Oak City
Family Law
Raleigh’s no-drama
divorce & family law firm
Divorce Attorney & Family Law
Custody, Support, & Property
Domestic Violence Protective Order
About Us
Getting the best results for our clients
Scorched-earth court battles make for great TV drama but can result in bitter clients and detrimental outcomes in real life. Instead, our firm focuses on getting you the best outcome possible with the least amount of pain and expense. For over two decades, we have carefully built a sterling reputation among other local attorneys and judges. When our team walks into a room, everyone knows that we will present a fair and workable solution to the issues. They also know that we come prepared and will absolutely go to the mat for our clients when necessary. This perception of pragmatism and professional integrity opens the door to a more favorable settlement for you.
It is natural for new clients to come in with a lot of questions and worries. What will happen to our kids? How can we divide everything up? Will I be treated fairly? What if there has been abuse? Because we are selective about the clients we represent, there is no pressure to rush through your initial consultation with one of our attorneys. We will take the time you need to talk through your concerns, provide practical next steps, and prioritize your goals. We understand the emotional journey and know where the pain points are, because we have walked through this with countless clients like you. You will never walk alone.
Katherine Frye
Founding Attorney
Sarah Privette
Founding Attorney
We understand that family law matters are deeply personal and can be challenging. That’s why we are dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized service tailored to your unique situation. Whether you are facing a contentious divorce or seeking a peaceful resolution through mediation, we are here to support you through every step.
Our approach is grounded in professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to reducing the emotional and financial toll often associated with family law cases. We believe in a “no drama” approach, prioritizing clear communication, practical solutions, and a respectful environment. Our goal is to navigate the legal process efficiently and effectively, minimizing stress for our clients and helping them move forward with confidence.
-Katherine & Sarah
Legal Services
What we do
Divorce
An absolute divorce is simply the legal proclamation that ends a marriage. While that may seem like the main challenge, it’s often the easiest step. Before and after the divorce, there are many challenges that must be resolved. Custody arrangements, support payments, and division of marital assets and debts are often the primary factors that determine the cost and duration of a case. This is where having the right legal representation is most critical.
Premarital Agreement
A premarital agreement (also known as a prenuptial agreement) can address a range of complex issues such as division of assets, spousal support, and inheritance rights. This allows couples to customize their financial future and avoid relying on potentially unfavorable default laws. One spouse may have a business, significant assets, or debt. Some couples want to ensure that children from prior relationships are provided for as intended. A premarital agreement can bring peace of mind and clarity to all of these situations.
Child Custody
Custody and visitation are emotionally charged issues, and changing circumstances can require modifications over time. What makes someone a good or bad spouse may not have any legal relevance to being a good parent. We can help you understand what factors carry the most weight in your hearing and what outcomes are attainable. While custody arrangements may stop at age 18, we understand that the impact does not. Our goal is to offer resolutions that prioritize your family’s well-being, both now and in the years to come.
Child Support
Child support, like custody agreements, often requires adjustments as your child ages. You need an experienced family law attorney that you can trust to walk with you through these matters for years to come. We’ll analyze income, expenses, and childcare needs to advocate for a sustainable solution that supports your child without overburdening either parent. Our goal is to ensure clear communication, peace of mind, and a focus on what truly matters – your child’s best interests.
Post-Separation Support & Alimony
Separation and divorce can result in significant financial changes. North Carolina law allows for both post-separation support and spousal support (often referred to as alimony). Many factors impact who is considered a dependent spouse or supporting spouse, and what is owed. We’ll work with you to understand what options best suit your situation until a fair resolution is reached. Our experience allows us to navigate these sensitive discussions effectively, advocating for your financial security while remaining focused on an amicable outcome.
Property Division
North Carolina’s view of equitable distribution seeks to divide all marital assets fairly, but that does not always mean equally. And many people don’t realize that individual assets, such as retirement accounts, are often included. Dividing assets and debts can be one of the most complex and contentious issues in a divorce. But it doesn’t have to be that way. We start with a careful strategy and precise planning to create a workable solution that avoids court altogether. But if litigation is necessary, you can trust we are well prepared to engage for your best possible outcome.
Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO)
This special type of restraining order (often called a “50B”) can protect victims of domestic abuse, even if they are not legally married. Unlike a traditional “50C” protective order, violating a Domestic Violence Protective Order can lead to immediate arrest. Our team has extensive experience working with domestic violence cases. We understand that abuse can take many forms beyond physical violence. We will work tirelessly to make sure you and your children are protected.
