Attorneys that meet you where you are.
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Melenni R. Balbach
Founder - Attorney at Law
I’m Melenni Balbach, an attorney who spent years litigating high-conflict family law cases. I’ve sat across from heartbroken spouses, terrified parents, and clients who walked into court thinking the legal system would offer fairness, clarity, or even closure.
It rarely did.
In the traditional divorce process, everyone loses something; not just emotionally, but financially, mentally, and relationally. It’s adversarial by design. Couples are often pushed to fight harder, dig deeper, and "win,” even when they would’ve preferred to resolve things privately, quickly, or peacefully.
I’ve seen judges make life-changing decisions in under five minutes. I’ve watched entire retirement accounts drain into legal fees. And I’ve represented good people who were simply trying to survive a process that treated their family like a case number.
After years of this work, I realized: litigation isn’t the only way and it’s almost never the best way.
That’s why we built Balbach & Davenport Legal. A clarity-focused law firm designed for modern clients navigating major transitions like divorce, separation, co-parenting, estate planning, and new partnerships. Whether you’re preparing to get married, divide assets, sign a donor agreement, or regain your independence, my goal is to bring strategy, stability, and simplicity into the process.
I believe legal support should feel empowering, not punitive. It should be straightforward, values-aligned, and tailored to your actual life, not just your paperwork.
This work isn’t about fighting in court. It’s about helping people move forward with their dignity, finances, and future intact.
Kayleigh L. Davenport
Founder - Attorney at Law
Throughout my professional career, I handled civil litigation and insurance defense cases. However, it was when I returned to my hometown, Wilmington, North Carolina, where I discovered my true passion for family law. My passion for helping parents began when I decided to give back to the community as a parent-defender in cases involving the Department of Social Services. Giving back to the community as a court-appointed Parent Defender, I have had the privilege of standing beside parents in some of their most challenging moments, supporting them while tirelessly advocating for their right to regain custody of their child or children. Being back in the community where I grew up gave me a renewed sense of purpose and reminded me of the importance of having strong support systems during life’s most difficult seasons. It was here that I realized helping individuals and families navigate the challenges of divorce, custody disputes, and other deeply personal matters was not just legal work, it was my calling.
I dedicate my career to practicing family law because I believe every client deserves not only strong legal representation but also genuine support during life’s most challenging moments. I strive to be both an advocate and a steady source of reassurance, helping clients make informed decisions while protecting their best interests. Practicing in Eastern North Carolina, I am committed to providing solutions that balance strength with empathy, ensuring that each client feels heard, supported, and empowered every step of the way. A pillar of my practice is consistent communication with my clients because I believe clients deserve to feel informed, supported, and confident in every step of their case.
My practice covers the full spectrum of family law matters, including divorce, custody, child support, alimony, equitable distribution, as well as guardianship, termination of parental rights, and adoptions.
In addition to representing parents, I also serve as a Guardian ad Litem, where I focus on protecting the best interests of children in difficult and complex cases. I am deeply committed to being a voice for children in court, ensuring their best interests are protected and their needs are never overlooked. Serving as their advocate allows me to help shape outcomes that provide stability, safety, and a brighter future.
My passion lies in guiding clients with clarity, compassion, and unwavering advocacy, it’s about helping people through some of the hardest moments of their lives and making a real difference.