A.T. Debnam

A partner at Smith Debnam Narron Drake Saintsing & Myers, LLP, in Raleigh, North Carolina, A.T. Debnam is recognized by the North Carolina Board of Legal Specialization as a board-certified family law specialist and is also a certified family financial mediator through the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission. Her legal practice covers a wide range of areas, including:

• Divorce and family law
• Alienation of affection
• Alimony and spousal support
• Alternative dispute resolution and mediation
• Child custody and visitation rights
• Child support
• Divorce and separation
• Domestic relations
• Domestic violence and protective orders
• Pre- and postnuptial agreements
• Property division and equitable distribution
• Separation agreements

With over 15 years in family law, Ms. Debnam infuses her role with a rich tapestry of knowledge and enduring insight. Her dedication to helping clients find resolutions that open doors to new beginnings is unwavering. She aims to transform endings into opportunities for fresh starts, fostering relationships that often extend well beyond the conclusion of their legal matters.

Ms. Debnam feels a profound duty to serve her clients' best interests as their "counselor at law." She takes the "counselor" part of her role to heart, demonstrating a deep care for her clients. She understands the immense pressure they face – the emotional strain, the anxiety of legal proceedings and the isolation that can come with it.

Driven by a sense of purpose, Ms. Debnam meticulously handles every detail of a case while keeping the broader picture in mind. She believes effective advocacy starts with creating a safe space for clients to voice their needs, goals and concerns. Clients often describe her as a catalyst for change – a title she accepts humbly, always quick to highlight that her clients are the true heroes.

Ms. Debnam is known for her honesty and compassion, valuing transparency and straightforwardness with her clients. She guides them through each step of the legal process with clarity and assurance, helping them anticipate what lies ahead for their peace of mind. This philosophy shapes her approach to every case, whether it’s a straightforward, uncontested divorce or a complex, multimillion-dollar property division, involving closely held businesses or high-conflict child custody battles.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in communications from Wake Forest University in 1998, Ms. Debnam received her J.D. from Elon University School of Law in 2009. She is licensed to practice in North Carolina, the United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina and Texas. She is also an active associate of the North Carolina Bar Association’s Family Law Section and the Wake County Bar Association.