Family Law and Estate Planning Services in North Carolina

Here to Support You and Your Loved Ones—At Every Crossroad

Ellis Family Law Partners Board Certified Specialists walking outside cropped

At Ellis Family Law, we understand that life’s biggest transitions—marriage, separation, parenthood, retirement, and loss—come with legal responsibilities and emotional weight.

Our mission is to provide thoughtful, strategic legal guidance across two deeply personal areas of law: family law and estate planning. Whether you’re preparing for the future or navigating a difficult chapter, our team is here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Ready to Talk?
Speak with a board-certified specialist.

Family Law Services

We offer a full range of family law services designed to support your legal and emotional needs. From divorce and custody to post-judgment concerns, we help individuals and families find resolutions that honor their goals while minimizing unnecessary conflict.

Divorce & Separation

Personalized strategies for every stage of separation.
  • Equitable distribution of marital property
  • Spousal support (alimony)
  • Divorce mediation and collaborative law
  • Separation agreements

Child Custody & Parenting Plans

Sustainable plans centered on your children’s best interests.
  • Legal and physical custody arrangements
  • Holiday/vacation schedules
  • Decision-making authority
  • Modifications of existing custody orders

Child Support & Financial Planning

Fair, accurate support calculations for every family situation.
  • Accurate income calculations
  • Fair application of support guidelines
  • Enforcement or modification of existing orders
  • Calculation when combined incomes exceed $40,000/mo

Post-Divorce Modifications & Enforcement

Life changes — and so can your legal agreements.
  • Parent relocation
  • Income or employment shifts
  • A child’s evolving needs
  • Enforcement of court orders not being followed

Estate Planning Services

Estate planning is more than paperwork. It’s an act of care for your family, your legacy, and your future.

Whether you’re starting a family, nearing retirement, or simply want to get organized, we help you create a plan that reflects your values and protects your loved ones.

Wills & Trusts

Ensuring your wishes are honored and your family is protected.
  • Draft or update your Will

Powers of Attorney & Advance Directives

Planning for incapacity — one of the most loving choices you can make.
  • Durable Financial Power of Attorney
  • Health Care Power of Attorney
  • Living Wills / Advance Health Care Directives

Why Families Across North Carolina
Trust Ellis Family Law

Families in Durham, Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, and Pittsboro choose Ellis Family Law not just because of our legal skill—but because of how we treat our clients, with care, with professionalism, and with the respect every family deserves.

A Holistic Approach

One of the few NC firms offering both estate planning and family law under one roof. We help you prepare for the future, address present needs, and adapt to life’s transitions—all with one trusted team.

Personalized, Empathetic Service

We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. We take time to understand your goals, values, and concerns—then build a legal plan that fits you.

Legal Experience You Can Count On

Decades of combined experience across divorce litigation, collaborative law, and estate planning. Whether your situation calls for negotiation or assertive advocacy, we’re equipped to deliver.

Hear From Our Clients

Explore Our Practice Areas

Dive deeper into any of our individual service areas below.

Steady, strategic guidance through divorce, with a focus on protecting your future at every stage.

Thoughtful advocacy for parenting arrangements that protect your children and preserve what matters most.

Personalized estate planning services to help you protect your wishes, your assets, and the people you love.

Start With a Conversation That Makes You Feel Heard

Whether you need a family law attorney or a comprehensive estate plan—or both—you don’t have to figure it all out alone. We’ll listen carefully, answer your questions honestly, and explain your options clearly.

Proudly serving Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and throughout North Carolina.

Ex Files featuring Pour Decisions

  • Stay up to date on changes in North Carolina law
  • Get specialist legal insights to your most pressing family law questions
  • Access exclusive guides and resources you won’t find anywhere else

And for a fun twist: don’t miss our “Pour Decisions” section, featuring wine tips from our lawyer-wine specialist Gray Ellis!

Contact Us
Need immediate assistance?
Office Hours
Mon - Fri: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Fri: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM