Mary Gurganus is the Founder, CEO, and Senior Attorney of Triangle Divorce Lawyers. With 21 years of experience practicing exclusively in North Carolina family law, Mary helps individuals and families navigate divorce, child custody, child support, alimony and post-separation support, equitable distribution, business ownership issues in divorce, retirement and pension division, domestic violence matters, high-conflict custody disputes, and other complex family law matters.
Mary is often a good fit for clients who value clear communication, practical guidance, and a thoughtful approach to resolving family law disputes. She particularly enjoys working with clients who want to understand their options, seek a fair resolution, and are open to collaborative or negotiated solutions when appropriate.
Mary's Approach to Family Law
Mary's approach combines education, preparation, and practical perspective. She helps clients understand the strengths and challenges of their case, evaluate their options, and consider the potential legal, financial, emotional, and family impact of different paths forward.
When appropriate, Mary encourages clients to consider collaborative divorce, mediation, negotiation, and other alternatives to litigation. She also recognizes that some matters require court involvement and careful litigation preparation. Her goal is for clients to feel heard, prepared, and actively involved in making informed decisions about their future.
A Personal Connection to Family Law
Mary's connection to family law is personal. Having experienced divorce within her own family as a child, she saw firsthand how high-conflict disputes can affect children. That experience continues to influence her commitment to fair outcomes, child-focused solutions, and reducing unnecessary conflict when circumstances allow.
Mary believes in preserving healthy family relationships when possible and supports shared parenting arrangements when they are appropriate for the children and family involved.
Founder of Triangle Divorce Lawyers
Mary founded Triangle Divorce Lawyers with a belief that clients deserve more than legal representation. They deserve communication, responsiveness, preparation, accountability, and a team that genuinely cares about their experience during a difficult transition.
What began as a two-person operation with Wendy Damilowski has grown into a team of attorneys and legal professionals serving North Carolina families. As CEO, Mary has worked intentionally to build a firm where strong legal work, client service, and shared core values guide the way the team works with clients and with one another.
Mary also believes families navigating separation and divorce may benefit from support beyond the legal process. Through her community involvement, she has developed relationships with therapists, counselors, financial professionals, and other service providers who support individuals and families during major life transitions.
Education, Teaching, and Professional Involvement
Mary earned her Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law, graduating with honors. During law school, she served as President of the school's Innocence Project, was a member of the North Carolina Central Law Journal, and served as Parliamentarian and National Delegate for Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. She earned her undergraduate degree from Loyola University Maryland, where she studied Business Management and Law.
Education continues to be an important part of Mary's work. She regularly presents through programs including the Second Saturday Divorce Workshop and Exit Strategy Workshop and has provided education and training for attorneys, therapists, counselors, clergy, and other professionals who support families in transition.
Mary is particularly passionate about supporting therapists, counselors, and clergy whose confidential or privileged records may be sought in family law matters. She provides education and guidance to help professionals better understand these issues and protect confidential communications.
Mary's professional recognition includes being named to the North Carolina Family Law Power List by North Carolina Lawyers Weekly in 2024 and 2025 and recognition by the North Carolina State Bar Pro Bono Honor Society in 2023.
Outside of Work
Outside of work, Mary's faith, family, friends, and two dogs are an important part of her life. She enjoys traveling, boating, gardening, reading, and watching true crime and live trials. Naturally curious, Mary enjoys learning through books, educational programs, and new experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mary Gurganus
What types of family law matters does Mary Gurganus handle in North Carolina?
Mary's experience includes divorce, child custody, child support, alimony and post-separation support, equitable distribution, business ownership issues in divorce, retirement and pension division, domestic violence matters, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, parenting coordination, high-conflict custody, mediation, collaborative divorce, adoption matters, and termination of parental rights proceedings.
What types of clients may be a good fit for Mary Gurganus?
Mary may be a good fit for clients who value clear communication, preparation, and practical guidance. She particularly enjoys working with people who want to understand their options, seek a fair resolution, and are willing to consider collaborative or negotiated solutions when appropriate.
Does Mary Gurganus handle complex or high-conflict divorce and custody cases?
Yes. Mary's family law experience includes high-conflict custody disputes as well as divorce matters involving equitable distribution, business ownership, retirement and pension division, alimony, domestic violence issues, and other circumstances that may involve significant legal, financial, or family considerations.
Mary Gurganus shares what it means to practice family law with strategy, compassion, and a commitment to her clients' futures.
Meet the Full Team
Triangle Divorce Lawyers is one of the Triangle's largest dedicated family law firms — 16 attorneys and 40+ professionals, all focused exclusively on family law.