I spoke to Gray and was very impressed with his Family Law passion and expertise. If you are looking for TRUE experts they have 3 board certified attorneys at the firm. I would highly recommend Ellis Family Law!
Whether you’re divorcing, were never married, or navigating a high-conflict co-parenting situation, you’re here for one reason: You want to be in your child’s life.
Consistently. Meaningfully. Peacefully.
Maybe the other parent is alienating you, pushing you out of the decision-making. Maybe the current schedule just doesn’t work anymore, and it’s starting to hurt your relationship with your child.
At Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C in North Carolina, we help you pursue parenting time that reflects your role, your child’s best interests, and your long-term relationship, not just what’s convenient for the other parent.
Every parent-child relationship is built on time. Time to talk. Time to be involved in school and activities.
When visitation becomes inconsistent, unpredictable, or unfair, it impacts your connection and your child’s sense of security.
As a Durham child visitation lawyer, we’ve worked with:
In North Carolina, visitation is often referred to as “parenting time” or “secondary physical custody.”
It’s part of the larger child custody plan, and it’s just as important as legal custody or physical custody designations.
Courts typically favor frequent and continuing contact with both parents—unless there’s a safety concern.
But what that contact looks like depends on:
We help you craft a parenting time plan that works—and fight for it if needed.
This isn’t about creating drama.
It’s about protecting your child’s relationship with both parents — and protecting your right to be part of their life.
We work with clients to create clear, age-appropriate parenting time arrangements—whether through court proceedings, mediation, or private agreements.
Life changes. If your current visitation plan no longer fits your child’s needs or your schedule, we help you file for and pursue a modification.
If the other parent is refusing to follow the visitation order or using your child as leverage, we can help you take legal steps to enforce the order and restore access.
When parents live in different cities or states, we help develop realistic schedules that preserve connection.
In situations involving safety concerns, we help request (or defend against) supervised visitation arrangements that protect children while preserving parental contact.
When making visitation decisions, courts in Durham County look at what’s in the best interests of the child.
That includes:
We help you present your story clearly, respectfully, and with documentation that supports your parenting role and goals.
Courts consider the child’s wishes, but they also look at the bigger picture. We’ll help you address concerns and show your commitment to your relationship.
We proudly represent parents in Durham, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and beyond. We understand how local family courts operate and how to present your case effectively, whether through negotiation or litigation.
We also offer in-person and remote consultations, so you can get help on your schedule.
We can help you enforce your visitation rights and seek penalties for noncompliance.
Yes. Courts generally support reestablishing a parent-child relationship, especially when the absence wasn’t due to abuse or neglect.
Yes. Your rights as a parent don’t depend on your marital status.
Our board-certified specialists lead every case with strategy, care, and a commitment to your best outcome.
I spoke to Gray and was very impressed with his Family Law passion and expertise. If you are looking for TRUE experts they have 3 board certified attorneys at the...
I spoke to Gray and was very impressed with his Family Law passion and expertise. If you are looking for TRUE experts they have 3 board certified attorneys at the firm. I would highly recommend Ellis Family Law!
Sarah M. brings such great energy and professionalism to everything she does. She’s reliable, detail-oriented, and always goes the extra mile. I’m so glad I got to work with her—she...
Sarah M. brings such great energy and professionalism to everything she does. She’s reliable, detail-oriented, and always goes the extra mile. I’m so glad I got to work with her—she made the whole experience feel effortless. Definitely someone you want on your side!
I worked with Kathleen Murphy on a custody case involving domestic violence, and she was an incredible source of support during a very stressful time. She helped me obtain a...
I worked with Kathleen Murphy on a custody case involving domestic violence, and she was an incredible source of support during a very stressful time. She helped me obtain a DVPO so I could leave safely with my daughter, and then guided us through securing a custody agreement that prioritized her safety above all else. I highly recommend her, especially if your case involves DV.
I would like to say that not only was everyone in the office friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, understanding & compassionate they really know their S#@t. Mr. Ellis went into the situation,...
I would like to say that not only was everyone in the office friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, understanding & compassionate they really know their S#@t. Mr. Ellis went into the situation, a 15 yr + living hell w/a certified sociopath & family, & sent them all home w/their tails between their legs!! Not to mention the un-intimidated way he handled the Gov agency of CPS & their agents. This is a stand up firm with top notch attorneys that are willing to & will go above & beyond to resolved your matter. I highly recommend them to any one who has been caught up in the CPS scandal & feel like you have no place to turn, turn to Ellis, & you, like we were, will be surprised & grateful that you did !! Again, we can’t express our gratitude enough & thank y’all from the bottom of our hearts for the relief you have given us & for removing that 800lb gorilla off our backs. We wish you all a long, happy & prosperous life.
Thank You & God Speed,
Tammy & Rich Cowan (p.s. written by Rich which explains all the bad grammar 😉 !) P.S.S. I mistakenly implied that we were actually represented in court by ‘Mr. Ellis’ it was actually Miss Autumn Osbourne who went to court with us & although I’m sure all associates are excellent attorneys I have to say that Autumn was like a pit bull in that court room, not only not backing down but actually backing everyone else down, she is truly a force to reckon with. Also would like to give a shout out to Tiffany, she the greatest, sweetest person we’ve had the good grace to have been given the opportunity to meet & get to know, once again, thanks to you all !!
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.
Emilee helped us with a small family matter. She was kind, responsive and confident. I would highly recommend Emilee and this firm for your family matters.
...Emilee helped us with a small family matter. She was kind, responsive and confident. I would highly recommend Emilee and this firm for your family matters.
You are not asking for anything unreasonable. You are asking to be present. To be consistent. To be part of your child’s life, not just in theory, but in reality.
Book Your Confidential Consultation Today
Because kids need connection. And parents deserve to show up.
Durham Office
Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C.
3511 Shannon Road Suite 150 Durham, NC, 27707
Fax: 877-678-1584
Mon – Fri: 8:30am – 5:30pm
And for a fun twist: don’t miss our “Pour Decisions” section, featuring wine tips from our lawyer-wine specialist Gray Ellis!
