Kathryn Tart

Senior Attorney

Kathryn Tart has practiced family law in North Carolina since 2004. Over the past two decades, she has handled litigation, negotiations, adoptions, juvenile law, and complex family law matters involving divorce, custody, alimony, and equitable distribution. In July 2024, she joined Marshall & Taylor after successfully operating her own family law practice for more than ten years.

Before entering the legal field, Kathryn followed a path shaped by curiosity, service, and exploration. Born a Georgia peach and raised near Lake Norman, she grew up sailing her Sunfish, exploring hidden coves, and learning the value of patience and persistence on the water. Those early experiences carried forward as she worked as an educator in Mooresville, NC and later in Mexico, where she also freelanced as a textbook writer. Her love of learning and desire to serve families led her to Campbell Law School, where she graduated in 2004 and was admitted to the North Carolina Bar that same year.

Since then, Kathryn has dedicated her career to family law. She takes a straightforward and client-focused approach, bridging the gap between what the law provides and what her clients truly need. She values listening carefully, helping clients organize the chaos of divorce, custody, alimony, or equitable distribution disputes. Whenever possible, she aims to resolve cases by mutual agreement within six months of being retained.

Kathryn’s leadership in the legal community is extensive. She has been a member of the North Carolina State Bar, North Carolina Bar Association, and multiple local bar associations for decades. She served as President of the Twelfth Judicial Bar in 2015, following Vice President and Treasurer roles, and is currently active with the Tenth Judicial Bar and Wake County Bar. She has also been a member of the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers.

Her service extends beyond the legal community. Kathryn has served on the Cape Fear Christian Academy Board of Directors, the North Carolina Community Foundation/Harnett County Affiliate (as President in 2015), the Dunn Chamber of Commerce, and Leadership Harnett. Today, she continues to serve her community as a board member of the Fuquay-Varina Board of Adjustments (Current Chair).

Outside the office, Kathryn stays true to her roots of exploration and community. She enjoys time with her sons, family, and friends, and loves reading, cooking, exercising, traveling, and horseback riding. Whether on the water, outdoors, or with loved ones, she embraces the same patience and resilience she brings to her clients in the courtroom.

Memberships & Leadership Roles

• North Carolina State Bar (since 2004)
• North Carolina Bar Association (since 2004)
• Tenth Judicial Bar (since 2024)
• Wake County Bar Association (since 2024)
• Twelfth Judicial Bar (2004–2024) – President (2015), Vice President (2014), Treasurer (2013)
• Harnett County Bar Association (2004–2024)
• North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers (2004–2013)
• Cape Fear Christian Academy Board of Directors – Chair of Academic Affairs (2012–2018)
• North Carolina Community Foundation/Harnett County Affiliate – President (2015)
• Dunn Chamber of Commerce – Vice President of Beautification (2015)
• Leadership Harnett (2015)
• Fuquay-Varina Board of Adjustments – Chair (current member since 2023)