At Ellis Family Law in North Carolina, our Raleigh divorce attorneys help clients navigate the end of their marriage with practical solutions and compassionate guidance. We listen to what matters most to you, explain your options in plain language, and develop a plan that supports your future.
Divorce is a personal transition that reshapes your life, your finances, and your family. Whether your split is amicable or contentious, simple or complex, you deserve a legal partner who will protect your interests and help you move forward with confidence.
In North Carolina, you must be separated for at least one year and one day before filing for an absolute divorce. During that time, you and your spouse must live in separate homes, and at least one of you must intend for the separation to be permanent.
However, divorce involves much more than the final paperwork. The separation period is often when decisions about property, finances, custody, and support are made, and those decisions shape your future.
We help clients in Raleigh, NC, manage both the legal and emotional aspects of divorce from start to finish.
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.
North Carolina follows equitable distribution, which means marital property is divided fairly, but not always equally. We help you:
We often work with financial advisors, forensic accountants, and other experts to ensure a full and accurate picture.
Nothing matters more than your children. We help Raleigh parents create custody and visitation arrangements that:
We also calculate child support and ensure both parents contribute to the child’s well-being, fairly and legally.
Divorce does not always bring out the best in people. If your spouse is hiding assets, withholding children, ignoring court orders, or creating unnecessary conflict, you need an attorney who can protect your rights while staying focused on the long game.
We have experience handling:
Even in the most difficult cases, we help clients navigate divorce with strength and integrity.
Not every case needs to be fought in court. Many couples can work with a divorce attorney to reach an agreement through mediation or collaborative divorce, saving time, money, and emotional energy.
Our divorce attorneys help clients:
Even if you start out far apart, skilled legal guidance can help bridge the gap.
We know that divorce is more than a legal issue—it’s a life transition. That’s why our approach is built around trust, clarity, and individualized strategy.
Here’s what working with us looks like:
We listen. We ask smart questions. We explain your rights, your options, and what to expect.
Your family, finances, and future are unique. We build a legal strategy around your specific goals.
You’ll never be left wondering. We keep you informed and make sure you’re always prepared for the next step.
We don’t disappear after the divorce. Whether you need to modify a custody order or update your estate plan, we’re here.
From our office near the heart of the Triangle, we represent clients throughout Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Wake Forest, and surrounding areas. We know the local courts, procedures, and professionals—and we use that knowledge to serve our clients with excellence and efficiency.
Our board-certified specialists lead every case with strategy, care, and a commitment to your best outcome.
Kathleen Murphy recently took on a very difficult and deceitful case dealing with narcissism. She was very reliable, attentive, kind, thorough, knowledgeable and very encouraging to the victims of abuse....
Kathleen Murphy recently took on a very difficult and deceitful case dealing with narcissism. She was very reliable, attentive, kind, thorough, knowledgeable and very encouraging to the victims of abuse. Kathleen continues to help throughout this very difficult process ensuring safety and the well being of her clients. Highly recommend.
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.
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.
Divorce can be one of life’s most difficult transitions—but it doesn’t have to define you. With the right legal guidance, it can be the beginning of something stronger, clearer, and more secure.
Because you don’t just need to end your marriage—you need to protect your future.
And for a fun twist: don’t miss our “Pour Decisions” section, featuring wine tips from our lawyer-wine specialist Gray Ellis!
