Kathleen Murphy was excellent to work with. She made the process as simple and easy as possible for me. I highly recommend!
When parents separate or divorce, financial responsibility simply changes form. Whether you are seeking child support, being asked to pay it, or facing enforcement or modification issues, one thing remains constant: your child’s wellbeing.
At Ellis Family Law, our Pittsboro child support lawyers help parents understand their rights and obligations, calculate fair support, and resolve disputes with clarity and care. We know this is not about the money. Child support is about doing what is right for your child and making sure the process is manageable for everyone involved.
From Chatham Park to Fearrington Village and beyond, we represent custodial and non-custodial parents throughout Pittsboro and surrounding communities. We regularly appear in Chatham County family courts and work closely with local mediators and financial professionals to ensure every case is handled with precision and purpose.
Whether your case involves standard employment, self-employment, or more complex financial situations, we help you find a solution that works today and stands up over time.
Child support is court-ordered financial assistance paid by one parent to the other for the care and upbringing of their child. North Carolina has a set of child support guidelines based on:
While the formula provides structure, every family is different, and every case deserves a careful look at the details. That’s where we come in.
At Ellis Family Law in North Carolina, our lawyers assist clients on both sides of the child support equation. Whether you are requesting support or responding to a claim, we make sure everything is documented, accurate, and aligned with state law.
We help you:
Avoid navigating this process alone or leaving your child’s future up to guesswork.
North Carolina uses three worksheets to determine support:
Our attorneys help you select the correct worksheet, review income documentation, and propose fair terms. We also assist in cases where deviations from the standard formula may be appropriate, especially if the guideline amount is unfair or unworkable.
Courts may approve a child support amount different from the guideline calculation when it’s in the best interest of the child or when special circumstances apply.
Common reasons for deviation include:
If the guideline amount does not reflect your family’s reality, we will help you make a clear, well-supported case for a different outcome.
Child support orders are not set in stone. If your circumstances change, you may be able to modify the order, up or down.
A modification may be granted if:
We help you file, defend, or negotiate modifications that reflect your current reality—and your child’s evolving needs.
When one parent does not follow a court-ordered support agreement, the child—and the other parent—can suffer. Fortunately, the law offers strong enforcement tools.
We help custodial parents:
We also assist non-custodial parents who are being unfairly accused of noncompliance or need help negotiating a more manageable payment plan.
While basic child support covers general expenses, some parents want to make sure special costs are addressed such as:
We help families negotiate or litigate these additional terms so everyone’s expectations are clear—and enforceable.
At Ellis Family Law, we know that child support is about more than numbers. It’s about doing right by your child, without overwhelming your finances or creating more conflict.
Clients choose us because:
We don’t just advocate—we help you make decisions you can live with and stand behind.
Our board-certified specialists lead every case with strategy, care, and a commitment to your best outcome.
Kathleen Murphy was excellent to work with. She made the process as simple and easy as possible for me. I highly recommend!
...Kathleen Murphy was excellent to work with. She made the process as simple and easy as possible for me. I highly recommend!
It’s nice to find an honest attorney who actually has your best interests at heart, excellent experience
...It’s nice to find an honest attorney who actually has your best interests at heart, excellent experience
I am a divorced Navy wife. In our divorce decree we agreed to leave each other as beneficiaries of our retirement. My Florida retirement would redice by 1/3 and leave...
I am a divorced Navy wife. In our divorce decree we agreed to leave each other as beneficiaries of our retirement. My Florida retirement would redice by 1/3 and leave 2/3 to the remaining spouse in the event of death. My husband died less than 3 weeks after our divorce. The Navy refused to honor the divorce decree because he didn’t go in AFTER the divorce and reauthorize me as the beneficiary. After I exhausted all other appeals, Ms. Gerow took my case and appealed directly to the Secretary of the Navy. She worked EXTREMELY hard, and effectively. She won my appeal, and I am receiving pay, AND received back pay. She was so kind. I know she really cared about me. I could not recommend her more highly. Carla
Kathleen is a powerhouse of an attorney. She is thorough and made sure I had the preparation needed to walk into the courtroom. She was an encouraging and comforting presence,...
Kathleen is a powerhouse of an attorney. She is thorough and made sure I had the preparation needed to walk into the courtroom. She was an encouraging and comforting presence, and i would recommend her to anyone in need of hope.
Shannon Tucker is an amazing and dedicated attorney.The entire staff has been wonderful to work with as well. Everyone is professional, responsive, and genuinely kind.
...Shannon Tucker is an amazing and dedicated attorney.
The entire staff has been wonderful to work with as well. Everyone is professional, responsive, and genuinely kind.
Eva Freeman is such a compassionate, knowledgeable attorney! She really helped me with my situation. I’m so glad I stopped trying to figure it out on my own and found...
Eva Freeman is such a compassionate, knowledgeable attorney! She really helped me with my situation. I’m so glad I stopped trying to figure it out on my own and found a professional who cares! I highly recommend her if you want an attorney you can trust.
Whether you’re setting up support for the first time, revisiting an outdated order, or facing enforcement issues, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
At Ellis Family Law, our Pittsboro child support lawyers provide steady guidance and experienced advocacy for parents who want to protect their children—and protect themselves.
Because your child’s future deserves fairness—and your peace of mind does too.
Pittsboro Office
Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C.
