$ 200-250 per hour
About Richard
Biography
I graduated from Albany Law School in upstate New York in 2008 with a juris doctorate degree. I earned my B.A. in Political Science from The University of North Carolina at Wilmington in 2005 and, in 2003, earned an A.A. in Political Science from Cape Fear Community College. Prior to becoming an attorney, I worked as a professional musician, an audio engineer, and in the movie industry as a prop-maker.
While in law school, I interned in the chambers of the Honorable John M. Tyson at the North Carolina Court of Appeals, worked at the Government Law Center in Albany, New York (New York's preeminent legal and policy research center and the oldest government law center in the United States according to their Web site) under the direction of Professor Patricia E. Salkin, Associate Dean and full-time Director of the Government Law Center, and also interned at Rice Law, PLLC.
I was born in a small upstate New York town known as Warrensburg (James Fenimore Cooper wrote The Last of the Mohicans there) in 1975 but I consider myself a North Carolinian and love living and working in North Carolina. I am the oldest of four siblings. My parents—who are still together after over 39 years—and my siblings have all lived in Wilmington since my father moved the family here from Rockford, Illinois, in 1985.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Family
75%
18 years
Appeals
15%
18 years
Wills and Living Wills
6%
18 years
Debt Collection
2%
18 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in North Carolina for 17 years
State: North Carolina
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Location
Rice Law, PLLC
401 Chestnut St., Wilmington, NC, 28401
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Richard Forrest Kern's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
4 Client Reviews
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Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Posted by anonymous | June 02, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Real Estate
Great job!
Richard helped me with a property line dispute. He did a great job and got me the relief I was seeking. He talked with me about the case every time I called. He thoroughly explained his answers to my question in a way that I could understand. I have already hired him for another matter.
Posted by Katherine | October 31, 2014
stressful divorce handled perfectly
What started as a very stressful time in my life was quickly solved by Mr. Kern. He handled everything for me and made it virtually painless.
Posted by Andy | August 22, 2014 | Divorce & Separation
Excellent legal counsel in Wilmington, NC
Mr. Kern helped me through a very adversarial divorce proceeding that included several properties and custody. He explained all options to me and answered all of my questions about every situation. He gave me his best counsel and then let me choose the course to follow. He was very patient with ...
Posted by anonymous | October 21, 2013 | Debt Collection
Very Pleased
Mr. Kern is a very pleasant and knowledgable gentleman. I hired him to help me with a debt collection matter. I could not have been more pleased with the results. I would definitely go back to him if I needed legal advise and/ or help and I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone who needed h...
Richard Forrest Kern's Lawyer Endorsements
"Richard has a great sense of humor and keen knowledge of the law. He is a wonderful writer which serves his clients in numerous ways. Richard understands the law, actively and aggressively pursues his clients' cases, and works tirelessly for their benefit."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Richard Forrest Kern is an top-notch attorney on all fronts, from his research skills and trial preparation to his charismatic presence in the courtroom. Richard's years of experience have culminated in a focused and professional attorney that I highly recommend to all potential clients."
"Richard Forrest Kern is an excellent and caring lawyer who represents all his clients with a zeal that is hard to find among lawyers today."
"I endorse Richard. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Integrity, Personalized Attention and Hard Charging Court Approach -- Richard approaches each case with great care to ensure each client receives his full attention. He is an excellent researcher and often brings a new approach to a issue that others do not recognize and which ultimately helps the client. He has handled numerous matters in district court, some in superior court and two at the NC Court of Appeals where he used to clerk for one of the Judges."
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Experience
Honors
2008
State/Local Gov't Law Sec. Prize - Land Use, American Bar Association
Work Experience
2018 - Present
Board Member (Alternate), New Hanover County Board of Zoning Adjustment
2017 - Present
Attorney, Rice Law, PLLC
2014 - 2017
Partner, Richard Kern Law, PC
2009 - 2014
Partner, Rice Law, PLLC
2007 - 2008
Researcher/Writer, Government Law Center
2006 - 2006
Extern/Intern, Chambers of John M. Tyson, NC COA
1998 - 2000
Prop-Maker, Various Production
1997 - 2005
Audio Engineer, Self Employed
1993 - 1997
Bass Player, Professional Musician
Associations
2017 - Present
Federalist SocietyMember
2009 - Present
New Hanover County Bar Association
Sample of Legal Cases
Wellons v White v Wellons, 2013 WL 4441654
Reversed on Contempt
Nix v Nix (COA 11-743)
Reversed and remanded trial court.
Harris v. Harris
Reversed and remanded trial court.
Education
2008
Albany Law School
JD - Juris Doctorate
2005
University of North Carolina, Wilmington
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2003
Cape Fear Community College
A.A.
Speaking Engagements
2011
SEAHEC
Domestic Violence
2009
Classroom Presentation
Social Work in the North Carolina Justice System
Publications
2013
Rice Law, PLLC, Blog
New Law Allows Stronger Waiver of Alimony
2012
Rice Law, PLLC, Blog
Family Courts in North Carolina
2012
Rice Law, PLLC, Blog
Alienation of Affection/ Criminal Conversation: The Partnership Angle
2011
Rice Law, PLLC, Blog
Same-Sex Marriage in North Carolina
2011
Rice Law, PLLC, blog
Cohabitation Rights
2011
Rice Law, PLLC, Blog
Child Support Based on Income Shares
2010
Rice Law, PLLC, Blog
The Adoption Tax Credit and you
2010
Rice Law, PLLC, Blog
Custody and Religion: To what lengths may a Court in North Carolina consider religion in determining the custody arrangement that is in the child’s best interest
2010
Rice Law, PLLC, Blog
Spousal spying: Watch out if you are watching your spouse
2010
Rice Law, PLLC, Blog
Surrogacy Law in North Carolina
2010
Rice Law, PLLC, blog
Divorce from Bed and Board: Not just a legal separation
2009
Rice Law, PLLC, Blog
The intersection of Family Law and Immigration Law: Alien love and marriage
2007
New York Zoning Law and Practice Report Newsletter
Incentive Zoning Provides Opportunities for Community
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
What is a purge payment ? In child support court ?
13 Jun 2017
Q&A
Can I be charged with kidnapping if there's no custody papers and I'm on birth certificate??
16 Feb 2015
Q&A
Am I allowed to appeal the court/DSS decision on how much I pay for child support?
02 Sep 2014