team-member

Steven Epstein

Raleigh, NC

Licensed for 31 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Child custody

Language

English

About

After nearly 25 years in law practice, I decided to migrate into the area of family law, where I now regularly advise clients and represent them in litigation regarding separation and divorce, child custody and support, alimony and post-separation support, and equitable distribution. I began practicing family law in 2014, following my own personal 2-year odyssey through the family court justice system.  During that process, I felt a calling to help lead others through the tunnel from which I had just emerged.  In 2020, I was recognized by the NC State Bar as a board-certified specialist in family law.  I am a passionate advocate for the rights of my family law clients and the well-being of their children.  My goal is to help each client find their better tomorrow for themselves and their children. 

Practices Areas

Child custody

Divorce and separation

Family

Language

English

Contact

Poyner Spruill LLPPo Box 1801Raleigh, NC, 27602-1801 Office (919) 783-2846 Fax (919) 783-1075 Po Box 1801Raleigh, NC, 27602-1801 Office (919) 783-2846(919) 783-2846 Fax (919) 783-1075(919) 783-1075

Office: (919) 666-2787

Website: N/A

Reviews

anonymous
March 24, 2021

I was thrown into the custody and divorce process completely unawares -- my wife obtained an emergency order removing the kids from my custody even before there was any talk of separation! Throughout that traumatic process (and the parental alienation that followed) Steve was really a solid rock. He was always clear about what the law was, what my options were, and what the costs and benefits of those options were. He also gave me really sound advice about how to stay on the right side of the law *and* stay in the court's good graces. As a legal tactician, Steve is first-rate. More than once, he would call me with "an inspiration I had at the gym" that ended up being exactly the right move for my case. He is a creative and thoughtful advocate -- who obviously does a lot of off-the-clock thinking about how to best serve his clients' interests. Steve's team (mostly his paralegal Patti, but also his assistants) made sure that we were always prepared for everything the other side tried to throw at us. At each of the two hearings in my case, that preparation really showed -- we caught the other side flat-footed or we had just the right response ready when they tried to catch us out. Every single minute of trial prep proved well worth it in the end. MOST IMPORTANTLY OF ALL, Steve always always always kept the children's best interests as the center of our legal strategy. Sometimes that meant giving up on some point of personal pride or slight from the other side (which we might well have had the upper hand on, legally) but it also powered his zeal and tenacity when it came to the really important issues. Even when it came to property division, Steve's focus on the best interests of the children had a clear impact on the judge. I feel very lucky to have found Steve as my advocate in what ended up being a traumatic and unnecessarily complicated custody and property fight. The best thing would have been for my ex to be reasonable -- but given that that wasn't in the cards, I really believe Steve's advocacy and counsel were the next best thing.

Coleman
August 14, 2020

Steve represented me better than I could have ever imagined. My opinions were valued and my doubts were always reassured. My nerves were calmed and the process was always explained. Steve fought hard for me. He went above and beyond and did everything he could to ensure a great outcome. I couldn't have asked for a better attorney.

Michael
August 13, 2020

Steve always conducted himself in a very thorough, timely and professional manner. He met all his timelines, obligations and was punctual and concise. His knowledge of the details surrounding the law in this case was exemplary. I consider myself very fortunate to have had him represent me and the outcome of the case was very desirable.

anonymous
January 14, 2020

I hired Mr. Epstein to help me when my wife decided she did not want to abide by the separation agreement we had signed six years ago. It was a contract matter so Mr. Epstein's background in contract law was a plus in my mind. He listened to what I had to say and gave me some very good recommendations ( not necessarily what I wanted to hear but what I needed to know ) and I also thought his billing was fair.

