The Cary divorce lawyers at Ellis Family Law are here to support individuals and families through every stage of the divorce process. With clarity, care, and strategy, we help you make choices that safeguard your future. When a marriage ends, it can feel like the ground is shifting beneath your feet. Even in the most amicable cases, divorce touches every part of your life—your home, your finances, your children, your future.
You don’t have to handle this alone. And you don’t have to turn it into a battle. With the right legal partner, divorce becomes less about what you’re losing—and more about what you’re ready to build next.
North Carolina law requires that spouses live separate and apart for at least one year and one day before filing for absolute divorce. Before a separation occurs, or during the one year separation period, is when couples need to negotiate. If the divorce is entered prior to resolving issues relating to finances and property, these rights are lost forever.
At Ellis Family Law in North Carolina, we walk you through every phase of separation and divorce with the guidance and structure you need to move forward with confidence.
We offer full-spectrum legal representation for clients facing divorce, including:
We help draft or review legally enforceable agreements that outline property division, custody arrangements, and support during your separation. These separation agreements often serve as the foundation for a smoother, uncontested divorce.
Dividing property doesn’t just mean splitting things 50/50. North Carolina follows an equitable distribution model, where marital property is divided fairly—not necessarily equally. We help clients identify, classify, and divide assets such as:
We also assist in navigating marital debt, hidden assets, and financial misconduct.
Alimony may be awarded based on one spouse’s need and the other’s ability to pay. We represent both dependent and supporting spouses in determining:
We negotiate or litigate support that reflects your financial circumstances and protects your future.
Your children’s wellbeing is central. We help parents develop custody and visitation arrangements that prioritize the child’s best interests while respecting each parent’s role. We address:
We calculate and advocate for fair child support using North Carolina guidelines if they apply, or by determining your children’s needs and each party’s ability to pay, when they do not. We ensure to take into account expenses such as healthcare, childcare, education, and special needs.
Not all divorces can be resolved through agreement. If litigation becomes necessary, we’re experienced in presenting a strong, respectful case in court, focused on practical outcomes rather than unnecessary conflict.
If both parties agree on the major terms—property, custody, support—we draft and formalize those terms into a binding agreement. Uncontested divorce is often more efficient, cost-effective, and less emotionally taxing.
When disagreements arise, we protect your interests through negotiation, mediation, or, when required, litigation. Our attorneys prepare thoroughly, advocate clearly, and aim for outcomes that support your long-term goals.
No two families are alike. We take time to understand your goals, values, and concerns—so we can build a divorce strategy that aligns with your life.
We explain your rights and options in plain language. You won’t be left in the dark about where your case stands or what your choices mean.
We’re not here to escalate conflict—we’re here to resolve it thoughtfully. Especially when children are involved, we prioritize solutions that keep relationships intact and reduce long-term stress.
Divorce doesn’t happen in a vacuum. We coordinate your divorce plan with related legal needs, such as estate planning updates, business transitions, and post-judgment modifications.
You don’t have to go to court to get divorced. In many cases, collaborative divorce or mediation provides a better path forward—one that avoids hostility and empowers both parties to make informed, forward-looking decisions. These methods allow for:
Our Cary divorce lawyers are trained in collaborative law and work closely with skilled mediators when appropriate.
Not necessarily. North Carolina law calls for equitable—not equal—distribution. What’s “fair” depends on a variety of factors, including income, contributions, debt, and future needs.
Possibly. If you want to keep the marital home, we’ll help you evaluate its value, mortgage obligations, and your ability to buy out your spouse’s share or refinance if necessary.
From our nearby offices, we represent clients in Cary, Morrisville, Apex, and surrounding communities with professionalism, empathy, and focus. We’re deeply familiar with the local family courts and are committed to guiding you every step of the way—whether your case resolves in settlement or in front of a judge.
Our board-certified specialists lead every case with strategy, care, and a commitment to your best outcome.
Kathleen Murphy recently took on a very difficult and deceitful case dealing with narcissism. She was very reliable, attentive, kind, thorough, knowledgeable and very encouraging to the victims of abuse....
Kathleen Murphy recently took on a very difficult and deceitful case dealing with narcissism. She was very reliable, attentive, kind, thorough, knowledgeable and very encouraging to the victims of abuse. Kathleen continues to help throughout this very difficult process ensuring safety and the well being of her clients. Highly recommend.
Learning to trust an attorney that you’re just beginning to work with is really difficult. The anxiety I felt along this journey was supported by Kathleen, but what she did...
Learning to trust an attorney that you’re just beginning to work with is really difficult. The anxiety I felt along this journey was supported by Kathleen, but what she did in court this afternoon was beyond. I didn’t know what I didn’t know; but she did. She blew opposing counsel away. She knows her stuff and she knows what’s needed. Her staff went above and beyond for me also, and I’m so grateful
Wow! I’m actually excited about moving forward on my divorce now! I was terrified, now I’m not in the least bit. So excited to have Kathleen Murphy in my corner.
...Wow! I’m actually excited about moving forward on my divorce now! I was terrified, now I’m not in the least bit. So excited to have Kathleen Murphy in my corner.
Kathleen Murphy is simply the best. If you’re looking for someone who protects your best interests along with creating a clear, concise and strategic game plan. Look no further!
...Kathleen Murphy is simply the best. If you’re looking for someone who protects your best interests along with creating a clear, concise and strategic game plan. Look no further!
Ellis Family Law is always there for your family legal needs. I can personally recommend Kathleen Murphy, she is excellent.
...Ellis Family Law is always there for your family legal needs. I can personally recommend Kathleen Murphy, she is excellent.
From day one, Kathleen made me feel supported and heard. She is comforting, pays close attention to every detail, and responds quickly. I continue to fully trust her to protect...
From day one, Kathleen made me feel supported and heard. She is comforting, pays close attention to every detail, and responds quickly. I continue to fully trust her to protect both my best interests and my son’s. I am beyond thankful for Kathleen.
Divorce doesn’t have to be the most chaotic chapter of your life. With the right legal support, it can be the beginning of a more stable, more empowered future. At Ellis Family Law, we’re here to help you move through the uncertainty with clarity, dignity, and a plan that makes sense.
Because your next chapter deserves more than just a legal process—it deserves thoughtful, steady guidance.
And for a fun twist: don’t miss our “Pour Decisions” section, featuring wine tips from our lawyer-wine specialist Gray Ellis!
