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.
At Ellis Family Law, our Raleigh alimony lawyers help clients pursue fair, thoughtful outcomes rooted in the law and tailored to real-life needs. Whether you’re seeking alimony, being asked to pay it, or unsure where you stand, we will guide you through each step with clarity and care.
Divorce can create immediate financial uncertainty, especially when one spouse has relied on the other for income, health insurance, or long-term support. Alimony, also known as spousal support, is meant to create balance during and after divorce, but it’s often misunderstood, emotionally charged, and difficult to predict.
Alimony is court-ordered financial support paid by one spouse to the other during or after separation or divorce. It’s typically awarded when one spouse was financially dependent during the marriage and needs assistance maintaining a reasonable standard of living after the divorce.
North Carolina recognizes two types of spousal support:
There is no fixed formula for alimony in North Carolina. Each case is different, and outc
We draft customized separation agreements that address custody, support, and property division prior to your divorce, so that all important issues are resolved and the divorce only formalizes the termination of the marriage.
We help you identify, classify, and divide marital property in a way that protects your long-term financial stability, especially if you own a business, retirement accounts, or real estate.
We help dependent and supporting spouses assess whether alimony is appropriate, and if so, determine a fair amount and duration.
We advocate for custody arrangements that support your child’s needs and your role as a parent. We help you develop practical parenting time schedules, whether through negotiation or litigation.
We calculate and negotiate child support in accordance with North Carolina guidelines, with adjustments when appropriate to meet your child’s real-life needs. We also help when incomes are above child support guidelines.
If you and your spouse agree on the key issues, we can guide you through a streamlined, efficient divorce process with minimal conflict.
When you and your spouse cannot agree, we are fully prepared to advocate for you in court. Our Raleigh divorce attorneys build strong cases with focus, facts, and care.
To qualify for alimony, one spouse must be financially dependent, and the other must be financially supporting. Dependence can mean one spouse:
Alimony is not automatic, and courts consider many factors before awarding it. We help both dependent and supporting spouses build strong, evidence-based arguments to reach fair outcomes.
Unlike child support, there is no official formula for calculating alimony in North Carolina. Instead, judges consider multiple factors, including:
Our Raleigh alimony lawyers gather the necessary documentation, expert opinions, and personal history to make a strong case, whether seeking or opposing alimony.
Alimony may be awarded:
We help negotiate terms that reflect your needs and avoid open-ended obligations that could lead to future disputes.
Life changes, and so can alimony. If your or your spouse’s financial circumstances have significantly changed, you may be eligible to request a modification or termination of alimony.
Examples include:
We assist clients in seeking or contesting alimony modifications, always focused on fairness, accuracy, and compliance with current law.
If a former spouse is failing to pay alimony as ordered, we can take steps to enforce the court’s ruling. Tools may include:
We also defend clients who are facing enforcement actions, particularly when nonpayment stems from genuine hardship rather than willful disobedience.
If either spouse owns a business, has complex income streams, or holds significant investments, alimony decisions can become more complicated. Our firm regularly handles:
We work with forensic accountants and financial experts when needed to ensure full disclosure and a fair result.
At Ellis Family Law in North Carolina, we know that alimony is about more than money—it’s about fairness, dignity, and protecting your future.
Every alimony case is different, and we tailor every strategy to your personal and financial story.
We represent dependent spouses and supporting spouses, giving us a well-rounded perspective on what works and what doesn’t.
Whether you’re negotiating an agreement or preparing for trial, we explain your options every step of the way.
We assist clients throughout Wake County, including Cary, Apex, and Morrisville.
Spousal support doesn’t have to be a battle—but it does need to be handled with care. If you have questions about your eligibility, your obligations, or your rights in a North Carolina divorce, we’re here to help.
Let’s talk about your future and how to protect it.
Our board-certified specialists lead every case with strategy, 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
And for a fun twist: don’t miss our “Pour Decisions” section, featuring wine tips from our lawyer-wine specialist Gray Ellis!
