Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
4.3 /5.0
17 Client Reviews
$ 200-450 per hour
PRO
Sean F. McIlveen
Virtual Consultation Available
About Sean
Biography
Sean McIlveen is a Family Law Attorney in Charlotte, NC. Sean has been practicing family law for more than 20 years. Sean McIlveen represents clients in all types of family law cases including divorce, child custody, alimony, child support, equitable distribution, alienation of affection, and adoptions. He chose to go into divorce and family law because he has a passion for families. Sean McIlveen grew up in Gastonia, NC and has continued to practice locally. He currently takes custody, divorce, and family law cases in Charlotte, Gastonia, Concord, and the surrounding cities.
Sean McIlveen is a Co-Founder and Partner Attorney at the McIlveen Family Law Firm. Sean earned his undergraduate degree in sociology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In 1998, he earned his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Houston Law. Sean has devoted his practice exclusively to family law. He is also a certified family mediator. He has over a decade of experience in mediating family law cases for attorneys in the area.
Clients of Sean's will tell you that he is honest with them about their case. He tells it like it is. He has a reputation for fighting passionately for his clients. Whether you are looking for an attorney who is experienced in family law mediations or child custody trials, Sean is the family law attorney for you. If you ask Sean why he goes to court, he will tell you, "I only go to court for two reasons: 1) to win and 2) not to lose."
Sean is often asked to teach CLE's and he mentors Associate Attorneys at the McIlveen Family Law Firm. Sean welcomes speaking opportunities and enjoys teaching others.
Sean is married to Angela McIlveen, an attorney and his partner at the firm. They have 4 children ranging in ages from 14 to 26 years old. When he's not in court, he enjoys spending time with my children, woodworking, and traveling with Angela.
Save Yourself Painful Divorce Mistakes!
Protecting What Matters Most For More Than 20 Years.
20 Years of Divorce & Separation Experience.
Don't Wait to Get Served! Experienced Family Law Attorney.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Family
45%
27 years
Child Custody
30%
27 years
Divorce and Separation
25%
27 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2013
Licenses
Licensed in North Carolina for 27 years
State: North Carolina
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Sean online.
Sean F. McIlveen's Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (12)
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 12 reviews
Posted by DeLaynee | August 28, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Hire Him!!!!
A must read, honest review!!!! I found myself in a custody battle that was mishandled by a previous attorney at a different law firm. I consulted and hired Sean, almost immediately to take over the case. If you are looking for an attorney that is going to guide you in the right direction even i...
Posted by Darren | September 21, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Will fight for you, and fight to win.
Do not pursue any family law actions without Sean's representation. Sean represented me on a custody modification, and lived up to his reputation to fight for you and produce the results that you are looking for. I had full conidence throughout my custody modification, communication was outstanding...
Posted by Maynard | October 17, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Outstanding Representation
Initially called this firm for an attorney in a case where my ex was attempting to strongarm custody by filing false claims and DVPO. Sean stepped in and took control of my case, his aggressive approach and patience to understand and instruct me on the process, was hands down the best that I could ha...
Posted by anonymous | February 15, 2017 | Hired Attorney
custody and support
Sean handled my case with professionalism and diligence. He went above my expectations as did his paralegal and the rest of the office that I dealt with. They made me feel relaxed and welcome when ever I was in the office. Sean is very easy to communicate with and very knowledgeable with the laws.
Posted by Sandra and Tina | February 14, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Adoption
Thank you
Adoption is suppose to be a a wonderful thing. Ours started out that way and 7 days later our world collapsed when the bio mother changed her mind. Sean handled all this for us. Fourteen months later this same little boy was placed back into our lives by DSS!! It took a year and a half for us to re...
Sean F. McIlveen's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have had the pleasure of working with Sean while litigating an emotionally and financially difficult case in Cabarrus County. He proved to be practical, ethical, and an excellent advocate for his client. While no one wins in these cases, as attorneys, it sure makes our job easier when we can be zealous advocates for our clients while together coming up with solutions them. I would recommend Sean to those needing a family attorney in Gastonia."
