Fred M. Morelock

Fred Morelock: Dedicated Family Law Attorney in Wake County

Fred Morelock is a highly respected and experienced family law attorney dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation to individuals and families navigating the complexities of divorce, child custody, and related matters in Wake County, North Carolina. With over four decades of experience, spanning from a successful trial practice to his distinguished tenure as a district court judge, Mr. Morelock brings a unique blend of courtroom expertise, judicial understanding, and a deeply empathetic approach to every case. His commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for his clients is rooted in a thorough understanding of North Carolina family law and a dedication to upholding justice and fairness.

Mr. Morelock's journey began with a strong foundation in criminal defense and family law litigation, honed over ten years as a trial attorney. This experience provided him with invaluable insights into the adversarial process and the critical importance of meticulous preparation and strategic advocacy. Recognizing his skills and dedication, he was appointed to the Wake County district court bench in 1986, a position he held for fourteen years, consistently earning the respect of colleagues and the community. During this time, he became the first judge in Wake County to achieve Certified Juvenile Law Specialist status in 1990, demonstrating his unparalleled expertise in handling complex juvenile legal matters.

For the last several years of his judicial career, Mr. Morelock specialized almost exclusively in domestic court, culminating in his role as the first judge in North Carolina to preside over a designated specialized judgeship focused on family law. This specialized experience solidified his expertise in all aspects of family law litigation, including divorce, child custody, alimony, child support, and equitable distribution of property. He is renowned for his ability to facilitate constructive resolutions and to ensure that the best interests of children are prioritized throughout the legal process.

As a district court judge, Mr. Morelock was a sought-after speaker and instructor, regularly presenting continuing legal education seminars for attorneys and judges at organizations such as the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers, the Bar Association, the North Carolina Association of District Court Judges, and the Institute of Government New Judges School. His lectures covered a wide range of critical family law issues, reflecting his commitment to advancing legal knowledge and professional development within the legal community. He also frequently addressed groups from the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants and the Wake County public school principals, highlighting the intersection of family law with financial matters and child welfare concerns.

Beyond his judicial role, Mr. Morelock has consistently demonstrated a commitment to community service and professional development. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Wake County Bar Association and its Professionalism Committee, the Raleigh Rescue Mission, and Carolina Legal Assistance. He is a Certified Superior Court Mediator and a Certified Family Financial Mediator, further expanding his ability to assist clients through alternative dispute resolution methods. His legal practice focuses on representing clients in all facets of family law, offering mediation and arbitration services to achieve amicable resolutions whenever possible.

Mr. Morelock is admitted to practice in all state courts and the federal district courts for the Eastern and Middle Districts of North Carolina. His membership within the North Carolina Bar Association and its family law section, coupled with his former chair role in the Grievance Committee for the 10th Judicial District, underscores his commitment to upholding the highest standards of legal practice. He is recognized for his deep understanding of legal strategy and his dedication to protecting his clients' rights. He consistently earns recognition in prestigious legal publications, including being listed in Business North Carolina's “Legal Elite” (2009) and selected for inclusion in the Family Law section of Best Attorney USA® (Since 2006). Notably, he was awarded the 10th Judicial District Bar Appreciation Award (2010) and the Wake County Bar Association Presidents Award of Excellence (2009).

Education and Credentials:

Degree: Bachelor of Arts, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1974)
Juris Doctorate: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law (1976)

Bar Admissions: North Carolina Bar Association, Federal District Courts – Eastern and Middle Districts of North Carolina
Certifications: Certified Superior Court Mediator, Certified Family Financial Mediator

Awards & Recognition: Lawyer of the Year: Family Law Mediation, Raleigh (2021)
Recognized: Family Law, Recognized: Family Law Mediation
Special Focus: Alimony, Special Focus: Arbitration and Mediation, Special Focus: Child Support, Special Focus: Divorce, Special Focus: Domestic Relations, Special Focus: Enforcement and Modification, Special Focus: Equitable Division, Special Focus: Marital Settlement Agreements, Special Focus: Prenuptial Agreements

Affiliations: Wake County Bar Association, North Carolina Bar Association – Family Law Section, North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers, Bar Association, North Carolina Association of District Court Judges, Institute of Government New Judges School

Mr. Morelock is married to Jeannie S. Morelock, and they have two teenage sons. He is committed to providing his clients with the dedicated and knowledgeable legal counsel they deserve.