Photo of Deirdre Farrington, a family law & divorce attorney in North Carolina

A compassionate, experienced family law attorney serving Boone, North Carolina, & surrounding counties

Deirdre A. Farrington can support you with divorce, child custody & support, and other family law matters.

Areas of Practice

As a family law attorney with over 20 years of experience, I have a background in various areas.
I can help you with divorce matters, child custody & support, spousal support, and more.

Divorce

I can assist you with all aspects of divorce in North Carolina, whether by agreement or contested, including separation agreements, uncontested absolute divorce, contested divorce (without the consent of your spouse), or same-sex divorce.

Divorce can be confusing. As an experienced divorce attorney in Boone, NC, and surrounding areas, I can help.

Child Custody & Support

As a parent, you want to protect your rights to time with your children, whether or not you’re married to the other parent. Issues in this area include:

  • Initial custody determination

  • Modification of custody orders

  • Temporary and permanent child support

  • Modification of child support

  • Establishment of paternity

Defending your family is too important to take a chance. Let’s work together to safeguard your family.

Equitable Distribution, Post-Separation Support & Alimony

Do you know your rights under North Carolina law regarding marital property and spousal support? I can help you understand those rights and assist with any of the following:

  • Property Settlement Agreements

  • Contested division of marital property

  • Determination of post-separation support ("temporary alimony”)

  • Permanent alimony

Other family law matters

Many family problems aren’t related to divorce, such as adoption, grandparents’ rights, guardianship, domestic violence, or even cases against the Department of Social Services. You have important rights in each of these areas. 

If your family is facing any of these issues, I have experience in all of these areas and can help you navigate these challenges.

Family Mediation

Mediation is an alternative to settling matters in court in front of a judge. I also provide mediation services if you prefer going this route.

Family Law Attorney and Mediator Serving the Following Counties

Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, and Yancey

About the Attorney: Deirdre A. Farrington

Family law attorney in NC, Deirdre Farrington taking photo outside

Education

  • J.D., George Mason University School of Law, Arlington, Virginia, 1996

  • B.A., University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, 1983

    Professional Associations

  • North Carolina State Bar, 2017

  • Watauga County Bar Association

  • Virginia State Bar, 1996

  • Florida Bar Association, 2001

FAQs

Resolving family matters can be stressful and confusing. As an experienced family law attorney in Boone, NC, I can help make the process easier. Below are answers to common questions.

  • Although you can get a divorce in North Carolina without a lawyer, having an attorney can help simplify the process. An attorney will explain your rights in family-related matters, such as child custody and support, equitable distribution, and alimony, and protect your rights in court. An attorney can guide and support you through the often complex legal process.

  • The cost of hiring a divorce attorney in North Carolina varies on a case-by-case situation.

    Generally, you will need to schedule a consultation to discuss the circumstances of your case. In the consultation, the attorney will set a retainer, which is an advance payment on work to be done in your case. Attorneys charge on an hourly basis, and their hourly rates vary depending on the attorney’s experience and skills. The amount of the retainer depends on the legal issues and complexity of your case. The retainer is a starting point, not a flat fee.

    I offer consultations in my office, by telephone, or by videoconference. My consultation fee is $200, and my hourly rate is $250/hour. Retainers are determined at the consultation.

  • A family law attorney can help with family-related matters, such as divorce, child custody and support, and spousal support. If you and your spouse own real estate or personal property, I can help with the division of that property prior to or during a divorce. I also help individuals navigate non-divorce issues, including adoption, grandparents’ rights, guardianship, and domestic violence.