Tremendously helpful, responsibly aggressive in an advisory capacity. Fortunate to have been referred to Kathleen.
North Carolina courts may order spousal support if one of the parties is financially dependent on the other and the supporting spouse can afford to pay. At Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C., we protect our clients’ interests regarding spousal support, whether they expect to pay support or receive it. With office locations in Durham, Raleigh, Cary, Pittsboro and Wake Forest, we are ready to assist no matter where you reside within the Triangle area.
North Carolina provides two kinds of spousal support:
Both PSS and alimony are limited to the reasonable needs of the dependent spouse and the supporting spouse’s ability to pay. Even if you have reasonable financial needs, the court can deny support if your spouse can’t afford to pay it.
In North Carolina, the courts use the inclination and opportunity doctrine as a method of establishing whether a spouse had an affair during the course of the marriage. The court does not necessarily require that you have tangible proof (i.e., videos, pictures, etc.), but you must be able to establish that there was an “inclination” and an “opportunity” for the adulterous conduct.
Spousal support orders are not always set in stone. Circumstances can change, and when they do, either party can request a modification of the support order. These changes can be either upward or downward modifications depending on the situation.
In some circumstances, the payor may petition the court for a downward modification of spousal support. Such a change may be warranted if the recipient not with increased income or is cohabiting with another person. An involuntary decline only in the financial fortunes of the payor may also warrant a downward modification.
Conversely, a recipient of spousal support may require a larger support payment if he or she suffers unemployment, disability, or some other financial misfortune.
It’s crucial to consult with a qualified attorney to understand the grounds for modification and to navigate the legal process effectively.
Tremendously helpful, responsibly aggressive in an advisory capacity. Fortunate to have been referred to Kathleen.
...Tremendously helpful, responsibly aggressive in an advisory capacity. Fortunate to have been referred to Kathleen.
Kathleen and her team are excellent. She is straightforward, professional, and gives honest advice, even when it isn’t what you want to hear. She focuses on your best interests and...
Kathleen and her team are excellent. She is straightforward, professional, and gives honest advice, even when it isn’t what you want to hear. She focuses on your best interests and helps you work through a difficult process. I appreciate her guidance and the team’s support. Highly recommend.
Dear Shannon Tucker and Ellis Family Law, I truly cannot say enough good things about Shannon and her team. Going through a custody battle involving my son was one of...
Dear Shannon Tucker and Ellis Family Law,
I truly cannot say enough good things about Shannon and her team. Going through a custody battle involving my son was one of the most stressful and emotional situations I’ve ever faced, and having Shannon in my corner gave me an incredible amount of peace of mind.
From the beginning, I trusted her completely. Even with an incredibly short notice with my request for help, Shannon handled every aspect of my case tactfully, professionally, and with genuine care. She was an incredible negotiator, always made sure I understood what was happening and when/why it was happening, and most importantly, made sure I felt comfortable with every decision along the way.
In a situation that naturally comes with so much stress and uncertainty, Shannon took a tremendous amount of that weight off my shoulders. I knew she was fighting for what mattered most to me and that I could trust her judgment every step of the way.
Calling her a lifesaver honestly feels like an understatement. I will always be grateful for what Shannon did for me and my family. If you are looking for an attorney who is professional, compassionate, trustworthy, and someone you genuinely want in your corner, I cannot recommend Shannon and Ellis Family Law highly enough.
Five stars without hesitation, thank you so much!
I had a civil matter that two attorneys from different firms had handled very poorly. I engaged the services of Kathleen Murphy at Ellis and she did an exceptional job!...
I had a civil matter that two attorneys from different firms had handled very poorly. I engaged the services of Kathleen Murphy at Ellis and she did an exceptional job! My only regret is I didn’t meet her years ago
I was able to enjoy the professional and capable hands of a superior attorney. She made an ugly situation bearable. She was able to get things for me in negotiations...
I was able to enjoy the professional and capable hands of a superior attorney. She made an ugly situation bearable. She was able to get things for me in negotiations that I’d only hoped for. I couldn’t be happier with the results of my divorce.
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.
We are equally skilled in litigation and in resolving disputes outside of court.
Mediation, arbitration, and collaborative approaches that resolve disputes with less stress and more cooperation.
Thoughtful advocacy for parenting arrangements that protect your children and preserve what matters most.
We bring more than 100 years of combined experience to every case. Call Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C., or schedule a consultation. Our offices are located in Durham, Raleigh, Cary, Pittsboro and Wake Forest.
And for a fun twist: don’t miss our “Pour Decisions” section, featuring wine tips from our lawyer-wine specialist Gray Ellis!
