Michelle D. Connell

Michelle D. Connell is a North Carolina family law and appellate attorney with more than 30 years of experience. Her practice includes divorce, complex asset division, alimony, child custody and support, domestic violence protection, marital agreements, post-judgment matters, and family law appeals. She represents clients in high-net-worth property division cases involving businesses and professional practices, as well as contentious disputes that require careful preparation and clear legal guidance.

Connell earned her J.D. from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1990 and her B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1986. Her legal education established a strong foundation for analyzing complex family law disputes, preparing cases for trial, and addressing appellate questions. That training continues to support her ability to explain difficult legal issues and help clients make informed decisions during significant personal and financial transitions.

Connell seeks favorable settlements when they serve her clients’ interests, but she is also a seasoned trial and appellate advocate. She has represented clients before the North Carolina Court of Appeals and Supreme Court of North Carolina, and her statewide appellate practice extends to clients from every county. Her experience includes property division, custody, support, domestic violence, enforcement and modification proceedings, and disputes involving prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.

Michelle D. Connell was among the first two North Carolina attorneys board-certified in both family law and appellate law and remains one of only a few with that distinction. She has chaired the North Carolina Bar Association’s Family Law Section and Appellate Rules Committee, led the state chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and served on the State Bar’s appellate specialization committee. Her recognitions include statewide honors for family and appellate law.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Connell & Gelb PLLC
• Member, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
• Member, North Carolina Bar Association
• Member, Wake County Bar Association

Licensed State

• North Carolina

Education

• Wake Forest University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)