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Derek L. Mace

Child custody Attorney at Hickory, NC

5.0   41 reviews
(844) 292-9037
Message Website
  • Licensed for 26 years
    State NC
    Acquired 1997
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Excellent experience
Erin
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Mace is great!
Elizabeth
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Read more reviews

About Derek

Learn Derek’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Child custody
    25%
    I have dealt with countless child custody issues in my family law practice.

    26 years

  2. Child support
    20%
    I frequently assist clients with issues relating to child support for their children.

    26 years

  3. Family
    15%
    I focus my practice almost exclusively on all aspects of family law including child custody, child support, alimony, property division, separation agreements, and divorce.

    26 years

  4. Divorce and separation
    10%
    Virtually all cases I deal with start with a separation and end in divorce. I have assisted clients with issues on both ends of the relationship for many years.

    26 years

  5. Domestic violence
    10%
    I have represented countless clients who have been victims of domestic violence and also who have been accused of committing acts of domestic violence.

    26 years

  6. Adoption
    5%
    I have enjoyed the opportunities I have had to help people build a family through adoption.

    26 years

  7. Alimony
    5%
    I have represented many people requesting alimony and many others who are facing the possibility of being required to pay alimony.

    26 years

  8. Marriage and prenuptials
    5%
    I always recommend prenuptial agreements to protect assets just in case the marriage fails.

    26 years

  9. Uncontested divorce
    5%
    Virtually all of my cases end with the entry of a divorce judgment, and I take great care to make sure that each client has completed everything that needs to be done before getting divorced.

    26 years

I WILL STICK BY YOU THROUGH THE TOUGH TIMES.

I graduated from East Burke High School in Icard, North Carolina in 1990 and Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory, North Carolina in 1994.  I received my law degree from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1997.

I now have more than 21 years experience handling all types of family law issues including separation agreements, child custody, child support, alimony, domestic violence, and property division cases.  I have practiced in the area of family law in Catawba and the surrounding counties throughout my over 21 year career.

I have been a member of the law firm of Hawkins & Mace, PLLC located in Hickory, North Carolina since January, 2006.    

Awards

Client's Choice 2022,2021,2020,2018
Client's Choice
2022 2021 2020 + 1 ...

Contact Derek

Hawkins & Mace, PLLC
21 3rd St SW
PO Box 3071
Hickory, NC, 28603-3071
custodydivorcelawyerhickorync.com/
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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0
  41 customer reviews
5 Star
 
