Dividing property after a separation or divorce can feel like pulling your life apart piece by piece. Our property division attorneys in Durham, NC, help you make sense of what’s shared, what’s yours, and what comes next.
The house. The retirement account. The car, the credit card, the business, the furniture, the debt. When a marriage or long-term partnership ends, untangling what belongs to whom can feel overwhelming—and deeply personal.
You are sorting through years of hard work, shared goals, and sacrifices. And chances are, you are worried about losing more than your fair share.
At Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C in North Carolina, we help clients across Durham approach property division with clarity, confidence, and a legal plan that reflects what’s fair, not just what’s convenient.
North Carolina follows a system called equitable distribution, which means marital assets and debts are divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. That word—“equitable”—can be a blessing or a battle, depending on how well your case is prepared.
Our property division lawyers help you:
Whether you and your spouse are still talking—or not at all—we’re equipped to step in and help you move forward.
Understanding how assets are categorized is a critical step in your case.
How property is divided is not always obvious. That’s why we dig deep and build your case on the facts, not assumptions.
We know how quickly property issues can become emotional flashpoints:
We help you move from reactive to strategic, so you don’t just respond emotionally, you respond effectively.
At Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C., we focus on the bigger picture of what you want your life to look like on the other side, and we use that clarity to shape every legal decision we make together.
This isn’t about “taking everything.”
It’s about taking back control—and making decisions you can live with.
We help you create a full inventory of marital and separate assets, determine accurate valuations, and propose a division plan that fits your future.
We know where to look—and how to uncover undisclosed assets, trace contributions, and verify financial disclosures. Transparency is non-negotiable.
Many property division issues can be resolved without trial. But when courtroom representation is necessary, we’re prepared and persuasive.
Have a prenup or postnup? We’ll evaluate its strength, enforce it if valid, or challenge it if necessary.
If your ex-spouse isn’t complying with a property agreement or order, we can pursue enforcement, so you’re not stuck chasing what’s rightfully yours.
Property division cases aren’t just about math—they’re about your life.
Our clients trust us because:
When you work with us, you don’t just get legal support—you get a team committed to protecting your financial future with skill and compassion.
We represent clients in Durham, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and throughout the Triangle.
We’ve worked with local appraisers, business valuation experts, and financial professionals to support even the most complex property cases.
Whether your divorce is amicable or adversarial, we’re here to make sure the division is fair—and that your voice is heard.
Our board-certified specialists lead every case with strategy, care, and a commitment to your best outcome.
Ellis Family Law was there for me in my time of need and I couldn’t have asked for a better advocate to have on my side. I was lost and...
Ellis Family Law was there for me in my time of need and I couldn’t have asked for a better advocate to have on my side. I was lost and they helped me every step of the way. Autumn and her team went above and beyond during a difficult time in life. Ellis Family Law is the best value for the attention to detail that you will receive. If I could give more than 5 ☆’s I would!
I feel obligated to write a truthful review of my experience with Kathleen Murphy as my attorney. It has been an absolute nightmare since August 2 of 2024 the day...
I feel obligated to write a truthful review of my experience with Kathleen Murphy as my attorney. It has been an absolute nightmare since August 2 of 2024 the day I hired her. I requested that she file for custody of my daughter, and she instructed me that it was not the right time for that and not part of her strategy at that time. I trusted her expertise as I have never been through something like this. I continued to request every month since August 2024 for her to file For custody of my daughter And she kept giving me the same excuse. Her answer continued to be That she did not feel that was the right strategic move at this time and that she would deal with that later. During the last 15 months, I have been denied visits with my daughter by her other parent. My daughter continues to be told untruths about me, And I cannot do anything to facilitate reconciliation with her because Kathleen Murphy has filed no motions to get me any visitation and has failed to file for custody on my behalf despite the fact that I have paid her Approximately $100,000. I have been grossly misrepresented by Kathleen Murphy. I have been unable to communicate with her for months. She does not return emails. She does not return phone calls despite promising to do so. She does not do what she promises to do. This has been my own personal experience with her. I have had very little contact with her paralegal and almost no contact with Kathleen herself. I have followed her advice and done exactly what she has told me to do Since the day that I hired her. Her advice Has made My already difficult divorce even worse. She has put me approximately $100,000 in debt, I am still not divorced, as she refused to file it for me until I paid her an additional $2500, I still receive no salary from the businesses that I am a co-owner of because Kathleen Murphy has filed no motions on my behalf To get me a salary. I still do not have visitation with my daughter because Kathleen Murphy has failed to file for custody as she promised to do. I tried to fire Kathleen Murphy in March 2025 and she begged me not to and she promised me that she would give My case the attention that it deserved. She told me that I needed to give her a good review and so initially I did because I felt pressure to do so just to get her to work on my case. The review that I initially gave was what she wanted me to say not what really happened. I had to finally fire Kathleen Murphy And hire a new law firm. The law requires that Kathleen Murphy turn all of my files over to the new law firm and she has still refused to do that as of today. She has made it very difficult for my new law firm to properly represent me because she is still refusing to turn over my files. Even though I have already paid Kathleen Murphy approximately $100,000 and she has failed to file for my divorce and she has failed to file for custody of my daughter. She is still sending me bills for $15,000 and for $5000 additionally, Even after being fired, she continues to send me bills for work that she did not do and communication that she failed to have with me. I witnessed her being rude to me to her own paralegal, to a friend of mine, and to a retired judge. Based on my personal experience with her, the lack of communication that I received from her, The fact that I was not allowed access to her, and to her staff, the fact that I was not made aware and kept updated On my case, I cannot recommend this attorney to anyone. Sincerely, Teresa Hamaty
Sarah Gerow and her team did a great job helping me navigate through a difficult seperation. I appricate their legal expertise and kindness.
...Sarah Gerow and her team did a great job helping me navigate through a difficult seperation. I appricate their legal expertise and kindness.
Kathleen was accessible during a very difficult time and was able to turn a situation upside down on its head for my benefit. She is very smart and knowledgeable of...
Kathleen was accessible during a very difficult time and was able to turn a situation upside down on its head for my benefit. She is very smart and knowledgeable of the system and what steps to take if you are having difficulty with your spouse.
This law firm was excellent and took very good care of me through this process. Even though I had an assigned lawyer, I felt the entire practice was with me...
This law firm was excellent and took very good care of me through this process. Even though I had an assigned lawyer, I felt the entire practice was with me on this journey. If you are in need of these services, and want compentent, logical, thoughtful, and strong representation, look no further.
You’ve built a life. You’ve earned things, saved things, sacrificed for things.
Don’t let uncertainty—or the other side—decide what happens to it all.
Book a Confidential Consultation Today
Because your financial future deserves more than guesswork. It deserves a plan.
Durham Office
Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C.
3511 Shannon Road Suite 150 Durham, NC, 27707
Fax: 877-678-1584
Mon – Thur: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
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