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Restraining Order Attorney
in Chapel Hill, NC

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When Your Safety Is at Risk, You Don’t Have Time to Wait

If you or your children are experiencing threats, harassment, or abuse, North Carolina law gives you options. Our domestic violence restraining order help you seek or defend against restraining orders with urgency, discretion, and strength.

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  • Durham
  • Raleigh
  • Cary
  • Pittsboro
  • Wake Forest
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Protective Orders Are About More Than Paperwork — They’re About Peace of Mind

Maybe someone you trusted became threatening. Maybe your ex won’t stop contacting you, even after you said no. Maybe you’ve been silent for too long, and now it’s time to protect yourself.

Whatever brought you here, you’re not overreacting. You’re taking action.

At Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C in North Carolina, we help people across the Triangle seek and respond to domestic violence protective orders. We understand how emotionally charged these cases can be, and we treat every client with discretion, care, and respect.

We Help With:

  • Filing for emergency protective orders (DVPOs / 50B orders)
  • Representing clients at restraining order hearings
  • Responding to false or exaggerated protective order claims
  • Advocating for parents in custody cases involving abuse or control
  • Helping survivors of domestic violence, stalking, or harassment
  • Coordinating court orders with custody, divorce, or separation proceedings

Whether you’re in immediate danger or trying to understand your options, we’re here to help you take the next step—calmly and legally.

What is a 50B Protective Order?

In North Carolina, a domestic violence protective order is often referred to as a 50B order. It is available when there is a qualifying relationship between the parties, such as:

  • Current or former spouses
  • Dating partners
  • Roommates
  • Parents of a child
  • Family or household members

To issue a 50B, the court must find that domestic violence has occurred—this includes physical harm, threats, harassment, or stalking.

If granted, a 50B order can:

  • Prohibit contact (in person, phone, email, etc.)
  • Remove the abuser from a shared home
  • Grant temporary custody of children
  • Restrict access to firearms
  • Protect your workplace, home, or school from contact
  • Provide temporary spousal or child support

Protective orders can last up to one year and be extended.

What If You Need Protection Right Away?

You can request an ex parte emergency order, which can be granted the same day, without the other person present. This order offers immediate protection until a full hearing is held (usually within 10 days).

We help clients:

  • File quickly and thoroughly
  • Attend the emergency hearing
  • Prepare for the final hearing
  • Present evidence and testimony to support their request
  • Coordinate protection with custody and other family law concerns

Your safety is the priority. We move fast, without sacrificing care or accuracy.

What If You’ve Been Served With a Protective Order?

Being accused of abuse or harassment is serious and emotionally devastating. But it doesn’t mean your voice doesn’t matter.

  • We represent clients who have been served with 50B orders and help them:
  • Understand the restrictions they’re facing
  • Gather evidence and prepare for court
  • Protect their rights, their reputation, and their future
  • Push back against exaggerated or retaliatory claims
  • Navigate the impact on custody or divorce proceedings

These orders are powerful—and can change your life if entered. Don’t wait to get legal help.

Related Family Law Issues We Often Handle Together

Restraining orders don’t exist in a vacuum. Many times, they intersect with:

  • Child custody disputes
  • Separation and divorce filings
  • Emergency custody requests
  • Spousal support or financial concerns

Relocation and safety planning

We help you address all parts of your case—not just the immediate protection, but what comes next.

How We Approach Protective Order Cases

These situations are intense, and we don’t take them lightly. Whether you’re seeking a 50B or responding to one, we will:

  • Listen without judgment
  • Explain what the law does—and doesn’t—do
  • Help you gather documentation, witnesses, and records
  • Stand by you in court, and make sure your story is heard
  • Coordinate with other legal matters (custody, support, divorce) to protect your bigger picture

We believe in safety, fairness, and strong advocacy. Always.

Serving Clients Across Durham, Chapel Hill, and the Triangle

We work with individuals and families throughout Durham, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and the surrounding areas. We offer fast consultations, emergency filings, and remote services for clients who cannot appear in person due to safety or privacy concerns.

You’re Not Being Too Cautious. You’re Protecting Yourself—And That Matters.

Whether you’re afraid for your safety or worried about a false accusation, you don’t have to handle it alone.

This is hard. But you have legal rights. And we’re here to help you defend them.

Hear From Our Clients

Kathleen Murphy was the second lawyer I hired, and I wish I had found her sooner. She stepped into a case that was already underway, took the time to understand...

Kathleen Murphy was the second lawyer I hired, and I wish I had found her sooner. She stepped into a case that was already underway, took the time to understand it, and got on top of the details quickly. I finally felt like someone knew what was going on and had a plan.

She came to mediation completely prepared. She was honest and straightforward with me about my options, but when it was time to fight for me, she really did. She listened to what mattered to me, made sure my concerns were heard, and helped me get the result I needed. I’m so grateful she was in my corner

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Aleksandra Deren Jones

“Shannon Tucker was incredibly connected, knowledgeable, professional, and experienced. She had a strong understanding of the parties involved and the circumstances surrounding my case, which made a difficult situation much...

“Shannon Tucker was incredibly connected, knowledgeable, professional, and experienced. She had a strong understanding of the parties involved and the circumstances surrounding my case, which made a difficult situation much easier to navigate. She helped me tremendously in responding to allegations I disputed, and I felt well represented throughout the process. I’m very grateful for her guidance and would highly recommend her. Hopefully I don’t need her again, but would absolutely go back to her if I needed to.”

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Chris Hooks

Jolie is an exceptional attorney who made it her mission to ensure that I had quick correspondence when it was absolutely needed. Jolie and her team answered any in all...

Jolie is an exceptional attorney who made it her mission to ensure that I had quick correspondence when it was absolutely needed. Jolie and her team answered any in all questions I had and worked with me, taking into consideration the best interest of my family and situation. I cannot say enough good things about how Jolie handled my case, her knowledge, expeditious review of my case, and the amazing work she did. Jolie gave me peace of mind, truly working to understand my case. It is clearly evident how much Jolie cares about her clients.

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Shane Davekos

My lawyer Shannon Tucker was absolutely amazing and won me my case.

...

My lawyer Shannon Tucker was absolutely amazing and won me my case.

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Joseph Williford

Kathleen has done an AMAZING job. In an otherwise terrible situation, Kathleen has kept things moving forward and has been an amazing attorney! She is excellent at keeping up communication,...

Kathleen has done an AMAZING job. In an otherwise terrible situation, Kathleen has kept things moving forward and has been an amazing attorney! She is excellent at keeping up communication, and is a bulldog in the courtroom. I highly recommend Kathleen, she has made an otherwise bad situation very manageable.

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David Kimball

Emma and Sarah were absolutely wonderful to work with during the Separation Agreement process and then through the divorce process. They stayed in contact with me, and advised me as...

Emma and Sarah were absolutely wonderful to work with during the Separation Agreement process and then through the divorce process. They stayed in contact with me, and advised me as to the best actions to take. They also presented all of the options that I could take. I would highly recommend them.

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Rebecca McPeak
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Related Practice Areas

We are equally skilled in litigation and in resolving disputes outside of court.

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Resolutions Outside of Court

Mediation, arbitration, and collaborative approaches that resolve disputes with less stress and more cooperation.

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Spousal Support

Child Custody

Thoughtful advocacy for parenting arrangements that protect your children and preserve what matters most.

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Because you’ve built too much to leave it to chance.

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Ex Files featuring Pour Decisions

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And for a fun twist: don’t miss our “Pour Decisions” section, featuring wine tips from our lawyer-wine specialist Gray Ellis!

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