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Lloyd T. Kelso

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Avvo Rating10
  • Gastonia, NC
  • Licensed for 44 years
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About Lloyd

Skills and Specialty:

 

1989 - present: Certified by the North Carolina State Bar as a Specialist in North Carolina Family Law;

2001: Certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate;

1999: Completed course in Motor Vehicle Collision Reconstruction, Texas Engineering Extension Service, Texas A & M University.

 

Additional background:

 

I was born in Gastonia, North Carolina in 1950 to Herbert Reece Kelso (1928-2008), and Becky Hope Kelso. I was their only child. As a child, I spent a lot of time driving midget race cars and working in my dad's garage, particularly on Volkswagens. In fact, while in high school, my dad and I built a Volkswagen that we took from a junk yard. It had red metal flake paint and a sun roof. It was my pride and joy and got me back and forth to college. While in high school, I played football for four years and was selected for North Carolina Boys State. My parents encouraged me to go to college, so in 1969 I entered Erskine College in Due West, South Carolina. After obtaining a degree in history, I attended the University of South Carolina School of Law and obtained a law degree in 1975. I returned to Gastonia, North Carolina to practice law. In the early part of my career, I practiced real estate law, helping couples to purchase homes. In 1978, I opened my own office and became more of a courtroom attorney. I tried civil cases and criminal cases. In all, I have tried more than 100 jury trials in my career. Although I had always attended church, in 2000 I became involved in a Disciple Bible Study Class at River Hills Community Church. During my second year in the Bible study, I answered God's call to enter seminary in 2003. At first, I felt I would become a pastor, but later, it became apparent to me that God had another plan for me. So, after graduating from seminary in 2006 with masters degrees in divinity and Christian counseling, I returned to the practice of law. I joined the Christian Legal Society, and since returning to law practice, I have tried to conduct my practice as a ministry to the people that we serve. In June 2009, I founded the Christian Family Law Association, Inc., a nonprofit organization of attorneys and legal service providers who make the decision to view their family law practices as a ministry. See, www.christianfamilylawassociation.org. Our goal is to equip family law attorneys to view their family law practices as a ministry.

