Fred Morelock, Attorney

For individuals and families across North Carolina, navigating the emotional and legal complexities of family law can be one of life's most challenging experiences. From divorce and child custody disputes to alimony and marital agreements, these matters require not only expert legal knowledge but also a compassionate and experienced hand. In Raleigh, the capital city, Fred Morelock, an attorney at Tharrington Smith LLP, stands as a highly distinguished legal professional, offering dedicated and seasoned counsel in all areas of family law, including mediation and arbitration.

Fred Morelock has cultivated an extraordinary legal career spanning over four decades, including a significant tenure as a District Court Judge for Wake County, where he presided almost exclusively in family court. This unique judicial background, combined with his extensive experience as a trial attorney in both criminal defense and family law, provides him with an unparalleled perspective on the challenges and solutions within family legal matters. He joined Tharrington Smith in 2001, bringing his wealth of knowledge and a commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for his clients. This article will provide a detailed overview of Fred Morelock's practice, highlighting his areas of specialization, the firm's convenient location, and what makes his services particularly well-suited for North Carolinians seeking expert legal assistance during challenging personal times.

The impact of legal proceedings on families can be profound, shaping futures and defining new paths. In such critical moments, having a lawyer who is not only a recognized specialist but also deeply understands the nuances of the court system from both sides of the bench can provide immense peace of mind. Mr. Morelock's dedication to his practice, as evidenced by his long-standing roles, numerous certifications, and consistent recognition in legal circles, ensures that clients receive informed, strategic, and empathetic representation for their most critical family legal needs. For those in North Carolina grappling with the complexities of family law, his expertise offers clarity and confident advocacy.

Fred Morelock practices at Tharrington Smith LLP, which is centrally located in the vibrant heart of downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. The firm's address is 150 Fayetteville St #1900, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA. This prime location in the state capital ensures excellent accessibility for clients throughout Wake County and the broader North Carolina region.

Fayetteville Street is a key thoroughfare in Raleigh's downtown area, easily reachable via major interstate highways and local roads, facilitating a straightforward commute for clients. The office is situated within a prominent professional tower, which offers a secure and appropriate environment for confidential legal discussions. While specific parking information may vary, numerous public parking options, including parking decks, are typically available in the vicinity, making visits convenient. This accessible and central location underscores Tharrington Smith LLP’s commitment to serving the entire North Carolina community, providing a readily available point of contact for specialized legal counsel.

Fred Morelock's legal practice is primarily focused on all areas of family law, with a strong emphasis on resolution through various legal avenues. His key service offerings include:

• Family Law: Representing clients in a comprehensive range of family legal matters, including:

  • Divorce: Guiding clients through the entire divorce process, from initial filing to final resolution, including complex issues of property division.

  • Child Custody: Advocating for the best interests of children and the rights of parents in custody disputes.

  • Child Support: Assisting with the establishment, modification, and enforcement of child support orders.

  • Alimony / Spousal Support: Advising on matters of spousal support, including its determination and enforcement.

  • Marital Agreements: Drafting and reviewing prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.

  • Paternity: Handling legal matters related to establishing paternity.

  • Domestic Relations: Addressing various other domestic relations issues that arise within family units.

  • Juvenile Law: As a Certified Juvenile Law Specialist (the first judge in Wake County to achieve this distinction in 1990), he brings particular expertise to cases involving minors.

• Mediation and Arbitration: As a Certified Superior Court Mediator and a Certified Family Financial Mediator, Mr. Morelock offers alternative dispute resolution services to help parties reach amicable agreements outside of court, or within a structured arbitration process. This allows for more controlled and potentially less contentious resolutions for family disputes.

Fred Morelock’s extensive professional background and numerous achievements underscore his expertise and standing in the North Carolina legal community:

• Distinguished Judicial Career: Served for 14 years as a District Court Judge for Wake County (1986-2000), where he was re-elected three times. During his time on the bench, he presided almost exclusively in domestic court, including North Carolina's first designated specialized judgeship in the area of family law.