The official website for nccourts.org defines domestic violence as “a pattern of abusive behavior within an intimate relationship intended to gain power and control over the victim. This can include physical violence, sexual abuse, threats, humiliation, constant criticism or name-calling, isolating the victim from others, or limiting the victim’s access to money, transportation, or employment. Both men and women can be perpetrators and victims of domestic violence.”
Reviews
What Our Clients Say
I hired Ms. Frye to review a complex divorce. I recommend her to anyone looking for a powerful advocate through the many hoops, twists, and turns that Divorce proceedings can generate. Her staff was a joy to work with throughout the experience, before, during, and after the case resolution. Trust me; you will not go wrong choosing her to be on your side.
Sarah is a voice of reason when decisions need to be made she presents all of the options available, provides further explanation & applied professional knowledge. Sarah is quick to assess a situation and act as a voice of reason throughout proceedings. I am thankful for Sarah’s continued service of whom I can trust.
I was concerned because the other side hired a bull dog of an attorney, and I didn’t want to waste money like she did. Katherine and her staff did an excellent job using the funds wisely. In addition, she didn’t back down at all on important issues. For those items that didn’t dignify a response, she didn’t waste my money to respond. Happy with the results and happy with her office.
I had a difficult custody situation between two states and Sarah gave me the piece of mind and trust that was so necessary to keep going! She also helped me understand my rights more in the situation, which I will always be so grateful for! I would recommend her to anyone who doesn’t want to feel alone through the process!
*Names of clients have been changed to protect confidentiality.
Some quotes are excerpts from longer reviews where space is limited.
Our Team
Who we are
Katherine Frye
Founding Attorney
Sarah Privette
Founding Attorney
Tylar Rickman
Office Manager
Amy Woods
Financial Manager
Learn More
How do I pick the right attorney?
When searching for an attorney, look for one with substantial experience with cases like yours and the credentials to confirm that experience. You can be assured that the attorneys at our firm are fully vetted and offer top-tier service.
But even more important is having an attorney that you communicate well with and that you trust. You will make the substantive decisions for your case, but your attorney will decide the strategy and the process. Having an attorney that you know you can implicitly trust is crucial for both your peace of mind and the successful outcome of your case.
What is the process to hire you as my attorney?
Your first step is to book a call with one of our legal assistants. They will talk through your case and gather some initial information. If it looks like a good match, we will schedule an initial consultation with an attorney. The attorney consultation may be in-person or virtual, and we typically schedule these about two weeks out. Our attorneys do work together and may occasionally share case work if there is a time-sensitive need.
Unlike some firms, we do not rush through the first attorney consultation. We spend ample time walking through your case and answering your questions. The goal of this meeting is for you to get clarity on the cost, understand if it is the right time to hire a lawyer, and leave with an action plan with clear next steps.
If you are ready to retain our firm, the attorney will discuss requirements for a retainer deposit and review the retainer agreement with you. To save time during the meeting, the retainer agreement is prepared by a legal assistant after you leave the attorney’s office and signed on a later date.
How do I prepare for my attorney consultation?
Before your appointment write down some of the outcomes and goals you want to accomplish. Write down a list of all of the questions you have. Bring any relevant legal or financial documents (which can include a recent pay stub or tax return).
If you feel lost or don’t have access to all of the records you need, we will absolutely help guide you. But clients who are organized and return documents in a timely manner can often save a lot of money over the course of a case.
Do you offer both in-person and virtual appointments?
- The introductory call with our legal assistant is conducted by phone.
- You can choose to meet with the attorney in-person at our Raleigh office or virtually via Microsoft Teams. You do not have to have a Microsoft Teams account in order to use the virtual option for meetings.
- Routine follow-ups can often be handled by phone if you prefer.
- Going to court is not always required, but some court-related activities may require you to appear in person.
How can you help protect my privacy?
If you are in a sensitive situation, please note it on the form when you book your introductory call. You can also discuss it with the attorney during your consultation. Here are some things we can do to help mitigate the risks when there are special cirumstances:
- Use our online calendar to book your introductory call at a date/time that you know will be safe for you
- We can call you from a private cell number instead of our office number if extra caution is required
- We can allow you to skip the intial intake form and limit use of email
*Names of clients have been changed to protect confidentiality. Some quotes are excerpts from longer reviews where space is limited.
Contact us
New Clients
We understand that some clients come to us in the middle of a difficult situation. We will walk through every step with you, and give you the time and attention you deserve. If you have additional safety concerns, we can take further steps – just let us know in the scheduling form.
Notice: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship.
Existing Clients
If you are an existing client and need to contact us about your case, please call our office directly at 919-846-8807.