photo of Nicole Quallen

Nicole Quallen

Founder + Collaborative Attorney

Hi there. I’m Nicole and I have stood where you stand. I think about divorce more than anyone should and I think I know how to help you through yours.

I am a family lawyer and mediator, a mother, an ex-spouse, a co-parent, an empath, a big-hearted entrepreneur, and an advocate. Two Families Law is my heartfelt attempt to provide radically better divorce than what I see in the traditional world of litigation. It is a labor of love built to serve and support.

I earned my law degree from UNC Chapel Hill in 2010 and then began family law practice in Wake County, NC. When I worked in the traditional, adversarial divorce system (the one in the movies with the depositions and the private investigators and courtrooms), I saw a really broken process. I saw families losing money and health and peace of mind in a time when they most needed support and stability. Two Families Law is a response to this system, and a bit of a loophole around it. It’s also a practice that is built on healthy lawyers and a healthy team.

I learn from every divorcing person I meet. If you wind up on the cozy pink couch in my office, our team will welcome you with tea and an open heart. And you’re gonna be a-ok on the other side of it all.

Lovely, Kind, Smart

“Nicole is a compassionate, kind, smart person who (almost literally) held my hand through my divorce. I didn't want to get divorced, but once that was decided, I knew I wanted it to be done with kindness, empathy, and without trying to best anyone. My former spouse and I were able to navigate the divorce process easily with help from Nicole. I have sent at least 6 friends to her and they were all pleased as well. In a world where there's this idea of family lawyers being sharks, Nicole is a breath of fresh air. She helps you through a sad, necessary time without making me feel exploited or like I was making things worse for my children and ex-spouse. I cannot say enough good things about her practice.”

Sarah McIntyre

Partner + Collaborative Attorney

I’m Sarah. As an attorney with a background in domestic violence and immigration law, I have seen firsthand how the court system can work against those who most need help. This happens in so many ways including by taking away the parties’ ability to make informed decisions about what is healthiest for themselves and their children; allowing the influence of biases and stereotypes to affect final outcomes; making a situation more tense or dangerous than it was before court; pushing personal details into the public record; prioritizing efficiency over compassion; and opening parties and their children up to further trauma.

I joined Two Families Law because I know it can be different. I see collaborative divorce as a radical way to take back power and to allow the law to work with you and offer a unique and personal resolution for your unique and personal case. I believe the collaborative approach allows you to prioritize your own physical, emotional, and financial health as you take this huge step forward.

As a child of divorce, I offer a special insight into this process and can attest to the power of parents who are intentional and compassionate in the way they approach divorce. I know that families can prioritize individual and family wellbeing, even through conflict, as a model for their children.

I attended undergraduate and law school at UNC Chapel Hill and have been a proud resident of the Bull City ever since. When I’m not in our office, you might find me chasing my toddler on a nearby trail or beach with my crazy dog and husband, working out, or planning my next trip.

“Sarah is a talented, consummate professional who anticipates and addresses every detail with extensive expertise, providing a sense of safety, stability and security. But even more importantly, she invests an incredible amount of personalized care and attention with her clients, providing unwavering emotional support and partnership to help you navigate a deeply painful and logistically complex experience.”

Natalie Christley

Paralegal

Hi, I’m Natalie! I am a self proclaimed “Monica Gellar”. I am always the hostess, love to organize, and am a friend you can always count on to be there and listen, cry, or laugh with you. I thrive on being able to help others. 

As an empath, I will be able to work with our clients in a caring and thoughtful way. I’ll be there to support you as we all navigate this new journey together and collaborate to find the best possible outcome for all. I am a wife and mother of 2 and understand the importance of juggling life and making sure your kids feel supported, cared for, and prioritized. I joined Two Families Law looking for a way to be able to have a career and still be a mother. I love the mission and values that TFL hold for themselves and their clients. Your emotional and mental wellbeing are a top priority.  

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and a minor in Leadership from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. I spent my college days volunteering at my local Rape Crisis Center as a hospital respondent, training as a peer mediator, working as a Legal Assistant, and planning events for the Communications Studies Society. I’ve been a paralegal for 10+ years with a majority of that focused on Real Estate law. I am excited to be learning a new practice area and bringing my skills and expertise as a paralegal to Two Families Law. When I’m not at work you can find me playing with my kiddos and pup, catching a broadway play at DPAC, planning over the top birthdays for my family, rewatching “Friends” for the millionth time, and going to the beach as often as possible. 

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Casey Brewer

Practice Manager

Hi! I’m Casey and I’m divorced. I know firsthand that this is an overwhelming process and hope to serve as a reminder that it gets better. As practice manager, I’ll show up with both kindness and administrative support while our team guides you through this uncertain season.

A creative professional with a heart for communicating, I love connecting with people and hearing their stories. Formally a freelance photographer, I now work with brands to build positive relationships with clients. If you ever have any concerns or questions, send them my way and I’ll do everything I can to help.

Based in Brooklyn, my spare time is occupied mostly by wandering around the marvel that is New York City, devouring all things food and drink, and undoubtedly calling it an early night with my dog Hazel.


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We are an anti-racist, lgbtq-affirming, feminist, women-led practice. We see that our world and our social structures have all sorts of unfair biases and hierarchies that don’t serve any of us well and especially disenfranchise some. We welcome clients of all backgrounds and beliefs, as long as you can be kind here. We will promote fairness and an equality of power of all parties at the negotiation table, because we believe that this is the best way through.