Recognized in Family Law and Family Law Mediation; listed since 2024.
RALEIGH, N.C. (August 20, 2026) – Smith Debnam attorney Kristin H. Ruth has been recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for Family Law and Family Law Mediation.
Throughout her career, Ruth’s work has maintained a strong connection to families and children. Today, she represents clients in divorce, custody, child support, property division, grandparent visitation, domestic violence, and other family law matters. She is also certified in both Superior Court and Family Financial Mediation.
Before returning to private practice, Ruth served for 13 years as a North Carolina District Court judge, where much of her work centered on child support enforcement. Her career has also included work involving child support and problem-solving courts, as well as presentations on child support, restorative justice, and court innovation at national and international programs. That longstanding focus continues through Ruth’s work outside her private practice. She frequently serves as a pro bono child advocate in divorce and separation proceedings, helping ensure that children have an independent voice when families are navigating difficult transitions.
“Kristin has spent a remarkable portion of her career asking what the legal system can do better for families and children,” said Smith Debnam Managing Partner Jerry T. Myers. “She brings compassion, discipline, and a deep sense of responsibility to difficult family law matters, always keeping in mind the people whose lives will be affected by the decisions being made.”
Ruth has been recognized by Best Lawyers since 2024. She earned her J.D. from Campbell University School of Law and her undergraduate degree from Kansas State University.
About Smith Debnam
Founded in 1972, Smith Debnam Attorneys at Law has built its reputation by helping businesses, financial institutions, professional service providers, and individuals navigate important legal decisions with confidence. From headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina, and regional offices in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Charleston, South Carolina, the firm serves clients across diverse industries, delivering comprehensive legal counsel in litigation, business and transactional matters, creditors’ rights, family law, estate planning, and personal representation. Whether helping a financial institution manage risk, guiding a family-owned business through growth, assisting a family in planning for the future, or resolving complex disputes, Smith Debnam combines deep legal experience with integrity, responsiveness, and a commitment to building relationships that span generations.