• Certified Juvenile Law Specialist: In 1990, Mr. Morelock became the first judge in Wake County to achieve this certification, highlighting his unique expertise in legal matters involving minors.

• Highly Recognized in Family Law: Consistently selected for inclusion in the Family Law and Family Law Mediation sections of Best Lawyers in America® since 2006 (and recognized as "Lawyer of the Year" for Family Law Mediation in Raleigh in 2021). Also listed in North Carolina Super Lawyers (2006, 2008-2025) and Business North Carolina's "Legal Elite" (2009).

• Certified Mediator and Arbitrator: Holds certifications as both a Superior Court Mediator and a Family Financial Mediator, offering valuable alternative dispute resolution options to clients.

• Extensive Trial Experience: Prior to his judicial appointment, Mr. Morelock practiced as a trial attorney for ten years in criminal defense and family law litigation.

• Legal Educator and Speaker: As a former District Court Judge, he was a frequent speaker and instructor for continuing legal education seminars for both attorneys and judges on various family law issues.

• Active Bar Leadership: He is presently a councilor for the North Carolina State Bar and has served as Vice-Chair of the Disciplinary Hearing Commission (2014-Present) and former chair of the Grievance Committee for the 10th Judicial District.

• Independent Counsel Roles: Serves as independent counsel for the North Carolina Medical Board and the North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners, showcasing his versatility and trusted legal judgment.

• Strong Educational Background: Received both his bachelor's degree (1974) and law degree (1976) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

In the professional legal services industry, especially for highly specialized areas like family law and mediation, traditional "promotions" or "special offers" are not typically part of the service model. Instead, the value offered by Fred Morelock and Tharrington Smith LLP lies in their deep expertise, extensive experience, and commitment to achieving optimal outcomes for their clients.

For prospective clients in North Carolina, the firm encourages direct contact to discuss specific legal needs. This initial discussion provides an opportunity to evaluate the scope of the legal challenge, understand how Mr. Morelock's unique background as a former judge and his skills in mediation can be applied to their unique situation, and determine the most effective path forward. This approach ensures transparency regarding services and fees, and allows for a personalized assessment, reflecting the firm's dedication to delivering high-quality, tailored legal solutions to families navigating complex personal matters.

For individuals and families in North Carolina seeking expert legal assistance in family law, including divorce, custody, and mediation, Fred Morelock, Attorney, can be reached through the following contact details:

• Address: 150 Fayetteville St #1900, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA

• Phone: (919) 821-4711

Calling the firm directly is the most effective way to initiate contact, discuss your legal concerns, and schedule a consultation. The team at Tharrington Smith LLP is prepared to provide professional and knowledgeable assistance.

For individuals and families throughout North Carolina, particularly those in Raleigh and the surrounding Triangle area, navigating the sensitive and often challenging landscape of family law, Fred Morelock, Attorney, at Tharrington Smith LLP, represents an invaluable and highly suitable resource. His office's central location in downtown Raleigh provides convenient access for clients across the state, ensuring that expert legal counsel is within easy reach.

What truly makes Fred Morelock exceptionally suitable for locals is his unparalleled combination of extensive trial experience, a distinguished 14-year career as a District Court Judge (specializing in family court), and his recognized expertise as a Certified Juvenile Law Specialist and a Certified Family Financial Mediator. This unique background provides him with a deep, holistic understanding of family law cases from every perspective. His consistent recognition by prestigious legal publications like Best Lawyers in America® and Super Lawyers further solidifies his standing as a leader in the field. For any North Carolinian facing divorce, child custody disputes, or seeking amicable resolutions through mediation, engaging an attorney with Mr. Morelock's caliber, dedication, and compassionate approach offers not just legal representation, but a strategic partner profoundly committed to guiding families through their most difficult times towards the best possible outcomes.