Estate planning is about making thoughtful, lasting decisions that reflect your values, protect your loved ones, and bring clarity when it’s needed most. At Ellis Family Law, we help individuals and families throughout Durham craft estate plans that are as personal as they are practical.
Whether you are creating a Will for the first time, setting up a Trust, naming a guardian for your children, or making sure someone you trust can act on your behalf if you’re ever unable to, our Durham estate planning attorneys provide guidance that’s focused, compassionate, and grounded in your reality, not someone else’s idea of what your plan should look like.
Estate planning means putting your wishes in writing on legal documents while you still can. It gives you the power to:
Estate plans and wills are for anyone who cares about making their intentions clear and their loved ones’ path easier.
At Ellis Family Law in North Carolina, we take a holistic and highly personalized approach to estate planning. Your life isn’t one-size-fits-all; your plan shouldn’t be either. Here’s what we can help you create or update:
Your Will is the foundation of your estate plan. It allows you to:
We help you create a Will that’s clear, legally valid, and tailored to your current life circumstances—so your loved ones won’t be left with confusion or conflict.
If you become unable to make decisions for yourself, a Durable Power of Attorney ensures someone you trust can step in. We help you assign:
These documents are critical to avoid court involvement and to maintain control over your own future.
Trusts are useful tools that can provide privacy, flexibility, and control over how your assets are distributed. Depending on your needs, we may recommend:
We’ll help you determine whether a trust aligns with your goals.
Also known as Living Wills, these documents allow you to express your preferences around life-sustaining treatment and end-of-life care. We’ll help you put your wishes in writing—so your family doesn’t have to guess in a time of crisis.
If you have minor children, naming a guardian isn’t optional—it’s essential. We guide you through this deeply personal decision and ensure it’s documented properly in your estate plan.
In North Carolina, if you pass away without a Will or Trust, the state determines how your assets are distributed. This might not reflect your wishes, and it can lead to costly delays, avoidable taxes, and unnecessary strain on your family.
Even if you’ve already created a Will or Power of Attorney, life changes. Marriage, separation or divorce, the birth of a child, or the death of a loved one can all affect your estate plan. That’s why we recommend revisiting your documents after any major life event.
As a family law firm, we understand how estate planning intersects with divorce, custody, and remarriage. We regularly help:
We bring this perspective into every estate planning conversation—so your plan reflects where you are today, not just where you’ve been.
We know estate planning can feel overwhelming. Our process is designed to make it as simple and straightforward as possible:
We begin with a conversation about your life, your goals, and what you want to protect. We’ll explain your options in plain language—no pressure, no legal jargon.
Once we understand your needs, we draft your documents with precision and care. Every estate plan we create is as unique as the person it’s for.
We review everything with you to make sure it reflects your wishes. You stay in control every step of the way.
Need to make changes down the road? We’re here for that too. Your estate plan should grow and evolve as your life does.
We work with individuals and families throughout Durham, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and nearby communities. Whether you’re planning for the future of a young family or ensuring peace of mind for aging parents, we offer the same commitment: to treat your goals with the respect, clarity, and care they deserve.
If you’re already working with us on a family law matter—divorce, custody, adoption—we can seamlessly coordinate your estate plan to ensure it reflects your current legal and financial picture.
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.
Estate planning isn’t about fear. It’s about love, responsibility, and protecting the people who count on you most. At Ellis Family Law, we help you take control of what comes next—with clarity, confidence, and a plan that truly reflects who you are.
Because your future—and your family’s—deserve more than good intentions. They deserve a plan.
And for a fun twist: don’t miss our “Pour Decisions” section, featuring wine tips from our lawyer-wine specialist Gray Ellis!
