Mark Christopher Upright

Mark Upright is a family law attorney at Petrelli Previtera, LLC, representing clients across Western North Carolina in divorce, child custody, equitable distribution, support, and adoption matters. Mark brings a career-long commitment to advocating for children and families, and a depth of perspective that extends well beyond the courtroom.

“Everybody comes to you and they’re either mad or sad or both. They’re at a bad place in their life. I give them the time to talk about what has happened, what they want their life to look like, and then I give them reassurance: we’re going to take them to a better place.”

Clients who work with Mark can expect thorough preparation and honest guidance from the first consultation forward. He practices active listening, helping clients sort through what matters most and understand what outcomes are realistically achievable. His trial preparation is detailed and deliberate. He builds comprehensive parenting plans and walks clients through every question before they enter the courtroom, so they feel confident and the judge gets the clear, focused presentation that leads to strong results.

While Mark is a capable litigator, he favors resolution through mediation and negotiation when it serves the client’s interests. North Carolina requires mandatory mediation in both custody and equitable distribution matters, and Mark’s collaborative approach often leads to agreements that protect his clients without the cost and uncertainty of trial. In one recent equitable distribution case, his preparation through mediation helped a client walk away with a favorable settlement at a fraction of what a contested trial would have cost.

Mark served as a Court-Appointed Parent Coordinator in North Carolina’s 28th Judicial District, working with high-conflict families to build cooperative frameworks after custody disputes are resolved. This hands-on experience with what makes co-parenting arrangements succeed, and where they break down, directly shapes the custody strategies he builds for his clients.

Mark’s path to family law started in social services. Working with children and families through the Department of Social Services in Philadelphia, he saw firsthand how the legal system shaped outcomes for the most vulnerable. He went to law school to become the advocate those families needed. Before transitioning to full-time practice, Mark built his career in executive leadership at organizations serving children and families, including serving as President and CEO of Eliada Services in Asheville and Chief Operations Officer at Kanuga Conferences in Hendersonville, and Chief Financial Officer at two nonprofit organizations. Six years as a CFO gave Mark a working command of financial statements, budgets, and organizational finance that directly benefits clients navigating equitable distribution matters involving business interests, retirement assets, and complex marital estates.

A longtime Asheville resident with deep roots in Western North Carolina, Mark has served as a Junior Achievement instructor, an adjunct financial management professor at UNC Asheville, and a pro bono attorney with Pisgah Legal Services. He and his wife have been married for over 35 years and have three adult sons.

If you are facing a family law matter in Western North Carolina, schedule a consultation with the firm’s legal team to discuss your situation and learn how he can help. Contact Petrelli Previtera today.

Honors & Awards

T. Kennon Roberson Award, Management Excellence in Nonprofit Health & Human Services

Outstanding Leadership Award, Board of Trustees

Junior Achievement Volunteer Instructor of the Year