Our Firm
Our team understands the very real emotional and financial challenges involved in all aspects of Family Law. We are ready to support, guide, and advise you throughout this process.
As people and parents, we have walked in your shoes and understand your journey. We are empathetic and compassionate, but we will be tough with you – and tougher with the other side – when necessary.
We Believe in
- Understanding your particular situation and your goals.
- Setting your expectations about the process, the timeline, and the possible results.
- Keeping you informed about all developments in your case.
- Advocating for you and being responsive to you.
- Caring about you and your case as we would for our own families.
Carolyn T. Peacock, Attorney and Founder
“I enjoy Family Law because my practice revolves around working with the family unit. I want my clients to believe the result we achieved was within their expectations, was accomplished with as little turmoil and stress as possible, and throughout the process my client felt they had the support and compassion of our office and staff.”
Carolyn Peacock is an experienced and dedicated Family Law attorney who has practiced law for over 20 years. Carolyn became a Board Certified Specialist in Family Law in 2008. Board Certified Specialists must satisfy rigorous requirements including passing a 6 hour exam, continuing education, peer review, and the allocation of 25% or more of their practice to their speciality.
Carolyn truly stands apart amongst specialists because her practice is 100% devoted to Family Law.
Carolyn’s Background and Experience
From Florida originally, Carolyn graduated from Florida State University in 1993. She then moved to North Carolina to attend Wake Forest Law School. North Carolina has been her home ever since.
Upon graduating from law school, Carolyn relocated to eastern North Carolina where she worked as Assistant District Attorney for Carteret, Craven, and Pamlico Counties. Her background in the DA’s office provided her with a unique perspective as well as experience before the Court.
In addition to her Family Law Practice, Carolyn has served as Craven County’s Child Support Attorney since 1998. She is Past President of the Craven County Bar Association and Past President of the 3B Judicial Bar Association. Carolyn is a Member of the North Carolina Bar Association, the North Carolina Bar Association Family Law Section, and the North Carolina Bar Association Family Law Council.
Carolyn enjoys traveling and spending time at the beach with her husband and her two teenagers.
After fighting for my son’s life for years with other attorneys, God sends us this little lady wearing red, files in hand, leaving the Craven County courthouse. Ms. Peacock didn’t sugarcoat or mince words. I tell you, though, once she saw the truth in me, she fought with a vigor rivaling David himself. She was not only my advocate but more importantly, she was an advocate for my little boy who by grace is graduating from HS this year with honors and college-bound. It was Carolyn’s discernment, brilliant legal mind, and pursuit of the truth that made it possible. There is no quit in her. Others failed but she saw it through. She was a true blessing to my family and I would go to battle with Ms. Peacock in any clime and any place.
Semper Fi,
LtCol B
Shelby Thomas, Attorney
Shelby is a Craven County native and graduate of East Carolina University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science, graduating magna cum laude. While at ECU, she served as an at-large member of the Student Government Association and was a member of the Chi Omega sorority, along with various other clubs and organizations.
Shelby went on to earn her Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law, graduating magna cum laude in May 2025, and successfully passed the July 2025 North Carolina Bar Exam. During law school, she interned with Peacock Family Law and served as a Certified Legal Intern in NCCU’s Family Law Clinic, where she assisted Durham residents with absolute divorces, child support, and child custody matters.
Shelby is passionate about helping her clients navigate challenging times with compassion and understanding. Her approach to family law is rooted in empathy, clear communication, and a commitment to guiding clients toward practical, long-term solutions. As a life-long native of Craven County, North Carolina, she has a strong commitment to representing local members of the community in their family law matters.
Shelby is a Member of the Craven County Bar Association, District 4 Bar Association, North Carolina Bar Association, and the North Carolina Bar Association Family Law Section.
Becky Cole
Certified Paralegal
“Carolyn taught me so much in the 18 years we have worked together. She taught me to have patience and work hard. We all work great as a team as we are all passionate for Family Law. We also want to achieve the best results for our clients.”
Becky is a career paralegal with an extensive background in Family Law. She earned the distinction of becoming a North Carolina State Bar Certified Paralegal in 2006. The North Carolina State Bar introduced the certification program “to provide a much-needed benchmark to ensure paralegal competency and enhance the quality of legal services provided by North Carolina paralegals.” Becky is a shining example of what that certification represents.