Mike
May 5, 2019

It is difficult to put into words my appreciation for Steve's knowledge of the law, passion for his trade, sincerity of his counsel, care for his client, unmatched preparation and expertise in court! When I separated and divorced years ago, I made a big mistake by not retaining counsel to help me the legal issues. Her attorney drafted a poorly written separation agreement in which I signed without gaining legal advice (never do that!!!). The document had vagueness written into the language of the separation agreement that could cost me hundreds of thousands of dollars. I contacted Steve for a consultation and he was very thorough with all of the dynamics that existed and did not present a fairy tale ending, but rather a list of options that may occur. He walked me through the entire process from the legal paperwork to the potential trial. Steve then suggested that I could always seek the advice of another attorney, but after listening to his strategy and sensing his professionalism and confidence, I did not need to talk to anyone else...one of the best decisions that I have ever made! In the end, my ex-wife turned down several settlement offers and we were forced to trial. Steve was absolutely brilliant in the courtroom. His preparation was unmatched and he delivered an unbelievable presentation that left me speechless. After the judge ruled in our favor, people were swarming Steve to get his business card as they wanted what I had! Thanks Steve for everything! You are the best!

Sara
January 31, 2019

I highly recommend using Steve if you are in need of a divorce attorney, in fact already recommended him to two other people going through separations. I knew immediately during my consultation that I was going to hire him, I didn’t even interview any other attorneys. He is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to the law, but he also truly cared about me as a person. He was always quick to respond to my questions or concerns, and he made sure to keep me updated on all of the facts in my case. He gave excellent counsel during my separation and mediation, he never led me on or simply told me what I wanted to hear. I found that to be crucial during the process of divorce, he made sure I stayed focused on what truly mattered to me. In the end he was able to help me get everything that I wanted out of mediation. I couldn’t have gotten through this without his counsel.

Jamie
December 23, 2018

Steve is a very knowledgeable attorney, outstanding in family law. He has an in-depth knowledge of the process, procedures and potential outcomes when negotiating a separation agreement and property settlement. He truly understands what you are going through and can guide you through the process, as one who has been there. He was always on, responsive and utterly professional in his communication and guidance. Due to multiple circumstances, we came down to the wire for negotiating a final settlement prior to the 2018 TCJA changes took effect, and he was able to guide me through the process, including mediation, to arrive at an agreeable solution, in record time. He offered sound advice in a time when we aren’t always able to think perfectly for ourselves. I highly recommend him and greatly appreciate his counsel during this time.

Darin
October 24, 2018

I can’t overstate the quality of Steve’s work or his dedication to his clients. Steve was very prompt with responses to any questions I had as well as being very quick to forward information to me as soon as he had it. What I respect most about Steve is that he focuses on the well-being of the children. He stated on day one that custody would be his priority which aligned perfectly with my goals. He also understands and empathizes with his clients which makes the entire process much more bearable. Steve was my second attorney and I wish I would have heard about him earlier. When I first hired Steve, I had been separated from my spouse for nearly 6 months and I got to see my child for one over-night visit every other weekend and I was allowed to take her to dinner once or twice per week for 2-hour visits. I was living in an apartment and paying my own bills as well as the bills of my spouse. I struggled to make ends meet and the situation was not sustainable. My predicament was in large part due to my lack of knowledge of my own rights. Steve changed all of that. He was very quick to rectify the situation by educating me of what my rights actually are and he was able to negotiate a much more equal settlement for me. With Steve’s help and expertise, I now have 50% custody of my daughter and our relationship is much stronger and more substantial! I am also back in the marital home which is the only real home my daughter has ever known. Without Steve, I don’t know that I would have ever gotten 50% custody and the home probably would have been lost. Working with Steve permanently changed the course of my life and that of my daughter’s significantly and for the better! Hiring Steve Epstein was one of the best decisions I have ever made!

Nicole
July 17, 2018

Steven is a very knowledgeable attorney who really understands what you are going through. He is able to offer advice and expertise that will be fair and accurate. Best part of working with him is you feel he has your back no matter the situation. I highly recommend him.

