Ben S. Thalheimer

Family Law Attorney

Phone: (704) 376-3030 x106 | Email: ben@moretzandskufca.com

Ben is of Counsel to our Charlotte office. Prior to joining Moretz & Skufca, PLLC, Ben served for over five years as a Mecklenburg County District Court Judge, almost exclusively in Family Court. The knowledge he gained from hearing hundreds of cases and witnessing both sides of a case is invaluable. He knows what are effective arguments and more importantly how to draft settlements and agreements that will keep you out of court. Prior to being on the bench, he served as a Mecklenburg County Civil Magistrate, concentrating on landlord-tenant law and contract law for five years, and a Criminal Magistrate prior to that. Ben also received strong legal training as an associate at the Charlotte law firm of James, McElroy and Diehl, P.A. before entering public service.

Additionally, Ben has an extensive background outside the law. This provides him important insights into business issues that often arise in domestic cases. Having received an MBA from Northwestern University, he worked in brand management at the international headquarters of one of the nation's premier companies, Procter and Gamble Co. He left there to run a family business, cable television in Watauga County, North Carolina. He has bought and sold several small businesses throughout his career.

Ben's commitment to law and helping others extends into the community. He has been a member of the local Domestic Bar Committee, meeting with judges, lawyers and community leaders to improve the court system. United Family Services has acknowledged him as its most outstanding volunteer for his efforts to assist battered partners in obtaining restraining orders. As recognition of his expertise and commitment, Governor Perdue appointed Ben on the NC State Commission for Domestic Violence. He has served as a lecturer at Wake Forest University School of Law. At the bequest of the North Carolina Institute of Government, Ben has instructed judges on how to deal with litigants who are not represented by counsel. He has acted as a volunteer judge in Truancy Court. He has served on the local ethics panel to interview new attorneys. Ben is a member of the North Mecklenburg Rotary Club and serves on the board of his homeowners association.

Areas of practice:

• Family law
• Equitable distribution
• Custody
• Child support
• Alimony
• Divorce

Bar Admission:

• North Carolina, 1986

Education:

• J.D., University of Virginia
• M.B.A., Northern University, M.B.A., 1976
• BSIM Purdue University, 1975

Activities:

• Raised a daughter through teenage years as a divorced father with primary custody
• Volunteer at Freedom School
• Volunteer for Habitat for Humanities
• Volunteer for Room at the Inn
• Volunteer for MAPS\Quest meal delivery
• Volunteer Attorney-for-the Day at Mecklenburg Self Help Center
• Co-Chair of Mecklenburg County Pro-Se project
• Teacher for volunteer lawyer program.
• Mecklenburg County Lawyer Referral Service Committee
• Former Chairman Charlotte-Mecklenburg Cable Television Oversight Committee
• Member of Committee to Reevaluate Jurisdiction of Judges in NC (appointed by Chief Justice of NC Supreme Court.)
• Beta Gamma Sigma- Honorary Business Fraternity
• Omicron Delta Kappa- Honorary Academic and Leadership Fraternity