015

Best Lawyers, Family Law Section, Best Lawyers in America

2014

Best Law Firms, U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers®

2014

Super Lawyers, North Carolina Super Lawyers

2014

Best Lawyer, Family Mediation Section, Best Lawyers in America

2014

Best Lawyers, Family Law Section, Best Lawyers in America

2013

Best Law Firms, U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers®

2013

Best Lawyers, Family Law Section, Best Lawyers in America

2013

Super Lawyer, North Carolina Super Lawyers

2012

Best Law Firms, U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers®

2012

Best Lawyers, Family Law Section, Best Lawyers in America

2012

Super Lawyer, North Carolina Super Lawyers

2011

Super Lawyers, North Carolina Super Lawyers

2011

Best Lawyers, Family Law Section, Best Lawyers in America

2011

Best Law Firms, U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers®

2010

Super Lawyer, North Carolina Super Lawyers

2010

Best Lawyers, Family Law Section, Best Lawyers in America

2010

Best Law Firms, U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers®

2010

Appreciation Award, 10th judicial district bar

2009

Super Lawyers, North Carolina Super Lawyers

2009

Best Lawyers, Family Law Section, Best Lawyers in America

2009

Legal Elite, Business North Carolina

2009

Presidents Award of Excellence, Wake County Bar Association

2008

Super Lawyers, North Carolina Super Lawyers

2008

Best Lawyers, Family Law Section, Best Lawyers in America

2007

Best Lawyers, Family Law Section, Best Lawyers in America

2006

Super Lawyers, North Carolina Super Lawyers

2006

Best Lawyers, Family Law Section, Best Lawyers in America

Work Experience

2001 - Present

Partner, Tharrington Smith, LLP

2010 - 2013

Independent Counsel, NC Medical Board

1986 - 2000

District Court Judge, North Carolina District Court, 10th Judicial District

1976 - 1986

Trial Attorney, Criminal & Family Law

Associations

2014 - Present

Disciplinary Hearing Commission

Vice Chair

1976 - Present

North Carolina State Bar

Member

North Carolina State Courts

Member

United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina

Member

United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina

Member

North Carolina Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

North Carolina Bar Association, Dispute Resolution Section

Member

2005 - 2006

Wake County Bar Association

Former Board of Directors

Education

1976

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

JD - Juris Doctor

1974

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2008

Family Law Intensive Seminar

Recapture of Alimony

2005

Perils and Pitfalls in ADR

Arbitration and Post Hearing Matters

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution