Family law matters are rarely simple. Whether you’re dealing with a high-conflict divorce or a complex child custody battle, the stress can be overwhelming. When you’re facing the North Carolina legal system, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and the path forward is often blurred by emotion and uncertainty.
You may be asking:
The wrong move now can cost you custody rights, financial stability, and peace of mind. You need an experienced family law attorney who understands Garner, NC courts — and how to win there.
We guide clients through both contested and uncontested divorce proceedings in North Carolina. Our attorneys prepare all required legal documents, represent you in court when necessary, and position you strategically for equitable outcomes involving custody, property division, and support.
We protect what you have worked hard to build. Our attorneys handle complex asset division involving real estate, retirement accounts, business interests, investments, and marital debt to secure fair outcomes.
Our team aggressively advocates for parenting arrangements that protect your relationship with your child. We help establish custody schedules, modify existing orders, and address visitation disputes with clarity and preparation.
We ensure child support calculations follow North Carolina guidelines while accurately reflecting income, expenses, and financial realities. Our attorneys analyze documentation carefully to prevent unfair support obligations or underpayments.
Our lawyers develop strong legal arguments, whether you are seeking alimony or defending against unreasonable support demands. We evaluate financial need, earning capacity, and marital factors to pursue balanced results.
A well-drafted separation agreement protects your rights and sets clear expectations during the transition period before divorce is finalized.
We draft, review, and negotiate prenuptial and postnuptial agreements to make sure they are legally sound, enforceable under North Carolina law, and structured to safeguard assets, business interests, inheritance rights, and future security.
We represent clients seeking domestic violence protective orders (DVPOs) and those defending against allegations. Our lawyers prepare urgent filings, represent you in court hearings, and work to secure protective measures that provide immediate legal protection and long-term security.
Not all law firms are the same. When your family’s future is on the line, experience and credentials matter. Here’s why you should partner with us.
Very few attorneys in North Carolina earn this distinction. Our board certification demonstrates:
This is not general practice law. This is focused, specialized expertise.
We do not dilute our practice with unrelated legal services. Our entire firm is dedicated to helping families navigate divorce, custody, and support matters.
If your case goes before a judge, preparation is critical. We build cases thoroughly — not reactively.
Your life is not a case number. We take time to explain your options, outline realistic outcomes, and guide you step by step.
We understand the local court system, procedures, and expectations in Garner, North Carolina.
If your case involves divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, or property division, legal representation protects your rights and helps prevent costly mistakes.
To prepare for your family law case, you need to collect records for five key areas: income/tax verification, a full accounting of marital and separate assets, proof of all current debts, child-related health and education records, and any existing legal contracts or court orders.
Custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child. Courts consider stability, parental involvement, and each parent’s ability to provide care.
North Carolina divides marital property fairly, though not always equally. Proper valuation and classification of assets are critical.
Our partners lead every client relationship with experience, care, and a commitment to your best outcome.
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.
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.
I hired Attorney Shannon Tucker with Ellis Family Law for help with a DVPO case, and I’m very grateful for their support. They responded quickly, explained every step of the...
I hired Attorney Shannon Tucker with Ellis Family Law for help with a DVPO case, and I’m very grateful for their support. They responded quickly, explained every step of the process in a way I could understand, and made sure I felt prepared for court. The case moved faster than I expected, and their professionalism and compassion made a difficult situation much easier to handle. I highly recommend them for anyone needing prompt and effective help with protective orders.
Raleigh Office
Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C.
1101 Haynes St, Raleigh, NC 27604
Fax: 877-678-1584
Mon – Thur 9:00am – 5:00pm
Fri – 9:00am - 3:00pm
Divorce and custody disputes move quickly. Delays can affect financial outcomes, parental rights, and court positioning. Contact us now to ensure your rights are protected from day one.
Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C.—Moving forward, together.
