Providing expert legal services in Wake and the surrounding counties, including assistance from a dedicated child custody lawyer, a knowledgeable divorce attorney, and experienced family law professionals!
Meet VP Law
Shawna D. Vasilko, Managing Partner & Owner
Shawna Vasilko is a founding partner at Vasilko & Pedersen, where she specializes in family law and family law appeals, making her an experienced child custody lawyer and divorce attorney. With over two decades of legal experience, Shawna is a dedicated advocate for her clients, guiding them through complex and often emotional legal matters with skill, compassion, and a results-driven approach, qualities that are essential for family law professionals.
Shawna began her legal career as a paralegal in Memphis, Tennessee in 2003, initially working in criminal defense before expanding her practice in North Carolina to include personal injury and bankruptcy law. This diverse background provides her with a well-rounded perspective that enhances her family law practice today.
She earned her Juris Doctor from Campbell University School of Law in 2019, where she served as Vice-President of the Campbell Law Innocence Project (CLIP) and as Project Coordinator for Campbell’s re-entry project in coordination with Legal Aid of North Carolina. During law school, she also participated in the Trial of the Advocate program in St. Andrews, Scotland. Shawna furthered her legal education with an LL.M. from Nottingham Trent University in 2019, where her dissertation focused on restorative justice as a quasi-victim’s right. Additionally, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
After law school, Shawna became a junior partner at Dobson Law Firm, where she managed a broad range of cases from simple divorces to complex equitable distribution matters, further honing her skills as a divorce attorney before co-founding Vasilko & Pedersen.
Shawna is licensed to practice in North Carolina and the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of North Carolina. She remains actively engaged in her community and is passionate about helping families navigate challenging transitions, whether through divorce proceedings or child custody disputes.
Outside of her practice, Shawna lives in Wake Forest with her husband, their three children, and a house full of beloved pets.
Christian Pedersen, Managing Partner & Owner
Chris Pedersen is a founding partner at Vasilko & Pedersen, where he concentrates on residential and commercial real estate closings, estate planning, partitions, and expunctions. Renowned for his practical approach and commitment to client service, Chris closely collaborates with individuals, families, and businesses, guiding them through significant legal decisions with clarity and confidence. As a skilled divorce attorney, he also understands the complexities of family law, including the sensitive nature of child custody disputes.
Born and raised in Cary, North Carolina, Chris possesses strong local roots and a profound understanding of the community he serves. He obtained dual bachelor’s degrees in Criminology and Business Administration from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2016, with a focus on Marketing, and was recognized as a member of the Cameron Executive Network. He further advanced his education by earning his Juris Doctor from Campbell University School of Law in 2021.
Before attending law school, Chris worked in outside sales serving the law enforcement community, where he honed his communication and client-focused skills that continue to enhance his legal practice today. During his time in law school, he gained invaluable in-house experience with Oak Grove Technologies and later worked as a paralegal at Dobson Law Firm. After passing the North Carolina Bar, Chris continued his journey with the firm as an attorney before co-founding Vasilko & Pedersen, where he strives to be one of the leading family law professionals in the area.
Chris is licensed to practice law in North Carolina and is dedicated to offering efficient, results-driven representation both inside and outside the courtroom.
Miranda Dues, Senior Family Law Attorney
Miranda Dues is a senior attorney at Vasilko & Pedersen, where she specializes in family law, including serving as a dedicated child custody lawyer. Since becoming an attorney in 2019, Miranda has been a compassionate and zealous advocate for her clients, guiding them through complicated legal matters with empathy and dedication as a trusted divorce attorney.
She began her legal career as a criminal defense attorney and most recently worked with Legal Aid of North Carolina's domestic violence team. These experiences have equipped her with the skills necessary to address a wide variety of legal issues, making her an effective litigator among family law professionals.
Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Miranda earned her Bachelor of Arts in History from Campbell University. After several years teaching abroad in Seoul, Korea, she returned to Raleigh to attend Campbell Law School, where she earned her Juris Doctor. Shortly thereafter, Miranda completed her LL.M from Nottingham Trent University in 2021, with a dissertation focusing on how international immigration laws affect North Korean refugees.
Miranda is licensed to practice law in North Carolina and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. She remains actively engaged in her community by volunteering at a local animal shelter, primarily assisting with cat care.
Outside of the courtroom, Miranda enjoys hiking the National Parks with her husband, spending time with her four adorable cats, and indulging in her enthusiasm for Tolkien and the Lord of the Rings.
Bre DelosSantos, Office Manager
Bre is the Office Manager at Vasilko & Pedersen, where she plays a vital role in ensuring the firm operates efficiently and seamlessly. From client communications to day-to-day office operations, Bre is the backbone of the team, keeping everything organized and running smoothly, which is essential for supporting family law professionals in their work, including child custody lawyers and divorce attorneys.
Originally from Upland, California, Bre has lived in several states across the country—including Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas—before returning to North Carolina to be closer to family. She earned her Human Resources Certification from Martinsburg College and plans to pursue her bachelor’s degree in the near future.
Deeply family-oriented, Bre enjoys spending her free time supporting her children at their sporting events, relaxing at the beach, and cheering on the Carolina Hurricanes as they chase another Stanley Cup title. She also loves reading and spending time with her beloved pets, Oliver and Suko.
Marissa Alford, Client Specialist
Marissa is the Client Specialist at Vasilko & Pedersen, often serving as the first point of contact for clients seeking assistance from experienced family law professionals, whether by phone or in person. With her outgoing and welcoming personality, Marissa helps create a supportive and comfortable environment for clients navigating what can often be stressful legal matters, such as those handled by a child custody lawyer or divorce attorney.
A lifelong North Carolina resident, Marissa was born in Four Oaks and has proudly called the state home her entire life. She graduated from Fayetteville State University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and plans to pursue her master’s degree in the near future.
Marissa has a passion for sports and enjoys cheering on the Carolina Panthers—even through the tougher seasons. She has recently taken an interest in playing flag football and attending live sporting events. Outside of the office, Marissa enjoys reading and spending quality time with her family.
Education
· Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, North Carolina
o B.S., Bachelor of Science
o Major: Education
Fitzgerald Pawsgraf Pedersen
Fitzgerald “Fitz” Pawsgraf is the beloved office pup at Vasilko & Pedersen, where he serves as the firm’s unofficial morale booster and client greeter. Since joining the team, Fitz has quickly become an integral part of the office, bringing comfort, smiles, and plenty of tail wags to everyone he meets, including those seeking child custody lawyers and divorce attorneys.
Born in December 2023 in South Carolina, Fitz was rescued by Pawfect Match and later brought to the Raleigh area to live with a foster family. On April 10, 2024, he found his forever home when he was adopted by founding partner Chris Pedersen. Since then, Fitz has been warmly embraced by the entire VP Law team as the firm’s official “law pup.” He often brings joy to professionals in family law, uplifting their spirits during busy days.
During the workday, Fitz can be found soaking up attention around the office, greeting clients, and ensuring morale stays high. After hours, he enjoys tagging along to the softball field or relaxing at home while watching sports with his dad.
Fitz is currently focused on his puppy training and has already mastered the art of puppy eyes and enthusiastic greetings. Looking ahead, he aspires to become “legal counsel” for influencer pups across social media.
You can follow Fitz’s adventures on Instagram @fitzgeraldpawsgraf.