"I am impressed with Mr. McIlveen'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!"
"Sean is a highly experienced attorney who is a zealous advocate for his clients. He is smart, compassionate, and aggressive in court when he needs to be. I would recommend Sean to anyone in need of a family law attorney."
"If you are looking for a smart, dedicated family law attorney, then look no further because Sean is your guy. Sean provides excellent representation for his clients and is highly respected in the community. He is at ease in the courtroom and knows how to successfully persuade the finder of fact that his argument is the winning argument. I strongly recommend Sean to anyone seeking a divorce attorney."
"Sean is a compassionate, experienced family law attorney. He values his clients and works diligently to protect their interests in every situation. I would recommend Sean to anyone in need of a family law attorney."
"Sean is a true expert in the field of family law and someone who I can always trust to provide excellent legal advice. His 15+ years experience are evident when he speaks with his clients. Sean is a strong advocate for those he represents and his knowledge and expertise make him a forceful presence in the courtroom. I endorse this attorney for his zealous representation skills which are backed up by a thorough understanding of the law."
"I have known Sean professionally for 14 years and continue to be impressed by his legal knowledge, work ethic and fearlessness. Sean has steadfastly proven to be a dedicated professional and tenacious advocate for his clients."
"Sean has worked in family law for 15 years and has written two educating books on child custody. Not only is Sean an excellent family law attorney he is also a certified family law mediator. He is dedicated to his clients and will always strive to do what is best for the client."
"Sean is a dedicated attorney who is willing to go the extra mile to make sure his clients are represented to the best of his ability, both inside and outside of the courtroom."
"Sean is my partner and husband. He is one of the best trial lawyers that I know. Sean is dedicated to his clients and very caring. If you want an attorney that genuinely cares about you, then Sean is the attorney for you."
Laura Baker
Criminal defense lawyer
David Simmons
Family lawyer
Chelsea Chapman
Family lawyer
Tara Harrawood
Family lawyer
Cassandra Strunk
Child custody lawyer
Tara Sain
Family lawyer
Anna Carpenter
Family lawyer
Theresa Viera
Family lawyer
Brent Ratchford
Criminal defense lawyer
Angela McIlveen
Child custody lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Top 100 Family Lawyers in North Carolina, American Society of Legal Advocates
2014
Top 100 Lawyers, American Society of Legal Advocates
2014
Preeminent 4.8 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
1993
Cum Laude Graduate, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Work Experience
2011 - Present
Partner, McIlveen Family Law Firm
1998 - 2011
Attorney, Langson Law Firm
Associations
2019 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2018 - Present
North Carolina Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember
2012 - Present
North Carolina Dispute Resolution CommissionCertified Family Financial Mediator
1998 - Present
North Carolina State BarAdmitted
1998 - Present
North Carolina Bar AssocationAttorney Member
1998 - Present
Gaston County Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2017 - 2018
Cabarrus County Bar AssociationMember
2016 - 2018
American Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2016 - 2017
North Carolina Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Herrin vs. Herrin
Opposing party's appeal was dismissed and trial court order was affirmed.
Ewing vs. Ewing
Successfully dismissed as interlocutory
Education
1998
University of Houston
JD - Juris Doctor
1993
University of North Carolina, Charlotte
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2012
2012 5th Annual CLA/NCCP Review Course
Family Law
Publications
2013
Word Association
A Mother's Guide to Custody
2013
Word Association
A Father's Guide to Custody
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Top Contributor
Sean earned significant contribution points in 2013.
Legal Answers
Q&A
How can a biological father give up parental rights in north Carolina ?
21 Feb 2013
Q&A
How do I request jurisdiction to be changed so I can modify a custody order from Michigan to Kentucky?
13 Feb 2013
Q&A
Does alienation of affection cross states, if one spouse lives/works in one state and the other spouse is in another?
26 Jan 2013