Tremendously helpful, responsibly aggressive in an advisory capacity. Fortunate to have been referred to Kathleen.
When you have complex family law issues in North Carolina, you must understand all potential legal options to arrive at a resolution. Every case is unique, and these situations often involve complicated and high-stakes issues like child custody decisions, property division, spousal support and more. Tactics you may want to consider include working through litigation in court, drafting separation agreements or utilizing alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods.
Here at Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C., our family law attorneys offer the experience and skill you need to navigate the legal process ahead and consider all possible options. From our office locations in Durham, Raleigh, Cary, Pittsboro and Wake Forest, our lawyers serve clients throughout the Triangle area looking for legal guidance on their family law matters. Our team includes award-winning, board-certified family law specialists, who are known for putting our clients and their goals first.
We will review the specifics of your case and use our 100-plus years of combined experience to determine the best path forward. Four of the most common family law resolution methods are as follows:
Our attorneys have seen it all, and we know how to guide our clients through this complex process. We are both skilled litigators and effective advocates for our clients when mediation or arbitration may be a better option for their situation. Having the right team on your side makes all the difference when the stakes are high.
There are 4 typical paths for resolving family law disputes, including negotiations, mediation, arbitration or litigation.
Collaborative law is a voluntary process where both parties and their attorney sign a contract to resolve all disputes without going to court. Often these agreements include requirements of voluntary document exchanges and promises of good faith negotiations to reach resolution.
At Ellis Family Law we focus on the whole picture, not just the here and now. We make sure to pair each client with the best fit for them so that the process is as comfortable as possible. With multiple specialists with over 100 years combined experience throughout the Triangle, you can rest assured your case is being handled with the expertise it deserves.
Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party helps facilitate a resolution of any claims between the parties. Meditation is required when a custody action or an equitable distribution action is filed in NC.
Litigation is necessary when the parties are unable to resolve their disputes. Sometimes litigation is filed simply to obtain powers of discovery and subpoena to ensure that all information is accurate before reaching a resolution. Just because litigation has commenced does not mean the matter will necessarily go to trial.
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.
And for a fun twist: don’t miss our “Pour Decisions” section, featuring wine tips from our lawyer-wine specialist Gray Ellis!
