Jennifer Palmer
Senior Associate Attorney | Estates & Trusts and Family Law | Gastonia
Jennifer Palmer is a Senior Associate Attorney in the Gastonia office of McIlveen Family Law Firm. Her practice centers on estate planning and probate administration, and she continues to handle select family law matters, particularly where estate planning meets separation, divorce or a change in custody. Born and raised in North Carolina, she is known for careful listening and for making complicated decisions feel manageable.
What kinds of matters does Jennifer Palmer handle?
Jennifer prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney and health care directives, and guides families through probate and estate administration. She builds plans around each client's goals, whether that is providing for children, planning for incapacity, minimizing conflict or preserving a family legacy. She also handles family law matters that intersect with estate planning, such as updating a plan after a separation or divorce.
Why does estate planning matter during a separation or divorce?
In North Carolina, a separation does not automatically change who inherits under a will, who is named in a power of attorney or who is the beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement account. Because Jennifer works in both areas, she can help clients update those documents at the right point in the process so that a divorce does not leave a former spouse in control of their affairs.
How does Jennifer approach her work?
Jennifer views good planning as an act of care. Her goal is for clients to feel confident about the future, with documents that are easy to understand, tailored to real life and designed to spare loved ones unnecessary stress. Whether preparing a will, building a trust-based plan or guiding a family through probate, her focus is the same: reduce uncertainty, prevent conflict and make the process as smooth as possible.
Where did Jennifer Palmer go to school?
Jennifer graduated magna cum laude from Salem College with a B.A. in International Relations and History and departmental honors in International Relations. She earned her J.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Law, where legal clinics and community-facing work reinforced her belief that legal guidance should be supportive and accessible.
What did Jennifer do before law school?
Before law school Jennifer spent five years in talent management with a global specialty retailer. That work built the client-service habits, responsiveness and relationship focus that clients notice in her practice today.
What professional organizations does Jennifer belong to?
Jennifer is a member of the North Carolina State Bar, the Family Law Section of the North Carolina Bar Association and the Gaston County Bar Association.
What recognition has Jennifer Palmer received?
Jennifer was selected to the North Carolina Super Lawyers Rising Stars list for estate planning and probate (2026–2027) and received the Avvo Clients' Choice Award in 2024. Details are listed below.
Outside the Practice of Law
Jennifer enjoys time with her family, cheering on the Tar Heels, true-crime documentaries and planning her next trip to the beach or the mountains.
loading ...
Awards
- Selected to the North Carolina Super Lawyers Rising Stars list, Estate Planning & Probate, 2026-2027
- Avvo: Clients' Choice Award, 2024
Memberships and Affiliations
- North Carolina State Bar
- Family Law Section, North Carolina Bar Association
- Gaston County Bar Association