Practice areas

OtherChild custodyAlimonyDivorce and separationFamily
  1. Family: 17%

    44 years, 5,000 cases

  2. Divorce and separation: 15%

    44 years, 3,000 cases

  3. Alimony: 10%

    44 years, 1,500 cases

  4. Child custody: 10%

    44 years, 2,500 cases

  1. Child support: 10%

    44 years, 3,500 cases

  2. Adoption: 5%

    44 years, 500 cases

  3. Car accident: 5%

    44 years, 5,000 cases

  4. Domestic violence: 5%

    44 years, 500 cases

  5. Mediation: 4%

    44 years, 200 cases

  6. Personal injury: 4%

    44 years, 5,000 cases

  7. Estate planning: 3%

    44 years, 400 cases

  8. Trucking accident: 3%

    44 years, 10 cases

  9. Uncontested divorce: 3%

    44 years, 3,000 cases

  10. Wrongful death: 2%

    44 years, 15 cases

  11. Marriage and prenuptials: 1%

    44 years, 100 cases

  12. Motorcycle accident: 1%

    44 years, 15 cases

  13. Power of attorney: 1%

    44 years, 150 cases

  14. Wills and living wills: 1%

    44 years, 500 cases

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

1738091 1254538163

Contact

128 East Garrison Boulevard, Suite A
address map

Lloyd T. Kelso, Attorney at Law

128 East Garrison Boulevard, Suite A
P.O. Box 2065
Gastonia, NC, 28053

Lloyd T. Kelso, Attorney at Law, Family Law Specialist

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
TNActive199412/15/2020
NCActive197712/17/2020
SCGood Standing197612/29/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers552
Legal guides7
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
DistinguishedMartindale-Hubbell2017
Client ChampionMartindale-Hubbell2017
Twenty-Five Year Pin for 25 years as a Family Law SpecialistNorth Carolina State Bar2014
Phi Alphi ChiGordon-Conwell Theological Seminary2006
Psi ChiGordon-Conwell Theological Seminary2005
Recognized as an "Advocate"Association of Trial Lawyers of America2000
American Jurisprudence Award - Constitutional LawUniversity of South Carolina Law School1974
Library AwardErskine College1973
Omicron Delta KappaErskine College1972
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
OwnerLloyd T. Kelso, Attorney at Law1997 - Present
PartnerErvin, Gates & Kelso1995 - 1997
Senior PartnerKelso, Ferguson & McGraw1994 - 1995
Senior PartnerKelso & Ferguson, Attorneys at Law1983 - 1994
OwnerLloyd T. Kelso, P.A.1978 - 1983
AssociateCharles D. Gray, III, P.A.1976 - 1978
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Christian Family Law AssociationFounder2009 - Present
Christian Trial Lawyers AssociationMember2008 - Present
Christian Legal SocietyMember2006 - Present
North Carolina Bar AssociationMember1977 - Present
Gaston County Bar AssociationMember1977 - Present
Gastonia Mayor's Task Force on HomelessnessChairman2000 - 2002
River Hills Community ChurchFoundation Trustee & Staff Relations Committee2000 - 2003
Gaston County Bar AssociationPresident1992 - 1993
Belmont Abbey CollegeTeacher of Business Law1987 - 1988
Christ United Methodist ChurchPresident of Methodist Men1986 - 1987
Association of Trial Lawyers of AmericaMember1978 - 2003
North Carolina Academy of Trial LawyersMember1978 - 2003
Gastonia JayceesVice President1978 - 1979
Hamilton CollegeTeacher of Business Law1977 - 1978
Gastonia JayceesDirector1977 - 1981
Biscayne Southern CollegeTeacher of Business Law and Insurance Law1976 - 1977
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Kelso, North Carolina Family Law StatutesStatutes, Leading Cases, and Commentary2009
Kelso, North Carolina Family Law StatutesStatutes, Leading Cases, and Commentary2008
North Carolina Family Law Practice (2 Volumes)Divorce, Alimony, Child Custody, Forms2008
Kelso, North Carolina Family Law StatutesStatutes, Leading Cases, and Commentary2007
Kelso, North Carolina Divorce, Alimony & Child Custody with Forms (4th Ed.)North Carolina Divorce, Alimony & Child Custody with Forms2001
Kelso, North Carolina Divorce, Alimony & Child Custody with Forms (3rd Ed.)North Carolina Divorce, Alimony & Child Custody with Forms1995
Kelso, North Carolina Divorce, Alimony & Child Custody with Forms (2nd Ed.)North Carolina Divorce, Alimony & Child Custody with Forms1989
Kelso, North Carolina Divorce, Alimony & Child Custody with FormsNorth Carolina Divorce, Alimony & Child Custody with Forms1983
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Gordon-Conwell Theological SeminaryMA - Masters2006
Gordon-Conwell Theological SeminaryMA - Masters2006
University of South Carolina School of LawJD - Juris Doctor1975
Erskine CollegeBA - Bachelor of Arts1973
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Christian Family Law Association ConferenceChoices Have Consequences2017
Christian Legal Society Student ChapterPracticing Law as a Ministry2010
Christian Legal Society LuncheonVoice of Truth2009
"How To Hammer Allstate"Ten Successful Tips on Trying the Connective Tissue Case1999
"How To Combat Insurance Abuse"Trial Issues: Preparing Successful Motions in Limine, Effective Voir Dire, Dealing with Irrelevant Defenses, Opening Statement, Closing Argument Tactics1998
Family Law Practice Manual"Invalid Marriages and Annulment"1991
Family Law Practice Manual"Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act"1991
Family Law Ethics"Handling the Emotionally Troubled and Difficult Client"1991
Family Support Litigation"Dealing with the Difficult Domestic Client"1990
Family Law Practice Manual"Invalid Marriages and Annulment"1989
Family Law Practice Manual"Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act"1989
Family Law Practice Manual"Child Support in North Carolina"1989
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
$75,000 SettlementSettled $75,000
Guess vs. Parrott$525,000 Personal Injury Settlement

Reviews

(24)
5 Star
75%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
4%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
21%
Review Lloyd Kelso

Experienced - Knowledgeable Superb Attorney

Posted by

Lloyd Kelso Family Law is a blessing for individuals seeking assistance and help with custody...divorce...wills...personal injury and etc. He has been in business more than 45 years and works hard for each and every client. His dedication to his career is evident. He wrote the book on family law for NC. His knowledge and constant dedication to the profession is evident through his many satisfied clients. His staff is knowledgeable and supportive, they do a fantastic job of keeping their clients informed. If you need a lawyer who not only knows the laws but has written them and applies them to ensure the best outcome for his clients then call Lloyd Kelso today...you will be happy you did. 704-865-8684.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Client

