One “ Mother ” of a Balancing Act
By Michael J . Morley
Much is written in this fine publication , and elsewhere around the country , of the importance of attorneys achieving a proper balance between the attorney ’ s work and practice obligations , and the obligations to family and other interests outside the practice of law . Achievement of a proper balance is vitally important for a myriad of reasons , including prevention of early burnout , preventing substance addiction and abuse , and reducing or preventing mental and emotional problems , among others .
In my humble and completely unbiased opinion , no one exemplifies or epitomizes the achievement of this vital balance more than my wife , Margaret “ Meg ” Morley , a practicing attorney . Meg has a private , solo practice in Grand Forks , practicing primarily in the area of domestic relations and family law . I am proud to have been married to her for more than 20 years . Between the two of us , our families include two adult sons , three adult daughters , and six grandchildren ranging in ages from nine to 22 . We also have our beloved dog , Gracie , who brings us joy every day .
In addition to her private practice legal work , Meg works full time for Youthworks of North Dakota , a private nonprofit agency . The mission of Youthworks is to help ensure all youth in this state have a safe place to live , belong , and be heard . Meg works as a guardian ad litem , representing and advocating for the best interests of minor children to ensure the children reside in safe homes and environments that are in their best interest . In addition to this important work as a guardian ad litem , Meg also supervises the guardian ad litem program of Youthworks in 32 counties of this state .
She serves as a parenting coordinator , being involved in postjudgment issues such as recommending appropriate parenting time and custody arrangements for parents , and assists in resolving those complex post-judgment issues . Additionally , Meg works as a parenting investigator , conducting critically important custody evaluations for the parties and the courts , in both North Dakota and Minnesota .
On a personal level , Meg has had to deal with many of life ’ s challenges , including the deaths of close family members and best friends , serious life-threatening illnesses of her own , among others . She has faced those challenges with class , dignity , and courage .
Recently – and remembering the importance of achieving a proper balance between work and family – Meg was named the 2024 North Dakota Mother of the Year by the American Mothers , Inc . organization . Since 1935 , the American Mothers organization has been committed to valuing mothers through service and
Meg Morley , 2024 North Dakota Mother of the Year
education and serves as the voice for the approximately 85 million mothers in America . American Mothers educates , inspires , and recognizes others through programs that teach , support , and honor moms , empowering them to positively impact their families and communities . Meg , along with other women across the country , were chosen through a national nomination and selection process lead by the American Mothers , Inc . organization , which has had the honor of selecting the Mother of the Year in every state , district , and territory in the country since 1935 . All mothers selected for these important honors have diverse backgrounds and experiences across the nation and are honored for their dedication to their families and communities . These mothers are selected for their strong and compassionate hard work and their incredible resilience through the many challenges of life as they lift the lives of those around them .
The 2024 honored mothers represented their respective home states and territories at the American Mothers National Convention April 25-27 , in Omaha , Neb . At this convention , one woman is selected to serve as the 2024 National Mother of the Year .
Again , in my completely unbiased opinion , the race for this year ’ s National Mother of the Year should not have been a close one at all . Our 2024 North Dakota Mother of the Year , Meg Morley , should have won in a landslide .
Congratulations to this very classy , resilient , and hardworking lady . Our bar association – as well as this state – is proud to have her as one of us .
18 THE GAVEL