James
February 15, 2018

Choosing an attorney to represent you in family court is one of the most important decisions you will make in the lives of your children. Steve Epstein was the third attorney I hired for representation and my only regret is that I didn’t find him sooner. Steve brings passion for his work to a whole new level. His attention, enthusiasm, and devotion are unparalleled; he makes you feel like his only client. In a clear and concise manner Steve explained everything about what to expect throughout my case, leaving no stone unturned, and kept me informed of any updates or changes immediately as they happened. Steve was always available when I needed him; returning my calls, emails, and text messages the same day (usually within the hour) any time I reached out. However, what I admire most, was Steve’s attention and respect of the needs of my children. He took the time to truly understand all aspects of our family’s relationship, even taking time to make a special trip to my home to gather as much detail as he could, to provide the best possible representation. I have great respect and gratitude for Steve Epstein for his assistance to me and my family. My children are happier, and my ex-wife and I can better communicate due, in large part, to Steve’s influence. If you are reading this then you too are likely looking for representation in a family law case. I highly recommend Steve Epstein for his passion, his care, and his devotion.

anonymous
March 24, 2021

I was thrown into the custody and divorce process completely unawares -- my wife obtained an emergency order removing the kids from my custody even before there was any talk of separation! Throughout that traumatic process (and the parental alienation that followed) Steve was really a solid rock. He was always clear about what the law was, what my options were, and what the costs and benefits of those options were. He also gave me really sound advice about how to stay on the right side of the law *and* stay in the court's good graces. As a legal tactician, Steve is first-rate. More than once, he would call me with "an inspiration I had at the gym" that ended up being exactly the right move for my case. He is a creative and thoughtful advocate -- who obviously does a lot of off-the-clock thinking about how to best serve his clients' interests. Steve's team (mostly his paralegal Patti, but also his assistants) made sure that we were always prepared for everything the other side tried to throw at us. At each of the two hearings in my case, that preparation really showed -- we caught the other side flat-footed or we had just the right response ready when they tried to catch us out. Every single minute of trial prep proved well worth it in the end. MOST IMPORTANTLY OF ALL, Steve always always always kept the children's best interests as the center of our legal strategy. Sometimes that meant giving up on some point of personal pride or slight from the other side (which we might well have had the upper hand on, legally) but it also powered his zeal and tenacity when it came to the really important issues. Even when it came to property division, Steve's focus on the best interests of the children had a clear impact on the judge. I feel very lucky to have found Steve as my advocate in what ended up being a traumatic and unnecessarily complicated custody and property fight. The best thing would have been for my ex to be reasonable -- but given that that wasn't in the cards, I really believe Steve's advocacy and counsel were the next best thing.

Coleman
August 14, 2020

Steve represented me better than I could have ever imagined. My opinions were valued and my doubts were always reassured. My nerves were calmed and the process was always explained. Steve fought hard for me. He went above and beyond and did everything he could to ensure a great outcome. I couldn't have asked for a better attorney.

Michael
August 13, 2020

Steve always conducted himself in a very thorough, timely and professional manner. He met all his timelines, obligations and was punctual and concise. His knowledge of the details surrounding the law in this case was exemplary. I consider myself very fortunate to have had him represent me and the outcome of the case was very desirable.

anonymous
January 14, 2020

I hired Mr. Epstein to help me when my wife decided she did not want to abide by the separation agreement we had signed six years ago. It was a contract matter so Mr. Epstein's background in contract law was a plus in my mind. He listened to what I had to say and gave me some very good recommendations ( not necessarily what I wanted to hear but what I needed to know ) and I also thought his billing was fair.

Mike
May 5, 2019

It is difficult to put into words my appreciation for Steve's knowledge of the law, passion for his trade, sincerity of his counsel, care for his client, unmatched preparation and expertise in court! When I separated and divorced years ago, I made a big mistake by not retaining counsel to help me the legal issues. Her attorney drafted a poorly written separation agreement in which I signed without gaining legal advice (never do that!!!). The document had vagueness written into the language of the separation agreement that could cost me hundreds of thousands of dollars. I contacted Steve for a consultation and he was very thorough with all of the dynamics that existed and did not present a fairy tale ending, but rather a list of options that may occur. He walked me through the entire process from the legal paperwork to the potential trial. Steve then suggested that I could always seek the advice of another attorney, but after listening to his strategy and sensing his professionalism and confidence, I did not need to talk to anyone else...one of the best decisions that I have ever made! In the end, my ex-wife turned down several settlement offers and we were forced to trial. Steve was absolutely brilliant in the courtroom. His preparation was unmatched and he delivered an unbelievable presentation that left me speechless. After the judge ruled in our favor, people were swarming Steve to get his business card as they wanted what I had! Thanks Steve for everything! You are the best!