Posted by

I'd met Lloyd Kelso in Gastonia decades ago through music. I have now and have had up most respect for Mr Kelso personally and professionally. I live in Burke County NC. I have had ongoing adversity before and since my divorce in 2014 while experiencing life threatening health issues including Heart, Fearful of law enforcement and Severe depression to mention a few. Been hospitalized several times in Orangeburg SC Hospital and hospitals in NC due to continuous threats, fraudulent claims against me causing worsening health issues including losing 77 lbs in matter of months, home invasion while being held in jail by false charges while Burke County Deputies along with my ex and son (on drugs) broke into my home on April 13, 2015. Never underestimate a woman's scorn after nearly 4 decades of marriage. Maybe too much information however I was so sick during this horrible time in my life I now want all to know I'm honest and starting to have better physical and mental health. Absolutely no one would take my case I believe due to high profile law enforcement involved. Also, I put my ex through 4 yrs of nursing school. Afterwards she won award for excellent Nurse patient care including caring for and rubbing elbows with highly influential people in Burke County/surrounding Counties. People like myself, Doctor, family and true friends knew a different RN, another side of the Nurse some thought they knew. Prior to divorce she refused a drug test and promptly moved to Pegram Tennessee with man supposed to be life long friend however briefly coming back to Burke County to break into my home well planned. I have confidence that Lloyd Kelso will shed some light on the long hard battle for justice I deserve so that I might be able to save remainder of land that goes back centuries with my mom's family. My prayers are being answered, God is Blessing me and I look forward to closure from the darkness and into a loving relationship with my first love from 1973, my fiance Barbara. God has blessed me with one of the top 100 family law attorneys in NC. Answering my prayers. Blessed and Grateful, John
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Lloyd Kelso - Great Experience!

Posted by

After several consultations with various attorneys, Mr. Kelso was the first to make me feel heard. He walked me through every step of the process, maintained clear communication with me, and made a very difficult situation as easy as possible, without breaking the bank! I would choose him again and again.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Lloyd Kelso Rocks!

Posted by

Lloyd is an excellent attorney with over 30 years of experience in family law. During my case he went out of his way to reduce costs and aggressively pursued a just ruling. He was extremely proactive, professional, compassionate and did his research! His office also kept me well informed in a timely manner.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Brilliant"

Posted by

absolutely brilliant "about sums this lawyer up".. I I couldn't be more pleased with how everything turned out and how Lloyd Kelso took care of me, and my children ".. This man knows the law"... I'm so thankful to God for having this man fight for me ".. He he certainly can read between the lines"..

Excellent Divorce Attorney

Posted by

Lloyd Kelso proved to be an exceptional divorce lawyer. It is obvious that he has years of experience and is extremely knowledgeable. He was continually looking for ways to minimize the cost of representation for me without compromising quality.

Excellent Family Law Attorney

Posted by

At the time I hired Mr. Kelso, I had been working to bring resolution to my child custody and equitable distribution case for almost two years. Two prior attorneys worked on my case. I regarded neither of them as trustworthy or responsive. Mr. Kelso was a breath of fresh air. He listened to my story without judgment, and he empathized with me as a father who was trying to ensure that his right to have a quality relationship with his daughter was protected. Mr. Kelso was always responsive to my phone calls and he or his paralegal Debra was prompt in communicating changes in the disposition of my case. Mr. Kelso work diligently to provide me with the best results while minimizing legal expenses including travel as my case was in the Lincoln County court systems some 3 hours away from where I work and live. In the end, Mr. Kelso, using his extensive knowledge of family law and adept negotiating skills, was able to obtain a reasonable resolution to my case outside the court system. I am pleased with the outcome. I would highly recommend Mr. Kelso’s family law services.

