"Each day I strive to advise my clients such that they can best work through, for many, the most difficult time in their lives.   I endeavor to represent the client’s interest well, explain the laws which are relevant, explore all options for resolution and advise the client on the settlement terms I see as reasonable in their situation.  I enjoy assisting clients in reaching amicable agreements to often contentious situations. 

When there are children, mothers and fathers must work together in some fashion throughout their children’s (and often grandchildren’s) lives.   Our court system simply does not set the stage for the reconciliation that is necessary when the marriage is broken but the family remains.  In the summer of 2000, after years of litigating family issues, I began to focus my family law practice on representing clients that wanted to reach an out of court resolution to their marital issues.  Through negotiations and mediation, I saw that parties were usually better able to co-parent and jointly make important financial decisions after a separation.   In January 2001, I attended Collaborative Divorce Training in Scottsdale, Arizona with three other attorneys from the Charlotte area.  Thereafter, I worked with other attorneys to form the Mecklenburg County Collaborative Family-Law Practice Group.   I am a strong believer in Collaborative Law and enjoy practicing collaboratively.   I also, however, represent clients in negotiating agreements and in mediation and arbitration." 

• Business North Carolina - Named among the Legal Elite for 2010 in the area of Family Law
• Frequent lecturer at Continuing Legal Education Seminars on collaborative law and other family law issues

Professional

• DRC-Certified Family Financial Mediator  
• North Carolina Bar Association
  • General Enrollment: Member
  • Family Law Section: Member
• Mecklenburg County Bar Association
  • General Enrollment: Member
  • Family Law Section: Member
• Mecklenburg County Collaborative Law Practice Group
  • Steering Committee: Member
• North Carolina Association of Women's Attorneys
  • General Enrollment: Member

• The Tower Club: Former Board of Governors; Former Member of Community Support Committee; Former Chairman of Community Support Committee
• Christ Lutheran Children's Center: Former Board of Directors
• Westminster Presbyterian Church: Member