Sara
January 31, 2019

I highly recommend using Steve if you are in need of a divorce attorney, in fact already recommended him to two other people going through separations. I knew immediately during my consultation that I was going to hire him, I didn’t even interview any other attorneys. He is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to the law, but he also truly cared about me as a person. He was always quick to respond to my questions or concerns, and he made sure to keep me updated on all of the facts in my case. He gave excellent counsel during my separation and mediation, he never led me on or simply told me what I wanted to hear. I found that to be crucial during the process of divorce, he made sure I stayed focused on what truly mattered to me. In the end he was able to help me get everything that I wanted out of mediation. I couldn’t have gotten through this without his counsel.

Jamie
December 23, 2018

Steve is a very knowledgeable attorney, outstanding in family law. He has an in-depth knowledge of the process, procedures and potential outcomes when negotiating a separation agreement and property settlement. He truly understands what you are going through and can guide you through the process, as one who has been there. He was always on, responsive and utterly professional in his communication and guidance. Due to multiple circumstances, we came down to the wire for negotiating a final settlement prior to the 2018 TCJA changes took effect, and he was able to guide me through the process, including mediation, to arrive at an agreeable solution, in record time. He offered sound advice in a time when we aren’t always able to think perfectly for ourselves. I highly recommend him and greatly appreciate his counsel during this time.

Darin
October 24, 2018

I can’t overstate the quality of Steve’s work or his dedication to his clients. Steve was very prompt with responses to any questions I had as well as being very quick to forward information to me as soon as he had it. What I respect most about Steve is that he focuses on the well-being of the children. He stated on day one that custody would be his priority which aligned perfectly with my goals. He also understands and empathizes with his clients which makes the entire process much more bearable. Steve was my second attorney and I wish I would have heard about him earlier. When I first hired Steve, I had been separated from my spouse for nearly 6 months and I got to see my child for one over-night visit every other weekend and I was allowed to take her to dinner once or twice per week for 2-hour visits. I was living in an apartment and paying my own bills as well as the bills of my spouse. I struggled to make ends meet and the situation was not sustainable. My predicament was in large part due to my lack of knowledge of my own rights. Steve changed all of that. He was very quick to rectify the situation by educating me of what my rights actually are and he was able to negotiate a much more equal settlement for me. With Steve’s help and expertise, I now have 50% custody of my daughter and our relationship is much stronger and more substantial! I am also back in the marital home which is the only real home my daughter has ever known. Without Steve, I don’t know that I would have ever gotten 50% custody and the home probably would have been lost. Working with Steve permanently changed the course of my life and that of my daughter’s significantly and for the better! Hiring Steve Epstein was one of the best decisions I have ever made!

Nicole
July 17, 2018

Steven is a very knowledgeable attorney who really understands what you are going through. He is able to offer advice and expertise that will be fair and accurate. Best part of working with him is you feel he has your back no matter the situation. I highly recommend him.

James
February 15, 2018

Choosing an attorney to represent you in family court is one of the most important decisions you will make in the lives of your children. Steve Epstein was the third attorney I hired for representation and my only regret is that I didn’t find him sooner. Steve brings passion for his work to a whole new level. His attention, enthusiasm, and devotion are unparalleled; he makes you feel like his only client. In a clear and concise manner Steve explained everything about what to expect throughout my case, leaving no stone unturned, and kept me informed of any updates or changes immediately as they happened. Steve was always available when I needed him; returning my calls, emails, and text messages the same day (usually within the hour) any time I reached out. However, what I admire most, was Steve’s attention and respect of the needs of my children. He took the time to truly understand all aspects of our family’s relationship, even taking time to make a special trip to my home to gather as much detail as he could, to provide the best possible representation. I have great respect and gratitude for Steve Epstein for his assistance to me and my family. My children are happier, and my ex-wife and I can better communicate due, in large part, to Steve’s influence. If you are reading this then you too are likely looking for representation in a family law case. I highly recommend Steve Epstein for his passion, his care, and his devotion.