Making sense of the wheelbarrow

Posted by

Most people when faced with obtaining legal counsel typically find themselves in unknown territory and are frightened, confused, and emotional. This was my case when I was served with papers by my ex husband in regards to alimony and child custody. I went to Mr. Kelso completely devasted by the turn of events and Mr. Kelso explained his job as one of not only legal counsel, but spiritual guidance as well. He said oftentimes his clients bring a wheelbarrow full of stuff and it is his job to try to make sense of it all and help his client make sense of it all as well. There are always two sides to every story and it always takes two to get to the point of hiring or needing an attorney, but where Mr. Kelso helped me the most was making me look inward at myself, realizing how things got to this point, and emphasizing the Christian aspect that we are all sinners saved alone by God's grace. Whatever your beliefs, this is extremely comforting when faced with the prospect of possibly losing one's children. I dealt with much evil, lying, and manipulation from those putting me through this legal ordeal, but Mr. Kelso from the beginning said we would stand on the truth and that we did. We did not go to trial and I feel like I got the best deal possible in mediation - most importantly that my children were not taken away. One of the most valuable, and yes time consuming, things Mr. Kelso had me do was write "my story". In it I wrote how I felt my marriage had been, what got me to the point of divorce, and the aftermath. Looking back at my marriage and putting it on paper had a healing affect for me - I was able to objectly look at my part in the demise of our marriage. Oftentimes you hear couples divoricng always blaming one for a specific reason and this just isn't the case...it does take two to get to that point. Mr. Kelso is extremely knowledgable in his field of family law and helped me tremdously - both legally and most importantly to me - spiritually. And...after all the legal drama is over, I believe most people would also want peace of mind and soul. Mr. Kelso helped me obtain that goal.

great Attorney

Posted by

Mr. Kelso handled my alienation of affection / criminal conversation lawsuit I filed against another person. He was very through and left no stone unturned. I plan on using him for my up coming divorce.

Family First

Posted by

Mr. Kelso is an excellent attorney that showed genuine concern for me, my family and my case. Mr. Kelso kept me informed throughout the entire proceedings and discussed all available options with me. I would recommend Mr. Kelso to anyone needing a competent and caring attorney.
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(15)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Andrew Dickens

I am impressed with Mr. Kelso's thoughtful advice and answers to legal questions on Avvo. He has an in-depth understanding of the law and an ability to communicate legal concepts clearly and effectively. I endorse this lawyer!

Hovanes Margarian

I endorse this lawyer.

John O'Brien, Adoption Attorney on May 14, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

A truly excellent attorney well respected in the legal community. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible.

Charles Alexander

I endorse this lawyer.

Stephen Cohen, Family Attorney on Jan 14, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I always enjoy reading his answer they are professional and accurate and that is why I have referred him clients and will continue to do so.

Lee Peindl, Family Attorney on Jan 14, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse Lloyd. His experience and approach make him an outstanding family lawyer.

Michael Waddington, Family Attorney on Oct 15, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Linda Ward, Family Attorney on May 21, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Lloyd Kelso is a solutions-oriented, compassionate advocate, who not only knows the law but provides his clients with real-world, constructive advice to help solve them resolve their disputes in a reasonable, dignified and cost-effective manner. He is very knowledgeable, and I routinely rely on his book on North Carolina Family Law in my own practice. It is a must have for any family law practitioner in this state. Lloyd realizes that each case isn't just a set of facts for the lawyer to digest and apply the law. He understands that there is a real family involved, who is suffering. He uses his vast experience, legal expertise, and Christian principles to help families, and it's my privilege to endorse him.

Robert Hartsoe, Family Attorney on May 20, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Lloyd is a rare combination of excellence, commitment to client and cause, and compassion. He sets the standard for family law practice in North Carolina and I highly recommend him.

Tonya Graser Smith, Family Attorney on Mar 6, 2012
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

Mr. Kelso and I worked on opposite sides of a high conflict custody case. I was impressed not only by Mr. Kelso's knowledge of the law, but his creative methods to address the unique situations presented in the case. Mr. Kelso is a caring attorney who helps his clients to also learn to cope with the emotional issues while crafting strong legal solutions.

Howard Lewis, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jul 10, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Kelso is an outstanding attorney with a wonderful reputation . He is a strong and zealous advocate for his clients and a credit to the legal profession. I highly endorse him.

James Fuller, Family Attorney on Mar 31, 2010
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I am a fellow lawyer who has worked as co-counsel with Lloyd Kelso in the past. He is fair, ethical, and knowledgeable in his practice.

George Beswick, Family Attorney on Mar 23, 2010
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Lloyd Kelso is an excellent family attorney. He has an extraordinary sense of fairness and a depth of knowledge that produced a textbook that ought to be on every NC Family Law practitioner's desk. I have had the pleasure of knowing Lloyd for more that 20 years and have called on him for assistance on a couple of occaisions. I highly recommend him!

Howard Gum, Family Attorney on Sep 14, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I have known Lloyd for many years. He is truly a dedicated professional and accomplished author on Family Law in North Carolina. I highly recommend him.

John Griffing, Divorce and separation Attorney on Aug 15, 2009
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer's work. He wrote the "book" on family law and I've referred family to him.

Cost

RATES
  • Hourly Rates$300-$300/hour
    RATES
    • Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.30%-35%
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card