At Ellis Family Law, our lawyers help individuals and families in Raleigh and throughout Wake County navigate family law issues with compassion, skill, and a clear plan. From cooperative resolutions to complex litigation, we provide the support you need to make confident decisions for yourself and those you love.
Family law touches the most personal parts of your life—your children, your finances, your future. Whether you’re facing divorce, negotiating custody, or planning a marriage with financial foresight, you deserve more than legal paperwork. You deserve a thoughtful, strategic partner who will guide you through each step with clarity and care.
We offer comprehensive legal services for individuals and families facing major life transitions. Our Raleigh family lawyers handle:
We guide clients through all aspects of divorce—from separation agreements and asset division to spousal support and custody. Whether your divorce is amicable or high-conflict, we help protect your rights and position you for a stable future.
We help parents develop custody arrangements that prioritize their children’s well-being while respecting each parent’s role. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we advocate for parenting plans that support healthy relationships and long-term stability.
We calculate, negotiate, and enforce child support orders based and your family’s unique needs. We also assist with support modifications and disputes.
Whether you’re seeking alimony or being asked to pay it, we help determine what is fair, realistic, and in line with your financial picture and the law.
We draft legally sound agreements that provide structure and resolution to their underlying family law issues. These agreements often resolve custody, support, and property issues in advance.
We help clients identify and divide marital assets and debts, including real estate, retirement accounts, business interests, and more. We focus on equitable outcomes that support your post-divorce financial well-being.
We draft and review clear, enforceable agreements for couples entering or already in marriage. Our agreements help protect assets, clarify expectations, and reduce future uncertainty.
When life changes, your court orders may need to change, too. We help with custody, child support, and alimony modifications due to relocation, income shifts, or changing needs.
We represent clients seeking to enforce custody, visitation, or support orders, as well as those defending against allegations of noncompliance.
Every family looks different. And every season of life brings new legal questions. We work with:
We help you think beyond today’s legal issue—and build a strategy that supports your long-term wellbeing.
We know you have options when it comes to legal representation. Here’s what sets our firm apart:
We take the time to understand your goals, your values, and your life—then build a legal plan that reflects them. No cookie-cutter solutions.
We speak in plain English, not legal jargon. We make sure you understand your rights, your options, and what to expect at every stage.
We’re assertive when it counts and empathetic when it matters. Whether you’re facing an urgent crisis or planning ahead, we meet you where you are.
We aim for amicable resolutions through negotiation or mediation. But when litigation is the best path forward, we’re fully prepared to protect your interests in court.
At Ellis Family Law in North Carolina, we don’t just help you resolve your current legal issue, we help you prepare for what’s next. We often coordinate family law cases with estate planning needs, such as:
By looking at your situation holistically, we help you move forward with a plan that supports both your legal rights and your long-term peace of mind.
Not every case is resolved quickly or easily. We have extensive experience handling:
In these emotionally charged situations, our attorneys bring both legal clarity and emotional intelligence to help you move forward.
We represent clients across Raleigh and surrounding areas, including Apex, Cary, Wake Forest, Garner, and Morrisville. We’re familiar with the Wake County family courts and the judges who handle family law matters here. Our local knowledge helps us serve you better—whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
We know reaching out to a lawyer can be overwhelming. Our process is designed to be supportive, not stressful:
We listen. We ask questions. We help you understand where things stand and what your legal options look like.
We create a clear, customized legal plan that reflects your goals, values, and circumstances.
Whether we’re filing paperwork, negotiating with the other party, or preparing for court, you’ll know exactly what to expect.
Our board-certified specialists lead every case with strategy, care, and a commitment to your best outcome.
Autumn as well as the rest of the team at Ellis Family Law will always go the extra mile to do the right things for your family. I work for...
Autumn as well as the rest of the team at Ellis Family Law will always go the extra mile to do the right things for your family. I work for The Graham Nuckolls Conner Law Firm and we use them as a referral source. Our clients are always thankful for their quality work.
Excellent Service. Helpful and professional.
...Excellent Service. Helpful and professional.
Shannon Tucker is an amazing and dedicated attorney.The entire staff has been wonderful to work with as well. Everyone is professional, responsive, and genuinely kind.
...Shannon Tucker is an amazing and dedicated attorney.
The entire staff has been wonderful to work with as well. Everyone is professional, responsive, and genuinely kind.
Kathleen is awesome She has been my attorney for many years and have had complex issues involving custody and property matters. She has my back always and I trust her...
Kathleen is awesome She has been my attorney for many years and have had complex issues involving custody and property matters. She has my back always and I trust her implicitly
What an exceptional Law firm. Ellis Family Law has handled my case and exceeded my expectations they truly went above and beyond. I thank the entire team. X
...What an exceptional Law firm. Ellis Family Law has handled my case and exceeded my expectations they truly went above and beyond. I thank the entire team. X
Attorney Kathleen Murphy, Esq. Kathleen is an expert attorney who is exceptionally knowledgeable and effective. Her command of the law, preparation, and courtroom skill gave me total confidence at a...
Attorney Kathleen Murphy, Esq. Kathleen is an expert attorney who is exceptionally knowledgeable and effective. Her command of the law, preparation, and courtroom skill gave me total confidence at a time when I needed strong advocacy the most. She explained my options clearly, anticipated the other side’s arguments, and presented my case with professionalism and precision. What sets Kathleen apart is that she combines her deep legal knowledge with compassion and patience. I always felt supported, never overwhelmed, and knew I was in the hands of someone who truly understood the law inside and out. She is well worth her rates — the peace of mind and the successful outcome she achieved for me were invaluable. I wholeheartedly recommend Kathleen to anyone in need of an expert level, brilliant, principled, and highly effective advocate. — Emily Reid
Family transitions aren’t easy—but with the right support, they can be manageable, dignified, and even transformative. At Ellis Family Law, we’re here to help you move forward—with your rights protected, your children supported, and your future in focus.
Because the people you love—and the life you’re building—deserve more than a legal answer. They deserve a plan that works.
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!
