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 6 - 10 of 12 reviews
Posted by Jeff | November 29, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
BEST ATTORNEY AROUND
Sean was the most honest attorney I have ever worked with. I am a father who was fighting for my kids not to be able to move out of state. I had a lot against me, but one thing I have always been a good father to my kids. Sean was always straight honest with me and him and his staff made sure I was p...
Posted by Leigh | March 22, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Sean Exceeded ALL of my Need and Expectations! I would not use anyone else!
I used Sean about four years ago when he was in practice with his partner Larry Langston, from the very beginning I was very dissatisfied with Larry. When I met with his partner Sean, I found the perfect fit! Shortly after that Sean left and started his own Law Firm and Mr. Langston gave me an ultima...
Posted by Katie | February 22, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Excellent attorney!
We had an excellent experience using Sean McIlveen for our custody case. He met with us quickly and was extremely helpful throughout the process. I highly recommend his law firm!
Posted by Leigh | September 04, 2013 | Child Custody
Patient and honest!
Sean McIlveen has been honest since our first consultation about the custody case my teenage daughter and grandson are a part of. He has given us honest answers and done all he can to make this process as easy as possible. Things could not have gone better. In our unique circumstance we decided to do...
Posted by Sophronia | November 03, 2011
Don't make the mistake of not chosing Sean!
You will never regret chosing Sean McIlveen as your attorney. Sean is a knowledgable, experienced, aggressive, and caring attorney. Sean took the time necessary to answer all of my concerns. He kept me informed from start to finish and made one of the most difficult times in my life tolerable. Th...
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