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Maren

Tallent Funk

PARTNER + BOARD CERTIFIED SPECIALIST IN FAMILY LAW

Practice Areas

Divorce
Equitable Distribution
Postseparation Support and Alimony
Child Custody
Child Support
Domestic Violence
Civil No Contact Matters
Alienation of Affections
Criminal Conversation
Prenuptial/Premarital Agreements
Post-Nuptial Agreements
Appeals

Education

University of North Carolina School of Law, Juris Doctor, 2013

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2010; B.A. English and Rhetorical Communications; Graduated with Distinction

Admitted to Practice

North Carolina, 2013
Federal District Court, Western District of North Carolina, 2013
Federal District Court, Middle District of North Carolina, 2015

Why I Became a Family Law Attorney

I started working in a law firm when I was fifteen years old, just to get an idea for what practicing law really looked like. I always knew that I wanted to be in the Courtroom, and not because it’s “fun” and “exciting”, but because it’s where clients need the most help. The Courtroom is an incredibly intimidating place and it’s where things can quickly get out of hand. Typically, family law clients have everything on the line: their children, their life savings, their income, and their sanity.  Not only do I have to be the voice of reason and logic, set realistic expectations and manage my clients when they’re letting their emotions get the best of them, but I also have to be sympathetic, forgiving and wildly energetic.  Family law has truly become my life . . . there are emergencies on weekends, there are unexpected Court dates with a day’s notice and I have to be ready for that.

I enjoy empowering my clients to show up to the table confidently and negotiate a deal that allows them to write the rest of their story. Settlement isn’t always possible, and cases that can’t settle tend to be the most emotionally and financially draining cases out there.  They are also far from enjoyable for anyone involved. Cases where we can get to the table and I can help my client work with the other side to create a situation going forward that gives everyone the best shot at recovering, growing and finding peace, are the cases I can enjoy. Life doesn’t end with a child custody order, a divorce or dividing up all of your assets. Life goes on, and living with your own terms is much more rewarding than living with the terms dealt to you by a Judge who meets you for the first time on the day of the hearing (and likely never meets your children).

Professional Affiliations + Community Involvement

Board Certified Specialist in Family Law

North Carolina State Bar Association

Mecklenburg County Bar Association

MENSA Member

Board Member – Board of Directors of Historic Rural Hill

Past Board Member – Lake Norman Chamber Young Professionals

Past Board Member – Board of Directors of Lake Norman Community Health Clinic

Past Board Member – Board of Directors of Davidson Community Players

Past Teacher with Divorce Care for Kids

Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite: Family Law, 2023

Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite: Family Law, 2024

North Carolina Super Lawyers “Rising Star” in Family Law, 2023

North Carolina Super Lawyers “Rising Star” in Family Law, 2024

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ in Family Law, 2025-2026