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
- Family: 17%
42 years, 5,000 cases
- Divorce and separation: 15%
42 years, 3,000 cases
- Alimony: 10%
42 years, 1,500 cases
- Child custody: 10%
42 years, 2,500 cases
- Child support: 10%
42 years, 3,500 cases
- Adoption: 5%
42 years, 500 cases
- Car accident: 5%
42 years, 5,000 cases
- Domestic violence: 5%
42 years, 500 cases
- Mediation: 4%
42 years, 200 cases
- Personal injury: 4%
42 years, 5,000 cases
- Estate planning: 3%
42 years, 400 cases
- Trucking accident: 3%
42 years, 10 cases
- Uncontested divorce: 3%
42 years, 3,000 cases
- Wrongful death: 2%
42 years, 15 cases
- Marriage and prenuptials: 1%
42 years, 100 cases
- Motorcycle accident: 1%
42 years, 15 cases
- Power of attorney: 1%
42 years, 150 cases
- Wills and living wills: 1%
42 years, 500 cases
Languages spoken
English
Photos and videos
Contact
Lloyd T. Kelso, Attorney at Law
128 East Garrison Boulevard, Suite A
P.O. Box 2065
Gastonia, NC, 28053
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| TN | Active | 1994 | 10/28/2019 |
| NC | Active | 1977 | 12/07/2019 |
| SC | Good Standing | 1976 | 12/08/2019 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| Distinguished | Martindale-Hubbell | 2017 |
| Client Champion | Martindale-Hubbell | 2017 |
| Twenty-Five Year Pin for 25 years as a Family Law Specialist | North Carolina State Bar | 2014 |
| Phi Alphi Chi | Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary | 2006 |
| Psi Chi | Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary | 2005 |
| Recognized as an "Advocate" | Association of Trial Lawyers of America | 2000 |
|---|---|---|
| American Jurisprudence Award - Constitutional Law | University of South Carolina Law School | 1974 |
| Library Award | Erskine College | 1973 |
| Omicron Delta Kappa | Erskine College | 1972 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Owner | Lloyd T. Kelso, Attorney at Law | 1997 - Present |
| Partner | Ervin, Gates & Kelso | 1995 - 1997 |
| Senior Partner | Kelso, Ferguson & McGraw | 1994 - 1995 |
| Senior Partner | Kelso & Ferguson, Attorneys at Law | 1983 - 1994 |
| Owner | Lloyd T. Kelso, P.A. | 1978 - 1983 |
| Associate | Charles D. Gray, III, P.A. | 1976 - 1978 |
|---|
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Christian Family Law Association | Founder | 2009 - Present |
| Christian Trial Lawyers Association | Member | 2008 - Present |
| Christian Legal Society | Member | 2006 - Present |
| North Carolina Bar Association | Member | 1977 - Present |
| Gaston County Bar Association | Member | 1977 - Present |
| Gastonia Mayor's Task Force on Homelessness | Chairman | 2000 - 2002 |
|---|---|---|
| River Hills Community Church | Foundation Trustee & Staff Relations Committee | 2000 - 2003 |
| Gaston County Bar Association | President | 1992 - 1993 |
| Belmont Abbey College | Teacher of Business Law | 1987 - 1988 |
| Christ United Methodist Church | President of Methodist Men | 1986 - 1987 |
| Association of Trial Lawyers of America | Member | 1978 - 2003 |
| North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers | Member | 1978 - 2003 |
| Gastonia Jaycees | Vice President | 1978 - 1979 |
| Hamilton College | Teacher of Business Law | 1977 - 1978 |
| Gastonia Jaycees | Director | 1977 - 1981 |
| Biscayne Southern College | Teacher of Business Law and Insurance Law | 1976 - 1977 |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Kelso, North Carolina Family Law Statutes | Statutes, Leading Cases, and Commentary | 2009 |
| Kelso, North Carolina Family Law Statutes | Statutes, Leading Cases, and Commentary | 2008 |
| North Carolina Family Law Practice (2 Volumes) | Divorce, Alimony, Child Custody, Forms | 2008 |
| Kelso, North Carolina Family Law Statutes | Statutes, Leading Cases, and Commentary | 2007 |
| Kelso, North Carolina Divorce, Alimony & Child Custody with Forms (4th Ed.) | North Carolina Divorce, Alimony & Child Custody with Forms | 2001 |
| Kelso, North Carolina Divorce, Alimony & Child Custody with Forms (3rd Ed.) | North Carolina Divorce, Alimony & Child Custody with Forms | 1995 |
|---|---|---|
| Kelso, North Carolina Divorce, Alimony & Child Custody with Forms (2nd Ed.) | North Carolina Divorce, Alimony & Child Custody with Forms | 1989 |
| Kelso, North Carolina Divorce, Alimony & Child Custody with Forms | North Carolina Divorce, Alimony & Child Custody with Forms | 1983 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary | MA - Masters | 2006 |
| Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary | MA - Masters | 2006 |
| University of South Carolina School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1975 |
| Erskine College | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1973 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Christian Family Law Association Conference | Choices Have Consequences | 2017 |
| Christian Legal Society Student Chapter | Practicing Law as a Ministry | 2010 |
| Christian Legal Society Luncheon | Voice of Truth | 2009 |
| "How To Hammer Allstate" | Ten Successful Tips on Trying the Connective Tissue Case | 1999 |
| "How To Combat Insurance Abuse" | Trial Issues: Preparing Successful Motions in Limine, Effective Voir Dire, Dealing with Irrelevant Defenses, Opening Statement, Closing Argument Tactics | 1998 |
| 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 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| $75,000 Settlement | Settled $75,000 |
| Guess vs. Parrott | $525,000 Personal Injury Settlement |
Lloyd Kelso - Great Experience!
Posted by Danielle
Fri Jul 19 2019
Lloyd Kelso Rocks!
Posted by anonymous
Sat Oct 21 2017
Attorney endorsements
(15)Andrew Dickens, Foreclosure Attorney on May 13, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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, Consumer protection Attorney on Nov 9, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
John O'Brien, Personal injury 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, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 31, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Stephen Cohen, Family Attorney on Jan 15, 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, Real estate 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, Military law Attorney on Oct 16, 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, Child custody 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, Child custody 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 11, 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, Personal injury 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, Mediation 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, Tax Attorney on Aug 16, 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
- Hourly Rates$300-$300/hour
- 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%
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