Daphne D. Edwards

Daphne D. Edwards

also known as Wake County Divorce & Family Law Attorney

4.3
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 28 years

Family Lawyer at Raleigh, NC
Practice Areas: Family, Child Custody, Divorce & Separation ... +6 more

2301 Rexwoods Drive, Suite 118, Raleigh, NC

About Daphne

Biography

Practice Areas

9

Practice Areas

Family 20%

Custody, Alimony, Separation Agreements, Mediation, Child Support, Equitable Distribution (Division of Marital Assets and Debts), Post Separation Support, Divorce

20%
Divorce and Separation 15%

Custody, Alimony, Separation Agreements, Mediation, Child Support, Equitable Distribution (Division of Marital Assets and Debts), Post Separation Support, Divorce

15%
Appeals 10%

Family law appeals

24 years

10%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in North Carolina for 28 years

State: North Carolina

Acquired: 1997

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in District of Columbia

State: District of Columbia

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Daphne Edwards Divorce & Family Law, P.C.

2301 Rexwoods Drive, Suite 118, Raleigh, NC, 27607

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Daphne D. Edwards's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.3 /5.0

24 Client Reviews

5 star (20)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (4)

Posted by Jennie | August 28, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Unethical business practices, outrageous fees, zero support - ultimately had to hire a new attorney

I hired this firm in 2019 and may have just as well flushed $12,000.00 Communication was beyond terrible. Would call repeatedly and not get any response for days and days. Postponed my hearing date because nothing had been prepared 2 days before court, my concerns were ignored and I was being charg...ed for both Melanie and Daphne completing the same tasks and thousands of dollars for drafting a full order on a proposed settlement offer with terms I not only didn't agree to, settlement had never even been mentioned to me! At one point I received an email from Melanie "scolding" me with an attachment of the email she received from the mediator and opposing counsel stating that "your client never showed up for the scheduled appointment (and the other party drove 3 hours)" and I had to send back to her the email she had sent me weeks before telling me specifically that I had already completed my part and did not need to attend that meeting. Child custody hearings are stressful and terrifying situations even when you are in a favorable position. It's your CHILD and their wellbeing at stake! And I was being ignored, dismissed and felt not only completely unsupported and in the dark about what to expect in court, but a little bullied by my own attorneys. They were demanding another $5000 on top of the $11,500 I had already paid and we still did not even have any of the discovery documents from the other party yet... and I decided I could be unprepared and scared for free. I hired a different attorney 4 days before court and when she requested my file from Daphne's office, there was literally nothing in it to support my case except the few documents I submitted with discovery information. By the Grace of God, My new attorney was amazing. within 48 hours of meeting her she had reviewed the courts file and the details of my case, discussed her strategie with me , called and interviewed my witnesses, and provided me with a list of questions I needed to be prepared to answer and the organized documents for me to refer to. She was lazer sharp during litigation for two full days in court, and the judge ruled in our favor. ....all of that legitimate work and it cost me (slightly) less than what I had already paid Daphne. I'm sure there will be a snide response to this review, as there was to the others who seemed to have at least a similar experience to mine. My sincerest advice is do not take a chance with this firm. The stakes are too high when it comes to our kids.

Posted by Richard M. Balgowan | February 16, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Outstanding Family Law Firm

We have been working with Daphne, and her staff, for several months now. Daphne has been worrking on Grandparental us related to a nasty divorce my son is going through in NC. I could not have anticipated better communications and service from Daphne and her staff. Someone is always available to a...nswer my concerns and Daphne always keeps us current on the status of the case and her plans of action. In addition, if I have to leave a message with them, specifically for Daphne, I ALWAYS get a prompt call back. We could not have selected a better firm. We don't wish what my family is going through on anyone but it is great to know that we have Daphne's and her staff leading and guiding us. I highly recommend her and her staff.

Posted by Sarah | October 23, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Handling DVPO/Interstate Custody/UCCJEA

I strongly recommend Daphne and Melanie! I've had a very difficult case related to domestic violence, UCCJEA and interstate custody. Daphne was the top of all. Daphne and her team are extremely professional, motivated to really help people, attend each aspect of the case promptly, kind and courteous ...and most importantly really keep on focus of the needs of the client.

