Melody King Earns Board Certification in Family Law

Ward and Smith, P.A. is pleased to announce that Melody King has become a Board Certified Specialist in Family Law by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization.

Melody, based in the firm’s Asheville office, focuses her practice on family law litigation. She offers tailored representation for clients navigating complex matters, including property division, postseparation support and alimony, child custody and support, and divorce proceedings. Melody has received advanced training in family law trial advocacy through the National Institute of Trial Advocacy, with a specialized focus on complex equitable distribution matters and expert witness examination. Her practice also involves assisting clients with business and asset protection through the negotiation and preparation of Premarital Agreements and Postnuptial Agreements.

Earning Board Certification in Family Law requires attorneys to demonstrate substantial expertise in the field. Candidates must show significant practical experience handling family law matters, pass a comprehensive six-hour written examination, undergo a rigorous peer review process with at least 10 references from fellow family law attorneys and judges, and complete substantial continuing legal education focused on family law topics.

Melody joins Ward and Smith’s distinguished group of family law specialists. The firm now has four North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialists in Family Law: John Martin, Lauren Quinn, Al Clyburn, and Melody King. This depth of board-certified expertise underscores Ward and Smith’s commitment to providing exceptional representation in family law matters throughout North Carolina.

“Achieving Board Certification reflects not only deep knowledge of family law but also a commitment to the highest standards of practice,” said Lauren Quinn, who leads Ward and Smith’s Family Law Practice Group. “We’re proud to have Melody join our team of specialists who have earned this independent validation of their expertise from the North Carolina State Bar.”