anonymous
March 24, 2021

I was thrown into the custody and divorce process completely unawares -- my wife obtained an emergency order removing the kids from my custody even before there was any talk of separation! Throughout that traumatic process (and the parental alienation that followed) Steve was really a solid rock. He was always clear about what the law was, what my options were, and what the costs and benefits of those options were. He also gave me really sound advice about how to stay on the right side of the law *and* stay in the court's good graces. As a legal tactician, Steve is first-rate. More than once, he would call me with "an inspiration I had at the gym" that ended up being exactly the right move for my case. He is a creative and thoughtful advocate -- who obviously does a lot of off-the-clock thinking about how to best serve his clients' interests. Steve's team (mostly his paralegal Patti, but also his assistants) made sure that we were always prepared for everything the other side tried to throw at us. At each of the two hearings in my case, that preparation really showed -- we caught the other side flat-footed or we had just the right response ready when they tried to catch us out. Every single minute of trial prep proved well worth it in the end. MOST IMPORTANTLY OF ALL, Steve always always always kept the children's best interests as the center of our legal strategy. Sometimes that meant giving up on some point of personal pride or slight from the other side (which we might well have had the upper hand on, legally) but it also powered his zeal and tenacity when it came to the really important issues. Even when it came to property division, Steve's focus on the best interests of the children had a clear impact on the judge. I feel very lucky to have found Steve as my advocate in what ended up being a traumatic and unnecessarily complicated custody and property fight. The best thing would have been for my ex to be reasonable -- but given that that wasn't in the cards, I really believe Steve's advocacy and counsel were the next best thing.

Coleman
August 14, 2020

Steve represented me better than I could have ever imagined. My opinions were valued and my doubts were always reassured. My nerves were calmed and the process was always explained. Steve fought hard for me. He went above and beyond and did everything he could to ensure a great outcome. I couldn't have asked for a better attorney.

Michael
August 13, 2020

Steve always conducted himself in a very thorough, timely and professional manner. He met all his timelines, obligations and was punctual and concise. His knowledge of the details surrounding the law in this case was exemplary. I consider myself very fortunate to have had him represent me and the outcome of the case was very desirable.

anonymous
January 14, 2020

I hired Mr. Epstein to help me when my wife decided she did not want to abide by the separation agreement we had signed six years ago. It was a contract matter so Mr. Epstein's background in contract law was a plus in my mind. He listened to what I had to say and gave me some very good recommendations ( not necessarily what I wanted to hear but what I needed to know ) and I also thought his billing was fair.

Mike
May 5, 2019

It is difficult to put into words my appreciation for Steve's knowledge of the law, passion for his trade, sincerity of his counsel, care for his client, unmatched preparation and expertise in court! When I separated and divorced years ago, I made a big mistake by not retaining counsel to help me the legal issues. Her attorney drafted a poorly written separation agreement in which I signed without gaining legal advice (never do that!!!). The document had vagueness written into the language of the separation agreement that could cost me hundreds of thousands of dollars. I contacted Steve for a consultation and he was very thorough with all of the dynamics that existed and did not present a fairy tale ending, but rather a list of options that may occur. He walked me through the entire process from the legal paperwork to the potential trial. Steve then suggested that I could always seek the advice of another attorney, but after listening to his strategy and sensing his professionalism and confidence, I did not need to talk to anyone else...one of the best decisions that I have ever made! In the end, my ex-wife turned down several settlement offers and we were forced to trial. Steve was absolutely brilliant in the courtroom. His preparation was unmatched and he delivered an unbelievable presentation that left me speechless. After the judge ruled in our favor, people were swarming Steve to get his business card as they wanted what I had! Thanks Steve for everything! You are the best!

