Christina responded right away and made a stressful situation feel more manageable. She was kind, empathetic, and took the time to really listen. I truly appreciated her support! Thank you Christina!!!
At Ellis Family Law in North Carolina, our estate planning attorneys help individuals and families across Wake County create customized estate plans that reflect their values, provide peace of mind, and minimize future stress for loved ones. From drafting Wills and Trusts to establishing Powers of Attorney and healthcare directives, we offer thoughtful guidance every step of the way.
Estate planning is about making sure your family is cared for, your wishes are honored, and your life’s work continues with clarity and intention. Whether you are starting fresh or updating an existing plan, working with a trusted Raleigh estate planning attorney gives you the tools to protect what matters most.
Estate planning is the process of organizing your affairs to prepare for incapacity, end-of-life care, and the distribution of your assets after death. A good estate plan:
No matter your age, income, or family situation, having a plan in place ensures your wishes are respected and your family isn’t left guessing.
A comprehensive estate plan typically includes several key documents. Our Raleigh estate planning lawyers take the time to explain each option so you can make informed decisions based on your needs.
A Will allows you to:
If you pass away without a valid Will in North Carolina, the state’s intestacy laws determine who inherits your assets—regardless of your personal wishes.
A Trust is a legal arrangement that allows a trustee to manage and distribute property according to your instructions. Trusts can be used to:
A Durable Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone to handle your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. Without one, your family may have to seek court permission to manage your finances—a time-consuming and stressful process.
We help ensure your Power of Attorney is legally sound, clearly written, and tailored to your preferences.
A Health Care Power of Attorney and Living Will let you choose who will make medical decisions on your behalf and what types of care you want (or don’t want) in the event you can’t speak for yourself.
These documents provide comfort for your family and help avoid confusion or conflict during critical moments.
If you are a parent, estate planning is about more than assets; it’s about protecting your children’s future. We help families:
We take a compassionate, detailed approach to give parents peace of mind and long-term protection.
Estate plans are not “one and done.” You should review and update your plan after significant events such as:
We review your existing documents, identify gaps, and recommend smart updates that keep your plan current and effective.
Blended families often have unique planning needs, especially when there are children from previous relationships or differing financial goals. We help spouses:
Our Raleigh estate planning attorneys provide tailored solutions that foster clarity, trust, and long-term harmony.
Probate is the legal process of settling your estate through the court system after death. It can be time-consuming, expensive, and public.
We help clients use tools like:
These strategies reduce the burden on your family and ensure a smoother transfer of assets.
We break down legal concepts so you can make confident, informed decisions.
We break down legal concepts so you can make confident, informed decisions.
We understand how life, relationships, and the law intersect—and we help you navigate it all with care
We’ve been serving individuals and families throughout Raleigh, Cary, and surrounding areas for years.
Whether you’re preparing for retirement, starting a family, or building generational wealth, we help you protect the future you’re working hard to build.
Our board-certified specialists lead every case with strategy, care, and a commitment to your best outcome.
Christina responded right away and made a stressful situation feel more manageable. She was kind, empathetic, and took the time to really listen. I truly appreciated her support! Thank you...
Christina responded right away and made a stressful situation feel more manageable. She was kind, empathetic, and took the time to really listen. I truly appreciated her support! Thank you Christina!!!
Kathleen Murphy is one of the best in the business. Her knowledge of family law is incredible,she will fight for her clients, and stand behind them in any situation. ask...
Kathleen Murphy is one of the best in the business. Her knowledge of family law is incredible,she will fight for her clients, and stand behind them in any situation. ask me how I know she handled my divorce back in 2018 and did exactly what I needed to give me the best outcome for what I was dealing with at the time. I personally would recommend her to anyone going through such a difficult and personal situation such as. divorce. Sincerely, Neil alford
They made me feel very comfortable and gave me the utmost confidence in their abilities, especially Amanda and her paralegal Emilee. I recommend them to anyone looking for a family...
They made me feel very comfortable and gave me the utmost confidence in their abilities, especially Amanda and her paralegal Emilee. I recommend them to anyone looking for a family law firm in the area!
If you are looking for a powerful Lawyer go to Eva! She will go the extra mile for you!
...If you are looking for a powerful Lawyer go to Eva! She will go the extra mile for you!
Sarah Mercer is amazing! So kind and friendly, and her pursuit of excellence is exceptional.
...Sarah Mercer is amazing! So kind and friendly, and her pursuit of excellence is exceptional.
I have been in continual custody battles with my ex-wife for 8 years but I have never felt so supported and assured as I have while working with Ellis Family...
I have been in continual custody battles with my ex-wife for 8 years but I have never felt so supported and assured as I have while working with Ellis Family Law. Ellis law firm was referred to me by another attorney who assured me that the law firm was one I could count on. They are very diligent and hard working, and I feel like the whole staff really cared about myself as a client as well as my family that I was fighting for. This was one of the toughest custody battles I have been in but with Gray and Ellis Family Law by my side I was confident in the outcome; I think that having such amazing representation was the ultimate reason I won. Thank you so much to Gray and his staff, it was worth every minute and every penny!
You don’t have to have it all figured out before starting the estate planning process. All you need is a willingness to plan—and a trusted legal team to guide you.
We’ll help you create a plan that brings clarity now—and comfort later.
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!
