Annelisse Velazquez-Fernandez
Attorney
704.220.6500
Growing up, I always told myself that if I could have a superpower, I would like to read minds. I have always been intrigued by how people think and how that correlates with their actions. That is why I pursued a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology, to try and understand why people do what they do. After taking a psychology course, I realized I had to reassess my superpower. Why want something that was impossible when I could have something attainable? I decided then that I wanted to have the ability to wear and walk in someone’s shoes instead, and I knew the best way to put my superpower to work was to pursue a career in law and advocate for those who may feel they are not being heard. During law school, I clerked at a small law firm, focusing mostly on family law. At the same time, I went through some life-changing events that helped polish my superpower even more: I got married and had a daughter and a son. These milestones meant I was able to put myself in the shoes of many clients and understand them even better than I had before. Being able to appreciate what it means to have a family of your own and how certain scenarios could impact a marriage, your children, or both, allows me to provide the best service possible to each client who walks through the doors. As I continued working on family law matters, I also had the opportunity to participate in the Entrepreneurship and Community Development Clinic at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Law. The most valuable thing I learned in the clinic was adaptability. This experience helped me hone my superpower by allowing me to practice putting myself in the shoes of people whom I may not have much in common with so that I
EDUCATION
- Arizona State University— B.S. Forensic Psychology, Criminology and Criminal Justice minor, Law and Human Behavior certificate
- University of Cincinnati College of Law— J.D.
- University of Cincinnati College of Law – Business Law certificate
BAR ADMISSION
- North Carolina
HONORS AND ASSOCIATIONS
- Safe Alliance: Pro bono legal services
- Divorce Coalition: Board Member
AREAS OF PRACTICE
- Family Law
- Premarital Agreements
- Post-nuptial Agreements
- Separation Agreements
- Divorce
- Equitable Distribution (NC)
- Equitable Apportionment (SC)
- Alimony
- Post-Separation Support
- Child Support
- Child Custody
- Termination of Parental Rights
- Domestic Violence