Posted by anonymous | September 20, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Highly satisfied Client!!

My wife and I made an informed decision earlier this year to go after primary custody of my children from a previous marriage. We researched and chose Daphne and her team based on reviews from multiple sources. Needless to say, the positive reviews have been on point! Unfortunately, our case was disr...upted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but Daphne and her team have stayed in continuous contact and made sure they captured our concerns. Before we made it to the initial hearing, one of my kids had a serious issue which warranted a emergency hearing for custody. Daphne not only responded immediately, but quickly gathered all need information and prepared the case. At this point, Daphne's poise, expertise, and tenacity came to bear in court as we encountered unexpected circumstances. Instead of the judge looking over the order and making a decision, we instead had an impromptu hearing. Daphne's ability to improvise, adapt, and overcome a difficult situation, which we had not fully prepared for, was on full display. She not only helped me stay calm and collected, but used testimony from multiple sources to develop a rock solid case for our side. At the end of the day, her efforts led to a temporary custody win. Not one to rest on an initial victory, Daphne immediately began developing strategy for the next hearing as soon as we walked outside the courtroom. I cannot say enough about Daphne's expertise and tenacity, and would not have had the same result with a lesser lawyer. My wife and I highly recommend Daphne to anyone looking for an outstanding family law attorney. She is highly effective, and very open and honest when discussing the case with you. We are extremely happy with our decision and would hire Daphne and her team again with no hesitation!

Posted by Amy | September 7, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Hardworking and caring Lawyer

Daphne and all of the members of her staff have treated me with upmost kindness and respect every time that I have visited their office. I have seen how much Daphne cares about her clients and would trust her with any of my legal issues.

See All Client Reviews

Daphne D. Edwards's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Daphne
Susan L. Goetcheus headshot
Susan Goetcheus

Family lawyer | Sep 15

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Daphne is a smart and dedicated attorney who is dedicated to advancing her client's interests efficiently and effectively. She knows how to get matters settled when that is possible but is also skilled in the courtroom if a trial is necessary."

Russell W. Dement III headshot
Russell Dement

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jul 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly recommend Daphne Edwards for any domestic case. I routinely refer clients to her and have heard nothing but glowing reviews from those referrals. Daphne's office is down the hall from my own so I I have the opportunity to see her passion and energy for her clients at work on a regular basis."

Melissa Hill headshot
Melissa Hill

Unknown lawyer | Jul 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Daphne Edwards is a first rate lawyer in all respects: passionate about her clients, smart and savvy, knowledgeable about the system and how everything works together. She works relentlessly and digs down deep to get the absolute best result in every case. She will not settle for less. Experienced, wise, caring, committed. I could not think more highly of a lawyer."

Mellonee Anne Kennedy headshot
Mellonee Kennedy

Family lawyer | Dec 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Daphne is a knowledgeable and dynamic family law attorney with a passion for the law. She is a savvy negotiator and a force to be reckoned with in the courtroom. Her experience as an appellate attorney gives her an edge over just about every other lawyer she faces. As a fellow family law attorney, I frequently consult with her on tough issues and she always responds with a reasoned and insightful resolution. She is committed to delivering the best representation possible and is driven to help those she serves. For all of these reasons as well as her integrity and work ethic, I highly recommend Daphne Edwards."

Paul B. Brock headshot
Paul Brock

Family lawyer | Jul 16

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer. Daphne is bright, hard-working and really cares about her clients. In family law, it is important to identify and understand the complexities of a client's total situation. Daphne has the breadth of both professional and life experience that enable her to help each of her clients accomplish his or her goals."

