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!
Whether you are seeking support or being asked to pay it, alimony can shape your financial future. Our alimony lawyers help people in Durham approach spousal support with clarity, fairness, and a plan that holds up.
When your relationship ends, your financial life does not just reset. You still have bills. You still need housing. You may have sacrificed career growth to be home with your family. Or you may be worried about being held responsible for someone else’s financial needs longer than you think is fair.
At Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C in North Carolina, our alimony laywers help clients across Durham understand, negotiate, and enforce alimony arrangements that reflect real life, not outdated assumptions or aggressive tactics.
Alimony (also called “spousal support”) is not a simple, cut-and-dry formula when filing for divorce.
It is based on many factors, including:
Whether you are seeking support or being asked to pay for alimony, the stakes are high, and the system can feel confusing. Our alimony lawyers walk with you to build a strong legal case grounded in both your financial reality and North Carolina law.
No two alimony cases are the same, which is why we tailor our strategy to your unique goals, your needs, and your future. We work with:
These are real, valid questions. And you deserve real, clear answers. We work closely with you to understand your income, expenses, goals, and concerns, and help you make strategic decisions that align with your financial future.
We focus our work on your unique needs and fight for what is fair.
When you hire our team, you:
We are here to bring structure to uncertainty, without drama, and without delay.
We advocate for temporary or long-term support arrangements during divorce, always grounded in North Carolina’s legal factors and your long-term goals.
Avoiding court can save time, money, and stress. We help many clients reach fair alimony agreements through negotiation or mediation, so you stay in control of the outcome.
Circumstances change. If your income drops, your ex remarries, or your needs shift, we’ll help you pursue a modification based on what the law allows.
If you’re owed support and not receiving it, we take swift legal action to enforce the court’s order, so you’re not left carrying the burden alone.
We regularly work with high earners, self-employed clients, and families with businesses, investments, or nontraditional income. We partner with financial experts when needed to ensure every detail is accurately presented.
Unlike child support, North Carolina does not use a set formula to determine alimony. Instead, the court considers factors such as:
The result? Alimony can vary widely from case to case.
That’s why smart preparation—and clear storytelling—matters. We help you present a full, accurate picture of your financial situation, so the outcome reflects reality.
We are deeply invested in your financial future and bring experience to the legal process.
Our clients trust us because:
You need a team that knows when to push, when to protect, and how to get to a place that feels fair.
We work with individuals and families across the Triangle region. We’re familiar with the local judges, court expectations, and the way Durham handles alimony disputes—inside and outside the courtroom.
Our board-certified specialists lead every case with strategy, care, and a commitment to your best outcome.
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!
I cannot say enough good things about this law firm and the support I have received from Kathleen and her team. Going through a difficult and emotional family law matter...
I cannot say enough good things about this law firm and the support I have received from Kathleen and her team. Going through a difficult and emotional family law matter can be incredibly overwhelming, but having an attorney who is knowledgeable, responsive, honest, and truly listens has made such a difference.
Kathleen has taken the time to understand my situation, answer my questions, explain my options, and help me navigate decisions that I never expected to have to make. I have always felt that my concerns were taken seriously and that I had someone in my corner advocating for me while still giving me realistic and straightforward advice.
The entire office has been professional, compassionate, and helpful throughout the process. When you’re dealing with something that affects your children, your family, and your future, having confidence in the people representing you means everything.
I am extremely grateful for Kathleen and her team and would highly recommend this office to anyone looking for knowledgeable and compassionate representation in a family law matter.
Fantastic team to work with! Professionals from start to finish. Thank you!
...Fantastic team to work with! Professionals from start to finish. Thank you!
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 !!
I have a great feeling about Ellis Family Law and the work they do. I know a couple of the staff members personally, and they have an incredible work ethic...
I have a great feeling about Ellis Family Law and the work they do. I know a couple of the staff members personally, and they have an incredible work ethic and truly care about the people they are helping. It’s clear that this firm is dedicated to providing top-notch service and making a real difference for families.
You have already made hard decisions about your relationship. Let us help you make smart, confident decisions about your finances.
Whether you are seeking support, negotiating an agreement, or trying to protect your ability to move forward, we’re here to help.
Because you deserve to start the next chapter on solid ground.
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!
