Chelsea E. Gajewski

Principal and Managing Attorney

704.926.2520

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"I build pathways to peace through powerful advocacy. – Chelsea"

If you are reading this, you or someone close to you is likely going through a big family-oriented life change. Whether that is separation, marriage, custody, or divorce, life changes come in all shapes and sizes. Some are exciting, some can be frightening, and almost all of them can feel a bit overwhelming – at least at first. The good news is you do not have to navigate these changes alone and, with the right people by your side, the journey can go from overwhelming to empowering. When I meet with a client for the first time, my goal is for them to leave my office feeling less stressed or anxious than they felt when they arrived. I listen to their story so I can best understand what matters to them, I make sure their most important questions are answered and then, before they leave, we come up with a list of next steps, so they have a concrete plan of action to walk away with. Each client is different, as is every case, and understanding who they are and what is important to them is crucial to creating a legal strategy that meets and exceeds their needs. This is especially true because once I am hired by a client, my job is to help them turn the page and welcome the next chapter of their life. Often, and especially in the early stages of the process, the people I meet with are unable to fathom that a next chapter of their even life exists. And, while I assure you – it does!, when you’re in the midst of a life altering change it can be difficult to focus on anything except for what is right in front of you. After all, how can you think about what’s next when you have so many important things to focus on right

NOW? This is where I come in. An experienced family law attorney isn’t just your advocate in the courtroom, they’re your advocate in life. My goal is to alleviate the stress of the right now so you can focus on the what’s next by keeping you informed about your options and empowering you to make the best decisions for both this chapter and the next. My experience, both personally and professionally, has given me a diverse toolset which allows me to serve clients facing a variety of challenges. Each case requires a thoughtful tailored approach which is why it is important to me that my clients not only understand their options, but also that I am able to help them navigate what lies ahead regardless of where their case may lead. I am a capable and fearless advocate both inside and outside of the courtroom. I have experience with approaching family law cases in a collaborative law setting or through attending mediation and, in the event those options are not the right fit and a third-party decision maker is needed, I have also litigated cases in both the courtroom and in arbitration. I found Sodoma Law early in my legal career and I am excited and honored to bring the legacy of family-focused law I’ve come to call my own to Gaston County as the Managing Attorney of Sodoma Law Belmont. In addition to my experience as a family law attorney, I have had the opportunity to speak at the State level on case law updates, volunteer for the Council for Children’s Rights, and am an active member of the Family Law Section of the North Carolina Bar where I am Chair of the Communications Committee and the Gaston County Bar where I serve as Secretary. For me, being a family law attorney isn’t just a job – it is my passion – and I am looking forward to continuing my commitment to my clients and my community here in Belmont and beyond. And if you’ve found yourself on this page reading my story because you’re searching for someone to help you turn the page and welcome a new chapter in your own, I’m here to listen when you’re ready to tell yours.

EDUCATION

Charlotte School of Law
State University of New York College at Fredonia

BAR ADMISSION

North Carolina State Bar
Mecklenburg County
Gaston County

HONORS AND ASSOCIATIONS

Leadership Gaston; Board Member
Alliance for Children and Youth; Board Member
Stowe YMCA; Board Member
Widows Outreach Project; Board Member
Member of Gaston County Jaycees – young professional group
Vice President of the Gaston County Bar
Vice President of the Gaston County Bar
Chair of the Communications Committee of the Family Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association and I am on the CLE Committee.
Spring 2022 Graduate of Leadership Gaston
Rising Star Super Lawyers award for every year since 2021-2025

AREAS OF PRACTICE

Family Law
- Premarital Agreements
- Post-nuptial Agreements
- Separation Agreements
- Divorce
- Equitable Distribution
- Alimony
- Post-Separation Support
- Child Support
- Child Custody
- Guardian ad Litem
- Collaborative Law