Alice C. Stubbs headshot
Alice Stubbs

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jun 26

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Daphne is smart and very committed to her clients. She is a great lawyer and I refer cases to her routinely. I highly recommend her for family law and divorce cases. Alice Stubbs"

View All Endorsements
Susan L. Goetcheus headshot
Susan Goetcheus

Family lawyer

Russell W. Dement III headshot
Russell Dement

Criminal defense lawyer

Melissa Hill headshot
Melissa Hill

Criminal defense lawyer

Heidi C. Bloom headshot
Heidi Bloom

Family lawyer

Paul B. Brock headshot
Paul Brock

Family lawyer

Alice C. Stubbs headshot
Alice Stubbs

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Selected to North Carolina Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyers, North Carolina Super Lawyers / Thompson Reuters

2020

Super Lawyer, North Carolina Super Lawyers / Thompson Reuters

2020

Legal Elite, Family Law Section, Business North Carolina Magazine

2019

Super Lawyer, North Carolina Super Lawyers / Thompson Reuters

2019

Legal Elite, Family Law Section, Business North Carolina Magazine

2018

North Carolina Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters

2018

Legal Elite, Family Law Section, Business North Carolina Magazine

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

AV Preeminent Peer Rated Lawyer, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

Legal Elite, Family Law Section, Business North Carolina Magazine

1997

Law Journal Editor, Law Review

1997

1997 Faculty Award for Academic Excellence, Faculty, Golden Gate Law School

1996

American Jurisprudence/Book Award: Family Law, Golden Gate Law School

1996

American Jurisprudence/Book Award: Solving Legal Problems, Golden Gate Law School

1995

Merit Tuition Scholarships, 1995-1996 and 1996-1997, Golden Gate Law School

1995

American Jurisprudence/Book Award: Criminal Procedure, Golden Gate Law School

Work Experience

2018 - Present

Divorce Lawyer, Daphne Edwards Divorce & Family Law

1900 - Present

Member, Daphne Edwards, Raleigh Divorce & Family Attorney

2016 - 2018

Of Counsel, Cheshire Parker Schneider & Bryan

2014 - 2016

Attorney, Daphne Edwards Family Law

2013 - 2014

Adjunct Professor, Campbell Law School

2011 - 2014

Assistant District Attorney; Assistant Attorney General, North Carolina Dept. of Justice; DA's Office

2003 - 2005

Adjunct Professor, Golden Gate University Schol Of Law

2002 - 2011

Staff Attorney; Judicial Law Clerk, Judge Proctor Hug, Jr., United States Court Of Appeals Ninth Circuit

1998 - 2002

Assistant Counsel, United States Senate Legislative Counsel's Office

1997 - 1998

Judicial Law Clerk, North Carolina Supreme Court, Justice Robert Orr

Associations

2015 - Present

North Carolina Advocates for Justice

Member

2014 - Present

American Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

2012 - Present

Wake County Bar Association, Social Committee

Member

2012 - Present

North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys

Member

1997 - Present

North Carolina Bar Association

Member

1997 - Present

North Carolina State Bar

Member

North Carolina Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

2017 - 2018

Wake County Bar Association, Social Committee

Chair

Sample of Legal Cases

Child Custody

We prevailed with my client, the father, getting the visitation he sought, with additional protections. for him in the future.

Alimony, Child Custody, Property Division

We prevailed with my client receiving a strong alimony payment for about 10 years, an equitable division of property, and joint custody of her teenage child.

Child Custody Case

We prevailed with my client receiving primary physical custody of her daughter and the court placing severe restrictions on the father regarding alcohol use requiring him to maintain two forms of alcohol monitoring during his visits.

State v. Lowe, COA 14-1360

See More Legal Cases

Education

1997

Golden Gate University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1991

University of Oregon

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2018

NBI Advanced Custody & Support Issues

Custody Relocation Cases & Interstate Custody Cases

2016

2016 Family Law Update

How to Obtain Electronic Discovery and Ensure It’s Admissible

2015

Legal Research and Writing for Paralegals

Legal Research and Writing

2014

Mass Appeal, 2014 Appellate Practice Section Annual CLE, Co-Planner & Moderator

Appellate Law

Publications

2014

Family Forum, Vol. 34, No. 5, June 2014 Case Summaries

2014

Family Forum, Vol. 35, No. 1, Oct. 2014 Case Summaries

2014

Family Forum, Vol. 34, No. 3, March 2014 Case Summaries

1996

Golden Gate University Law Review Acquaintance Rape & The Force Element

Languages

English

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