Triangle Estate Lawyers, an estate planning and probate law firm in Raleigh, North Carolina helps clients protect their loved ones and their hard-earned assets using custom-tailored estate plans and asset protection strategies.
Meet the dedicated attorneys and staff who embody excellence and commitment at every turn. Get to know the faces behind our mission to champion your legal needs with unwavering expertise and personalized care.
CEO & Senior Attorney
Mary Gurganus serves as the CEO and Senior Attorney at Triangle Estate Lawyers as well as Triangle Divorce Lawyers. Her journey in the legal realm began with academic excellence, graduating with honors from North Carolina Central School of Law. During her time there, Mary held the prestigious role of president at the law school’s Innocence Project.
Before her legal ventures, Mary honed her skills in Business Management and Law at Loyola University in Baltimore, MD, where she earned her undergraduate degree. This solid foundation has enriched her ability to navigate complex legal issues with a strategic business perspective.
Mary’s commitment to excellence extended beyond academics; she contributed significantly to the legal community as a member of the North Carolina Central Law Journal and held pivotal roles in the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, serving as Parliamentarian and National Delegate.
Residing in Raleigh, NC, Mary finds joy in balancing her professional endeavors with quality time spent with her husband and three children. Her love for sports shines through her favorite pastimes, which include relishing moments on Lake Gaston and passionately supporting the Baltimore Ravens and NC State teams during their games.
Mary has been given the Power Player 2024 award by NC Lawyer Weekly.
Managing Attorney & Parenting Coordinator
Alice joined Triangle Estate Lawyers in 2020, after managing her own private practice for the previous five years, representing family law clients in the Triangle and across Eastern North Carolina.
Alice grew up in Eastern North Carolina and graduated summa cum laude from North Carolina Central University School of Law in 2014. While in law school, Alice served as a Staff Editor for the North Carolina Central Law Review and had her article published on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals’ First Amendment decision in U.S. v. Hamilton. Prior to law school, Alice attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Communication Studies.
Prior to law school, Alice worked in the hospitality industry as the General Manager for several hotels in North Carolina and the Midwest. When not working, Alice enjoys traveling with her family and playing bridge.
Alice has been given the prestigious accolade of Super Lawyers Rising Star 2024.
Senior Attorney, LLM
David Franklin is a seasoned legal professional with 26 years of experience. He holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Millsaps College in Jackson, MS, and earned his law degree from Seattle University School of Law in 1989. After practicing law in Seattle for a decade, specializing in family law, wills, trusts, estates, and business matters, David furthered his expertise with a Master of Laws in Taxation from Georgetown School of Law in 2001. Since relocating to Raleigh, NC, in 2004, David has focused his practice on estate law at Triangle Estate Lawyers and family law at Triangle Divorce Lawyers, where he assists clients through sensitive legal issues with compassion and expertise.
Outside of his legal career, David is an active biker and hiker, enjoying the natural beauty and outdoor activities that Raleigh and its surroundings offer. His combination of extensive legal experience, specialized education, and dedication to serving his clients makes him a valuable asset in the legal community.
Senior Attorney
Sheneshia Fitts is a dedicated and experienced attorney with over a decade of practice in family law, estate planning, and probate. As a Senior Attorney at Triangle Estate Lawyers, she brings a wealth of expertise and a client-centered approach to every case she handles.
Before embarking on her legal career, Sheneshia honorably served in the U.S. Navy, where she developed invaluable skills in leadership, discipline, and problem-solving. Her military background instilled in her a deep sense of service—one that continues to drive her advocacy for individuals and families navigating complex legal matters.
Sheneshia is passionate about helping clients through life’s most challenging transitions, offering compassionate guidance and strategic legal solutions. Whether assisting with divorce, child custody, estate planning, or probate matters, she is committed to providing thoughtful counsel and strong representation to protect her clients’ best interests.
Her dedication, combined with her unique background and legal expertise, makes Sheneshia an invaluable asset to both the firm and the clients she serves.
Managing Attorney & Parenting Coordinator
Senior Attorney, LLM
Senior Attorney
Wills, trusts, and legal directives tailored to your needs.
Legal guidance to simplify estate settlement.
Strategies to protect assets and ensure proper distribution.
Every family law case is different, and success depends on your individual goals. Our focus is on achieving outcomes that protect what matters most to you—whether that’s your children, financial stability, or peace of mind.
Family law isn’t about “winning” in the traditional sense. It’s about securing the best possible outcome for your future. We approach each case with strategy, experience, and a commitment to protecting your interests.
We start with a consultation to understand your needs. From there, we guide you through each phase—gathering information, negotiating or litigating key issues, and finalizing legal documents. You’ll always know what to expect next.
While we do not offer full pro bono representation, we provide free consultations and explore alternative options when possible, including limited-scope services, payment plans, or referrals to legal aid resources.
Yes. Many clients come to us unsure of where to begin. We’re here to help you understand your options, prioritize what matters most, and move forward with clarity and confidence.
We’re always interested in connecting with talented attorneys who align with our mission. If you’re passionate about family law and committed to client-centered advocacy, we encourage you to reach out.
The best solution depends on your goals and circumstances. Our job is to listen, understand your priorities, and present options that align with your long-term interests—so you can make informed decisions about your future.
Your legal peace of mind begins with a conversation. Contact us now to explore tailored solutions and take the first step towards a secure future backed by our dedicated legal expertise.