Sara
January 31, 2019

I highly recommend using Steve if you are in need of a divorce attorney, in fact already recommended him to two other people going through separations. I knew immediately during my consultation that I was going to hire him, I didn’t even interview any other attorneys. He is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to the law, but he also truly cared about me as a person. He was always quick to respond to my questions or concerns, and he made sure to keep me updated on all of the facts in my case. He gave excellent counsel during my separation and mediation, he never led me on or simply told me what I wanted to hear. I found that to be crucial during the process of divorce, he made sure I stayed focused on what truly mattered to me. In the end he was able to help me get everything that I wanted out of mediation. I couldn’t have gotten through this without his counsel.

Jamie
December 23, 2018

Steve is a very knowledgeable attorney, outstanding in family law. He has an in-depth knowledge of the process, procedures and potential outcomes when negotiating a separation agreement and property settlement. He truly understands what you are going through and can guide you through the process, as one who has been there. He was always on, responsive and utterly professional in his communication and guidance. Due to multiple circumstances, we came down to the wire for negotiating a final settlement prior to the 2018 TCJA changes took effect, and he was able to guide me through the process, including mediation, to arrive at an agreeable solution, in record time. He offered sound advice in a time when we aren’t always able to think perfectly for ourselves. I highly recommend him and greatly appreciate his counsel during this time.

Darin
October 24, 2018

I can’t overstate the quality of Steve’s work or his dedication to his clients. Steve was very prompt with responses to any questions I had as well as being very quick to forward information to me as soon as he had it. What I respect most about Steve is that he focuses on the well-being of the children. He stated on day one that custody would be his priority which aligned perfectly with my goals. He also understands and empathizes with his clients which makes the entire process much more bearable. Steve was my second attorney and I wish I would have heard about him earlier. When I first hired Steve, I had been separated from my spouse for nearly 6 months and I got to see my child for one over-night visit every other weekend and I was allowed to take her to dinner once or twice per week for 2-hour visits. I was living in an apartment and paying my own bills as well as the bills of my spouse. I struggled to make ends meet and the situation was not sustainable. My predicament was in large part due to my lack of knowledge of my own rights. Steve changed all of that. He was very quick to rectify the situation by educating me of what my rights actually are and he was able to negotiate a much more equal settlement for me. With Steve’s help and expertise, I now have 50% custody of my daughter and our relationship is much stronger and more substantial! I am also back in the marital home which is the only real home my daughter has ever known. Without Steve, I don’t know that I would have ever gotten 50% custody and the home probably would have been lost. Working with Steve permanently changed the course of my life and that of my daughter’s significantly and for the better! Hiring Steve Epstein was one of the best decisions I have ever made!

Nicole
July 17, 2018

Steven is a very knowledgeable attorney who really understands what you are going through. He is able to offer advice and expertise that will be fair and accurate. Best part of working with him is you feel he has your back no matter the situation. I highly recommend him.

James
February 15, 2018

Choosing an attorney to represent you in family court is one of the most important decisions you will make in the lives of your children. Steve Epstein was the third attorney I hired for representation and my only regret is that I didn’t find him sooner. Steve brings passion for his work to a whole new level. His attention, enthusiasm, and devotion are unparalleled; he makes you feel like his only client. In a clear and concise manner Steve explained everything about what to expect throughout my case, leaving no stone unturned, and kept me informed of any updates or changes immediately as they happened. Steve was always available when I needed him; returning my calls, emails, and text messages the same day (usually within the hour) any time I reached out. However, what I admire most, was Steve’s attention and respect of the needs of my children. He took the time to truly understand all aspects of our family’s relationship, even taking time to make a special trip to my home to gather as much detail as he could, to provide the best possible representation. I have great respect and gratitude for Steve Epstein for his assistance to me and my family. My children are happier, and my ex-wife and I can better communicate due, in large part, to Steve’s influence. If you are reading this then you too are likely looking for representation in a family law case. I highly recommend Steve Epstein for his passion, his care, and his devotion.