Fred Morelock, Attorney

For families and individuals across North Carolina navigating the deeply personal and often challenging waters of family law, securing compassionate, knowledgeable, and highly experienced legal counsel is not just beneficial—it's essential. Matters such as divorce, child custody, alimony, and equitable distribution require an attorney who possesses not only a profound understanding of the law but also the sensitivity and strategic insight to guide clients through emotionally charged situations. In Raleigh, North Carolina, one attorney stands out with a unique blend of judicial experience and dedicated practice in family law: Fred Morelock. His decades-long career, marked by a commitment to both litigation and alternative dispute resolution, makes him a trusted resource for North Carolina residents seeking thoughtful and effective solutions to their family legal matters.

Fred Morelock brings an unparalleled depth of experience to his family law practice at Tharrington Smith, LLP. After receiving his law degree from UNC in 1976, he spent ten years as a trial attorney, focusing on criminal defense and family law litigation. This direct courtroom experience laid a strong foundation for his subsequent fourteen-year tenure as a Wake County district court judge, an appointment by Governor James G. Martin in 1986. During his time on the bench, Mr. Morelock became the first judge in Wake County to be a Certified Juvenile Law Specialist in 1990, and for many years, he presided almost exclusively in domestic court, including North Carolina's first designated specialized judgeship in family law. This unique perspective as a former judge provides him with invaluable insight into how family law cases are viewed and decided by the courts. Since joining Tharrington Smith in 2001, Mr. Morelock has focused on representing clients in all areas of family law, as well as serving as a Certified Superior Court Mediator and a Certified Family Financial Mediator. His extensive experience, coupled with his commitment to teaching and guiding other legal professionals, underscores his standing as a leading authority in North Carolina family law.

Fred Morelock practices at Tharrington Smith, LLP, conveniently located in the vibrant heart of downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. The firm's office is situated at 150 Fayetteville St #1900, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA. This prominent address ensures excellent accessibility for clients traveling from various parts of Raleigh, the broader Triangle area, and indeed, from across the entire state of North Carolina.

The location on Fayetteville Street, a key and easily identifiable thoroughfare in the state capital, makes the office straightforward to locate for both local residents and those visiting from distant counties. For clients utilizing public transportation, downtown Raleigh is well-served by the GoRaleigh bus system, with numerous bus stops conveniently located within a short walking distance of the office building. This provides a practical and eco-friendly option for commuters. For those driving, downtown Raleigh offers a variety of public parking decks and surface lots in close proximity to the office building, ensuring that ample and secure parking is generally available and convenient. The office’s central position also grants easy access from major highways, facilitating travel for clients from across North Carolina who require specialized legal representation in family law matters. This commitment to an accessible location underscores Fred Morelock’s dedication to serving a broad spectrum of clients efficiently and conveniently, allowing for crucial and sensitive in-person consultations.

Fred Morelock, with his extensive experience and unique background as both a litigator and a former judge, offers a comprehensive range of family law services tailored to meet the diverse needs of clients across North Carolina. His expertise spans various aspects of domestic relations, providing compassionate yet strategic guidance. Key services include:

• Separation and Divorce: Guiding clients through all aspects of the divorce process, from initial separation agreements to final divorce decrees.
• Child Custody: Representing parents in complex child custody disputes, working to achieve arrangements that are in the best interests of the children while protecting parental rights.
• Child Support: Assisting with the establishment, modification, and enforcement of child support orders, ensuring fair and adequate financial provisions for children.
• Equitable Distribution: Handling the division of marital assets and debts, including complex financial portfolios, to ensure a fair and just outcome for clients.
• Alimony: Providing legal counsel on matters of spousal support, including establishing, modifying, or defending against alimony claims.
• Family Law Mediation: Serving as a Certified Family Financial Mediator, helping divorcing couples and families resolve disputes amicably and efficiently outside of court.
• Family Law Arbitration: Offering arbitration services as an alternative dispute resolution method for family law matters, providing a more private and often faster resolution process.
• Premarital Agreements: Drafting and reviewing prenuptial and postnuptial agreements to protect individual assets and define financial rights before or during marriage.
• Post-Separation Support: Addressing temporary financial support needs that arise immediately following separation.
• Complex Divorce Cases: Expertise in high-asset divorces and cases involving intricate financial considerations or unique family dynamics.

Fred Morelock's career is replete with distinguished features and highlights that firmly establish him as a premier family law attorney and mediator in North Carolina.