95%
4 Star
 
5%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
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Client's Choice 2022
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by Erin | May 4, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent experience
Mr. Mace was professional and courteous. He explained everything clearly so I could understand all legalities of the situation. Worked quickly with my documents and was reasonably priced for all services. Highly recommend!
Posted by Elizabeth | April 3, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Mace is great!
I was sued for full custody and equitable distribution. I met with Mr. Mace multiple times to go over my cases. He listened to everything I had to say and took charge. I got full custody with the exception of one day every two weeks visitation and the equitable distribution worked out in my favor as well. Thank you Mr. Mace for your help in all of this.
Read less
Posted by Jarrett | March 22, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Custody/divorce
Best lawyer in town. He did not disappoint. Worth ever penny. He told me from day one what I would get and I got a little more then what he said. I would recommend him to anyone.
Posted by anonymous | October 6, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Hired for Separation
Was very professional and to the point. Was able to answer all of my questions and always responded to emails/phone calls.
Posted by Tresa | September 22, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great lawyer
He has did wonders in my custody case for my granddaughter. Will recommend to anyone. He is awesome
Posted by T | September 6, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent communication
Derek and his assistant were both phenomenal to work with. I was so concerned with everything my ex was trying to pull over on me and really didn't understand how to get past it all. Derek took his time and made sure to explain every step of the way to make sure that I understood exactly what was going to happen, so that I didn't have to stress. His assistant Ellen, was fantastic with communication and never left me in the dark. Im so thankful for them!
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Posted by JD | August 5, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great interpersonal work relation
Derek was great for everything. He constantly worked with me through issues that either I brought to him or from the facts within the courtroom. He thinks outside of the box to come up with a solution and truly helps to put the best interest of his clients and the children first.
Posted by David | July 8, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very helpful
Did a good job helping me with my divorce and answered all my questions. Things went well and would recommend him to everyone seeking guildence.
Posted by Miranda | October 21, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Child custody
He did an excellent job in helping me with my child custody. He was able to consult and let me know what needed to be done and let me know when and how's every step was completed.
Posted by Clif | October 10, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional and Relatable
Derek is a down to earth man, he doesn't sit down with you just to speak words you wouldn't understand unless you went to law school. He genuinely cares about his clients and he wants the best for them. I've had lawyers before that clearly just cared for the money but Derek cares about the people involved. The most important thing is that he cares about children above all, he's willing to go that extra mile to make sure your kids end up where they need to be. An amazing lawyer and person overall.
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Posted by Kayla | June 16, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Pleased
I was very pleased with my divorce services. Everything went smoothly from start to finish. He handled everything on my behalf to where I just had to sign papers once and that was it. I didn't even have to attend court I would highly recommend if your looking for a affordable, quick and effective divorce.
Posted by Ethan | May 24, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Representation
Mr. Mace initially handled my divorce and child custody and did so quickly and smoothly. A year later I hired Mr. Mace to handle a custody modification that was filed against me. Mr. Mace answered all of my questions and was upfront and honest about what to expect. I would highly recommend Derek Mace to anyone who is expecting to deal with family legal issues, his knowledge of the law in these matters is unmatched.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | May 7, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Yes!!! Hire Derek
Highly recommend Derek as he is as professional as it gets. I went thru Divorce Child Custody in Hickory courts and he handled them both
Posted by Ashley | April 15, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best child custody attorney
I went to mr mace when my child’s father filed contempt of court on me over bs charges he was great throughout the whole process was was straightforward and honest also made sure I got everything I wanted after it was all said and done would highly recommend him to anyone that needs a child custody attorney or divorce attorney!!!
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Posted by anonymous | April 10, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
divorce
got a whole lot better rate than other lawyers provided as soon as i receive my documents i will be very pleased !!!!
Posted by David Grerne | March 30, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great job
Derek explained how difficult our case would be because we had to convince the judge that we should be part of the case. Then we had to “fight” DSS because they did not want us as a party to the case and their goal would be reunification of the family. Year and a half later, we received guardianship with the blessings and support of DSS. He was both professional and approachable.
Read less
Posted by Corey | March 22, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Through. Competent.
We needed help with a family matter. Very thorough from start to finish, very considerate during a difficult time. Highly recommend.
Posted by Lisa | January 31, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Lawyer!
I had a case involving a domestic violence protective order. Derek was professional and handles the case quickly. I would definitely hire him again.
Posted by anonymous | December 14, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Gets the job done!
I needed an absolute divorce. No custody or division of property. Just a divorce. Derek Mace handled this for me and everything went exactly as explained. He made everything simple and easy. His price was more reasonable than others. Overall I’m happy with his services.
Posted by Justin | November 29, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Does a good job
I hired Mr. Mace for a separation and a criminal case. Mr. Mace gave great advice and led me through all of the stress and ups and downs of the separation and eventual divorce and helped me get the criminal charges dropped. He knows his stuff.
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Cost

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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 8.6 (Excellent)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Hawkins & Mace, PLLC
  • 2006 - Present

Education

  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • J.D.
  • 1997
  • Lenoir-Rhyne College
  • B.A.
  • 1994

Legal Cases

  • Grandparent Custody Case
  • I have been very successful in obtaining custody for many grandparents.

Associations

  • North Carolina Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • 1997 - Present

Honors and Awards

  • Distinguished
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2021
  • Distinguished
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2019
  • Distinguished
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2018
  • Senior Staff Member
  • The North Carolina Journal of International Law and Commercial Regulation
  • 1996
  • Debate Award
  • Lenoir-Rhyne College
  • 1994
  • "Ted" Amato Economics Award
  • Lenoir-Rhyne College
  • 1994
View all awards

Publications

  • North Carolina Journal of International Law and Commercial Regulation
  • Staff Member
  • 1997
  • North Carolina Journal of International Law and Commercial Regulation
  • Staff Member
  • 1996

Speaking Engagements

  • Catawba Valley Paralegal Association Monthly Meeting
  • Dividing Retirement Plans in Divorce
  • 2018
  • Catawba Valley Paralegal Monthly Meeting
  • Advantages and Disadvantages of Court Orders vs. Separation Agreementts
  • 2017

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Hickory Child custody Lawyer Derek L. Mace
Derek L. Mace
Child custody Attorney
Hickory, NC
Licensed for 26 years
(844) 292-9037 Message Website