Born in Harrisonburg VA, Becky moved to New Bern, NC in 1972. She earned an Associates Degree in Paralegal Technology, the NC State Bar Certified Paralegal program at Carteret Community College, on August 10, 1991. Becky met Carolyn while working as a Child Support Agent. She eagerly jumped at the chance to work with Carolyn as a Family Law Paralegal in 2005.
Becky has been an NC Notary Public since December 1992. In her spare time, Becky enjoys reading, attending concerts, spending time with her son, her family, her friends, and her two dogs.
Cathy Blair-Jones
Administrative Assistant
“Carolyn expects a lot from her team, but nothing more than she expects of herself. We work well together, playing to each other’s strengths and shoring up each other’s weaknesses. We always work towards the best resolution for our clients.”
Cathy thought she wanted to be a teacher, but Carolyn is grateful that Cathy chose a different path. She transcribes Carolyn’s dictation, does all billing, handles uncontested divorce cases and maintains files. Cathy has worked for Carolyn for more than 20 years. She’s the cog that keeps the wheels turning at Peacock Family Law.
Cathy was born in South Hill, VA, and raised in Cincinnati, OH. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science from Miami University in Oxford, OH. After student teaching in a high school setting, she realized teaching was not for her.
Cathy moved away from teaching to more secretarial duties with each successive job. She met the love of her life in Chicago – her now husband, Terry (Ret. MGySgt. – USMC). They married and eventually moved to New Bern, NC, where Cathy started working for Carolyn.
Cathy and Terry have four children between them. Terry has a daughter and son, and together Cathy and Terry have 2 sons. During her free time, Cathy enjoys reading, indulging in Hallmark movie marathons on Saturday with Terry, and playing Yahtzee with her youngest son.
Kim Cope
Certified Paralegal
“Carolyn is dedicated to her client’s best interests. The way she stands up and fights for her clients is very impressive and is something that you definitely want to have on your side. She is hard working and strives for the best end result for each of her clients. The entire staff at Peacock Family Law has years of experience and will look out for your best interest.”
Kim’s introduction to the world of family law started all the way back in 1990. Kim started as a legal receptionist, but she quickly moved up the ranks to paralegal. Kim’s extensive experience and passion for family law was just what the North Carolina State Bar was looking for when it introduced the paralegal certification program in 2006. Kim was awarded the honor of becoming a North Carolina State Bar Certified Paralegal in the early days of the program.
Kim is originally from New Bern and went to school in Havelock. Kim and Carolyn have known each other for about 20 years. Kim worked for Carolyn as a family law paralegal at another firm. So, when the opportunity arose in August 2020, Kim was excited to join Peacock Family Law.
Kim is laid back and enjoys spending time with family and doing home decorating and home improvement projects. Kim and her husband, AC, stay busy! She has five children that all live in the area, three of whom are still in high school. She also is the proud grandmama to four grandchildren.
Lindsay March
Legal Assistant
“I love how upfront and honest Carolyn is with her clients. She will let you know the pros and cons about your case from the beginning. She truly fights for her clients to obtain the best possible outcome in their case.”
Lindsay started her career in the legal field as a receptionist in 2015. After working in a variety of jobs in the legal community, she found her calling in family law. For the last six years, Lindsay has committed her efforts to helping clients navigate challenging moments with understanding, compassionate guidance, organized case support, and consistent communications with clients and attorneys. She has worked at Peacock Family Law as a legal assistant since 2021. Because every legal case is unique, Lindsay values the continual opportunity to broaden her knowledge so that she can better serve her clients.
When Lindsay is not hard at work in the office, she loves going on traveling adventures with her husband and 2 children, being out on the water on their boat, camping, and being in the company of her friends.
Cathy Rock
Office Manager
“Carolyn works diligently for her clients. She always has their best interests first and foremost. The Peacock Family Law Staff work together to make the process stress free and seamless as possible. The attorneys and staff at the firm work to achieve the best possible outcome for all parties involved.”
Cathy joined the Peacock Family Law team in 2021, after retiring from teaching school for over 30 years. After a short period of retirement, Cathy was ready to do something different. Through mutual friends, Cathy began working at the firm as the Office Manager. She is extremely efficient and organized. Clients appreciate her organization, attention to detail, and warm interactions in the office.
Cathy is originally from Halifax County, NC and has called New Bern home for the past 26 years. She and her husband, Kevin (also retired), have one son and a yellow lab named Magnum. Cathy enjoys traveling, watching old movies, baking, and spending time with family and friends.
It’s time to move forward.
Let’s have a conversation.