• Former District Court Judge (14 years): Appointed by Governor James G. Martin, he served as a Wake County district court judge for fourteen years, providing invaluable insight into judicial decision-making and courtroom procedures. This includes presiding almost exclusively in domestic court, holding North Carolina's first designated specialized judgeship in family law.
• "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers®: Named "Lawyer of the Year" for Family Law Mediation in Raleigh (2021) by Best Lawyers®, a testament to his exceptional skill and peer recognition in alternative dispute resolution.
• Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® (Since 2006): Consistently recognized for his work in Family Law and Family Law Mediation, reflecting sustained excellence and high regard within the legal community.
• North Carolina Super Lawyers Selection (2006, 2008-2025): Consistently selected to North Carolina Super Lawyers for many years, a recognition based on peer nominations and independent research, highlighting his standing among the top attorneys in the state.
• Certified Superior Court Mediator and Certified Family Financial Mediator: These certifications underscore his expertise and commitment to resolving disputes outside of traditional litigation, offering effective alternative dispute resolution options for families.
• First Certified Juvenile Law Specialist in Wake County (1990): This unique distinction highlights his early commitment to specialized legal areas impacting families and children.
• Active in Legal Education: A frequent speaker and instructor for continuing legal education seminars for attorneys and judges on various family law issues, demonstrating his leadership and expertise in the field.
• Leadership in Legal Bar Associations: Served on the Board of Directors of the Wake County Bar Association, its Professionalism Committee, and as former chair of the Grievance Committee for the 10th Judicial District. He was also appointed by the State Bar Council to the Disciplinary Hearing Commission (and currently Vice-Chair), showcasing his dedication to upholding professional standards.

For a legal professional of Fred Morelock’s caliber and experience in the nuanced field of family law and mediation, traditional "promotions" or "special offers" are not typically part of the practice. The value offered by an attorney with his distinguished background, including decades of practice and significant judicial experience, comes from the depth of his legal insight, strategic acumen, and the quality of the representation and resolution services he provides.

The true "value proposition" from Fred Morelock’s office lies in the potential for achieving more favorable and efficient outcomes in sensitive family law matters. His expertise in mediation and arbitration, combined with his understanding of the court system from a judge's perspective, can lead to more amicable and less protracted resolutions, ultimately saving clients considerable emotional distress and financial resources in the long run. Prospective clients in North Carolina are encouraged to contact Tharrington Smith, LLP, to schedule an initial consultation with Mr. Morelock. During this consultation, you can discuss the specifics of your family law matter, gain a clear understanding of the legal process involved, and receive transparent information regarding his approach and fee structure. His commitment to providing comprehensive and effective legal counsel in complex family situations is the primary benefit his practice offers.

For North Carolina residents seeking highly experienced and compassionate legal representation or mediation services in family law matters, Fred Morelock, Attorney, can be reached at Tharrington Smith, LLP.

• Address: 150 Fayetteville St #1900, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA
• Phone: (919) 821-4711

You are invited to contact his office by phone to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how his extensive expertise can guide you through your family law challenges.

For individuals and families across North Carolina navigating the deeply personal and often intricate landscape of family law, Fred Morelock stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended legal professional. His suitability for locals is rooted in a unique and powerful combination of extensive practical experience, a distinguished judicial career, and a dedicated focus on resolving family disputes with both legal acumen and compassionate understanding. With over four decades in the legal field, including fourteen years as a District Court Judge who presided almost exclusively in family court (even holding North Carolina's first specialized family law judgeship), Mr. Morelock offers an unparalleled perspective on how these cases are viewed and decided by the North Carolina judicial system. This inside knowledge provides a significant advantage to clients.

Furthermore, his certifications as both a Superior Court Mediator and a Family Financial Mediator mean that North Carolina residents have access to a skilled professional who can guide them towards amicable and efficient resolutions outside of potentially lengthy and costly courtroom battles. This emphasis on alternative dispute resolution often aligns with the desires of families seeking less contentious outcomes. His consistent recognition among "Best Lawyers" and "Super Lawyers" further solidifies his standing as a trusted authority in the state. Coupled with his easily accessible office in downtown Raleigh, Fred Morelock is an ideal choice for any North Carolinian seeking a knowledgeable, empathetic, and strategically effective attorney to protect their interests and guide them through challenging family legal matters.