I really appreciated the hard work that Emilee consistently provided while dealing with personal legal proceedings. Would highly recommend to anyone in the area needing legal service.
When life changes, the law shouldn’t make it harder. At Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C., we provide legal guidance that’s clear, calm, and deeply human. From our Durham office, we help individuals and families build durable estate plans, resolve family law matters, and move forward with confidence and dignity.
Our Durham estate planning and family law attorneys focus exclusively on estate planning and family law because we believe these are two of the most personal areas of law, and they deserve nothing less than our full attention, compassion, and experience.
Whether you’re finalizing a Will, preparing for separation, or facing a child custody dispute, we offer focused, collaborative representation grounded in both legal excellence and emotional intelligence.
Our attorneys live here, work here, and care deeply about the Durham community. From Hope Valley to Southpoint and beyond, we serve clients across Durham County with integrity, discretion, and respect.
We help good people through difficult transitions—without losing themselves, their peace, or their future.
Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C. in North Carolina offers the full scope of estate planning and family law services, tailored to each client’s goals and circumstances.
We guide clients through both contested and uncontested divorces, offering personalized strategies. Divorce goes beyond the paperwork into a legal and emotional reset. The end of a marriage impacts your home, your finances, your children, and your sense of stability. Whether your separation is cooperative or contentious, temporary or permanent, you deserve experienced guidance that reflects your goals and protects your future.
When emotions run high, we focus on reducing stress and empowering you to make informed decisions that safeguard your financial stability and personal well-being.
North Carolina’s child support guidelines provide a framework—but every family’s situation is unique. We help ensure:
Experienced representation in alimony matters involving lifestyle, earning capacity, and long-term stability. We help clients through every phase of spousal support, whether you are preparing to file, renegotiate, or enforce.
A prenuptial or premarital agreement is a way to ensure that the promises you made, or the promises kept. It is a commitment to each other that you will honor your word, even if times get hard. It is a guideposts for how to navigate your financial lives together with transparency and strength.
We craft thoughtful estate plans that reflect your values, protect your legacy, and empower the people you love.
There is no substitute for creating a strong estate plan that clearly spells out your wishes. Taking this important step now will allow you to remain in control of the process and limit future disputes among family members. We craft thoughtful estate plans that reflect your values, protect your legacy, and empower the people you love.
At Ellis Family Law, we are known for legal strategies built on empathy, not aggression (unless that is necessary). We don’t escalate tensions or offer quick fixes. We listen. We plan. We advocate—with clarity and purpose.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Several of our attorneys are certified specialists in North Carolina family law—a recognition earned by just over 1% of lawyers statewide.
After we learn your story, we match you with the team member whose skills, experience, and personality best align with your goals.
Our attorneys are trusted by local judges, clerks, and opposing counsel for our preparation, professionalism, and results.
Many clients come to us for estate planning and return years later for family law support—or vice versa. We’re here for the long haul.
We don’t just manage cases. We empower people to move forward with strength and security.
Founded on the belief that everyone deserves to move forward with dignity, Ellis Family Law serves families and individuals across the Triangle from offices in Durham, Cary, Pittsboro, and Wake Forest.
Our firm was built for people who want a healthier, more mindful approach to legal transitions—clients who prioritize peace over revenge and want a strategy grounded in experience and compassion.
We answer your questions. We respect your time. We care about your future.
“Moving forward, together.” That’s not just our tagline. It’s our promise.
Our partners lead every client relationship with experience, care, and a commitment to your best outcome.
I really appreciated the hard work that Emilee consistently provided while dealing with personal legal proceedings. Would highly recommend to anyone in the area needing legal service.
...I really appreciated the hard work that Emilee consistently provided while dealing with personal legal proceedings. Would highly recommend to anyone in the area needing legal service.
Trust worthy, reliable, and sophisticated team with an outstanding work ethic.
...Trust worthy, reliable, and sophisticated team with an outstanding work ethic.
Every interaction I’ve had with Sarah M. has been positive. She’s always helpful, professional, and kind. It’s clear she truly cares about the people she works with. I wouldn’t hesitate...
Every interaction I’ve had with Sarah M. has been positive. She’s always helpful, professional, and kind. It’s clear she truly cares about the people she works with. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her.
What an incredible experience! I recently found myself in the highly stress situation of needing legal counsel with a very delicate matter. After an extensive search, I was referred to...
What an incredible experience!
I recently found myself in the highly stress situation of needing legal counsel with a very delicate matter. After an extensive search, I was referred to the Ellis Law firm by someone whom always seems to have great contacts. This absolutely proved to be yet another incredible resource that they were able to share!
From the very first call until the resolution of the matter, every single person that I interacted with was professional, respectful, patience, and provided guidance on all matters related to the issue. In particular, my interactions across several phone calls with Christina Richard were very productive! She was able to provide answers, but more importantly, compassion throughout the entire stressful ordeal, and she did a great job providing additional external resources to get the outcome I hoped for.
This entire situation has been tough, and putting it behind me and fantastic. I can’t imagine the outcome being any better working with another firm, and encourage others to seek out the Ellis Law Group. Not only will you get the expertise in the field, but in the process, you’ll discover that this is a place to settle matters legally, and with compassion!
Great job by all!!!
What an exceptional Law firm. Ellis Family Law has handled my case and exceeded my expectations they truly went above and beyond. I thank the entire team. X
...What an exceptional Law firm. Ellis Family Law has handled my case and exceeded my expectations they truly went above and beyond. I thank the entire team. X
I love Ellis Family Law, won’t go anywhere else. From the first time you even walk in everyone is so nice and attentive. When I came in, I didn’t even...
I love Ellis Family Law, won’t go anywhere else. From the first time you even walk in everyone is so nice and attentive. When I came in, I didn’t even know where to start. I think there’s 2 Sarahs so her last name was Mercer, but Sarah M. was amazing! She was so kind, I felt so cared for and she answered all my questions and even talked me through legal terms I didn’t quite understand. What a good experience to turn around such an anxious day for me.
We regularly work with the following offices on behalf of our Durham clients. If you’re planning an estate, managing a probate matter, or involved in a family law case, these local resources may be helpful:
510 South Dillard Street, Durham, NC 27701
Family Court, Estates Division, and Civil Services
For real estate records, powers of attorney, and estate documents
200 East Main Street, Durham, NC 27701
Property records and valuations related to divorce or probate
Our team can assist with filings, deadlines, and document preparation—and we’re happy to help clients coordinate directly with these offices when needed.
We believe the legal process should make your life better, not harder. Whether you’re planning your future or protecting your peace, we’re here to help you take that next step with confidence.
Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C.—Moving forward, together.
And for a fun twist: don’t miss our “Pour Decisions” section, featuring wine tips from our lawyer-wine specialist Gray Ellis!
