Estate Planning & Family Law in North Carolina

Guiding you towards peace

We navigate divorce and estate planning with empathy and experience, guiding families toward resolutions that foster lasting peace and stability.

Holistic Estate Planning

The holistic approach to legacy planning.

At Peaceful Law, we guide our clients through a holistic legacy planning process:

Intimate Conversations

We engage in meaningful conversations to understand your values, dreams, and the impact you wish to make on future generations, all while educating you on Wills, Trusts, and other Estate Planning tools to help you decide what is best for you.

Comprehensive Asset Assessment

We help you assess both your financial wealth and intangible assets—your experiences, wisdom, and values—to create a comprehensive plan that allows you to have peace of mind and preserve your wealth.

Embracing Intergenerational Wisdom

We facilitate the transfer of your wisdom through ethical wills, personal letters, and legacy documents, ensuring your loved ones understand you.

Fostering Family Connections

We foster open discussions among family members to ensure a shared understanding of your values and intentions.

Ongoing Adaptation and Updates

Life evolves, and so does your legacy. We stand by you, offering ongoing support to update and refine your legacy plan to reflect the changes in your life and aspirations.

Crafting legacies beyond assets.

Estate planning goes beyond material possessions—it’s about passing on your values and stories.

Ready to embark on a journey of holistic estate planning? Let Peaceful Law be your partner in shaping a legacy that stands the test of time.

Family Law

Your guide to navigating Divorce in North Carolina.

At Peaceful Law, we ensure a smooth and peaceful transition through knowledge and insight. Divorce can be challenging, but our firm helps clients find amicable solutions through the collaborative law process, mediation, and other peaceful settlement methods. Our experienced family law attorneys provide in-depth consultations, offering you the information and support needed for a well-informed journey. Whether you’re seeking collaborative resolution or exploring self-representation, Peaceful Law is dedicated to guiding you towards a resolution that supports your well-being and future.

Understanding Divorce

North Carolina’s divorce laws and procedures can be complex. At Peaceful Law, we make it easier for you. Here’s how we help:

Guidance on Documentation and Procedures

From the first appointment, our Peaceful Blueprint Session, we’ll ensure you know exactly what paperwork is needed, how to file it, and when. Our goal is to get it right the first time, reducing future friction by making sure everything is accurate and legally enforceable.

Strategic Planning for Equitable Distribution

We offer insights and strategies to fairly divide your assets and debts, making sure your financial goals and interests are protected.

Comprehensive Child Custody Solutions

We understand that each family is unique and different kids have different needs. We help you brainstorm and create customized plans for child custody and visitation that prioritize your children’s well-being and individualized needs.

Tailored Child Support Arrangements

We’ll work with you to craft child support agreements that ensure your kids have the financial stability they need in both households.

Alimony and Post-Separation Support Strategies

We provide advice on securing fair spousal support arrangements, helping you maintain financial stability during and after your divorce.

Navigating Absolute Divorce

We simplify the process of obtaining an absolute divorce, guiding you every step of the way.

Click on any of the sections above to learn more about how we can help.

Your partner in crafting Relationship Agreements in North Carolina.

At Peaceful Law, we provide guidance on premarital (also known as prenuptial), cohabitation, and postnuptial agreements, ensuring clarity and security for your future. Our firm helps clients create tailored agreements through collaborative law, mediation, and other amicable methods. Our family law attorneys offer in-depth consultations, providing the knowledge and support you need to make informed decisions. Whether you’re planning for marriage, living together, or redefining your relationship, Peaceful Law is dedicated to helping you establish agreements that protect your interests and foster a harmonious future.

Navigating Relationship Agreements

North Carolina’s laws and procedures for relationship agreements can be intricate. At Peaceful Law, we simplify the process for you. Here’s how we help:

Clear Documentation and Procedures

From our initial Peaceful Blueprint Session, we ensure you understand the necessary paperwork, filing procedures, and deadlines to make your agreement legally enforceable.

Planning for Prenuptial Agreements

We assist in designing prenuptial agreements that outline the division of assets, debts, and financial expectations, protecting both parties’ interests and providing peace of mind.

Crafting Cohabitation Agreements

We help create cohabitation agreements that define financial responsibilities, property rights, and other key aspects of living together, ensuring clarity and reducing potential conflicts.

Developing Postnuptial Agreements

Our firm guides you in developing postnuptial agreements that address changes in your relationship or financial circumstances, safeguarding your assets and interests.

Click on any of the sections above to learn more about how we can help.

We are ready to help you. Connect with us.

Rooted in Family

About Peaceful Law

At Peaceful Law, we are more than just a legal team – we are partners in advocating for your family’s peace of mind. Our firm’s dedicated focus on North Carolina families underscores our commitment to providing compassionate, deescalating solutions for their family law and estate planning requirements. Let us help navigate your legal journey towards harmony and lasting resolutions.

Shaunis Mercer

Co-Founder & Attorney

Practicing since 2005—wow, that’s 19 years of experience! Shaunis Mercer, cofounder of Peaceful Law in North Carolina, draws from nearly two decades of managing law firms and guiding clients through the twists and turns of family law and estate planning. She’s all about helping others master effective communication, develop solid co-parenting skills, and find peaceful solutions without unnecessary conflict.

Shaunis’s approach is rooted in her commitment to education and empowerment. With a focus on collaborative law and reaching peaceful settlements, she ensures her clients make informed decisions that support their well-being and future success. Her work extends to estate planning, where she helps clients navigate complex legal landscapes to secure their legacy.

Beyond lawyering, Shaunis is a sought-after consultant for other law firm owners, sharing strategies for building successful, client-centered practices. She’s also a dedicated mom to two boys, ages 8 and 11, who keep her busy and inspired.

Her measure of success? Helping others learn effective communication, develop solid co-parenting skills, and find peaceful solutions without unnecessary conflict. At Peaceful Law, it’s all about fostering growth, learning, and creating harmony in the midst of life’s complexities. And yes, she’s a proud Swiftie, proving that even lawyers have a soft spot for great music!

Chris Autry

Co-Founder & Attorney

Chris Autry began practicing law right around the time he and Shaunis bought their first house together back in 2009, bringing 15 years of diverse legal experience to Peaceful Law in North Carolina. Chris’s background spans high-stakes litigation and negotiations, having served as a murder and felony prosecutor, family law attorney, and personal injury attorney. Most recently, he has dedicated his career to negotiating multimillion-dollar corporate contracts.

Chris’s approach is rooted in his commitment to achieving fair and just outcomes for his clients. With his extensive experience in both criminal and civil law, he offers a unique perspective that helps clients navigate complex legal challenges with confidence and clarity.

Beyond lawyering, Chris is passionate about mentoring younger attorneys, helping them develop their skills and navigate the legal profession. He’s also a dedicated dad to two boys, ages 8 and 11, who keep him motivated and engaged.

His measure of success? Helping clients secure fair agreements, navigate legal complexities, and achieve their goals without unnecessary conflict. At Peaceful Law, Chris is all about fostering a balanced and harmonious approach to legal challenges. And yes, he’s a skilled mixologist, even crafting his own drams and syrups for cocktail making, proving that even lawyers can have a fun and creative side!

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