Tremendously helpful, responsibly aggressive in an advisory capacity. Fortunate to have been referred to Kathleen.
When one parent wants or needs to move—whether it’s across the state or across the country—it’s not just a change of address. It’s a potential shift in a child’s entire world.
At Ellis Family Law, we handle relocation cases with the care and clarity they demand. We work with parents to address what the court cares about most: how the move will affect the child’s well-being. Whether you’re hoping to relocate or opposing a proposed move, we help you build a thoughtful, legally sound case rooted in what’s best for your family.
Maybe you’ve received a job offer in another city. Maybe you want to be closer to family. Maybe you’re the parent staying behind, and you’re worried about what a move will mean for your relationship with your child.
Relocation cases are among the most emotional and high-stakes custody disputes. Because when a move changes the parenting dynamic, it doesn’t just affect the parents—it changes everything for the child.
At Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C. in North Carolina, we represent both parents in child relocation matters. We help you present your position thoughtfully, legally, and with the child’s long-term well-being at the center.
Whether you’re requesting the move or opposing it, our child relocation attorneys will help you build a clear case and protect your role in your child’s life.
In North Carolina, if a custody order is in place, a parent must receive court approval to relocate with a child if the move would:
If you move without permission, the other parent can file a motion, and the court may order the child returned, modify custody, or hold you in contempt.
That’s why legal planning matters—before you move, not after.
The guiding question in any relocation case is simple: Is this move in the child’s best interests?
But answering it is far from simple.
Judges consider:
We help you frame your case around facts, documentation, and a clear story that shows how the move (or staying) supports your child’s well-being.
You may feel:
We help you:
The goal isn’t to “win.” It’s to show that your plan meets your child’s needs—and keeps both parents involved whenever possible.
You may feel:
We help you:
You have a right to be heard. We make sure the court hears more than just logistics—they hear what this child means to you.
We represent parents throughout Durham, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and the surrounding communities. Whether you’re preparing to request a move or respond to one, we offer practical guidance, strategic preparation, and firm advocacy in and out of court.
We also offer virtual consultations to accommodate parents living at a distance or on tight schedules.
Relocation cases are rarely black-and-white. They involve love, fear, opportunity, and uncertainty.
Whether you’re the one leaving—or the one being left behind—you deserve legal guidance that respects your role, your relationship, and your child’s future.
We’ll help you move forward with strength and strategy—no matter where the path leads.
Tremendously helpful, responsibly aggressive in an advisory capacity. Fortunate to have been referred to Kathleen.
...Tremendously helpful, responsibly aggressive in an advisory capacity. Fortunate to have been referred to Kathleen.
Kathleen and her team are excellent. She is straightforward, professional, and gives honest advice, even when it isn’t what you want to hear. She focuses on your best interests and...
Kathleen and her team are excellent. She is straightforward, professional, and gives honest advice, even when it isn’t what you want to hear. She focuses on your best interests and helps you work through a difficult process. I appreciate her guidance and the team’s support. Highly recommend.
Dear Shannon Tucker and Ellis Family Law, I truly cannot say enough good things about Shannon and her team. Going through a custody battle involving my son was one of...
Dear Shannon Tucker and Ellis Family Law,
I truly cannot say enough good things about Shannon and her team. Going through a custody battle involving my son was one of the most stressful and emotional situations I’ve ever faced, and having Shannon in my corner gave me an incredible amount of peace of mind.
From the beginning, I trusted her completely. Even with an incredibly short notice with my request for help, Shannon handled every aspect of my case tactfully, professionally, and with genuine care. She was an incredible negotiator, always made sure I understood what was happening and when/why it was happening, and most importantly, made sure I felt comfortable with every decision along the way.
In a situation that naturally comes with so much stress and uncertainty, Shannon took a tremendous amount of that weight off my shoulders. I knew she was fighting for what mattered most to me and that I could trust her judgment every step of the way.
Calling her a lifesaver honestly feels like an understatement. I will always be grateful for what Shannon did for me and my family. If you are looking for an attorney who is professional, compassionate, trustworthy, and someone you genuinely want in your corner, I cannot recommend Shannon and Ellis Family Law highly enough.
Five stars without hesitation, thank you so much!
I had a civil matter that two attorneys from different firms had handled very poorly. I engaged the services of Kathleen Murphy at Ellis and she did an exceptional job!...
I had a civil matter that two attorneys from different firms had handled very poorly. I engaged the services of Kathleen Murphy at Ellis and she did an exceptional job! My only regret is I didn’t meet her years ago
I was able to enjoy the professional and capable hands of a superior attorney. She made an ugly situation bearable. She was able to get things for me in negotiations...
I was able to enjoy the professional and capable hands of a superior attorney. She made an ugly situation bearable. She was able to get things for me in negotiations that I’d only hoped for. I couldn’t be happier with the results of my divorce.
I cannot say enough good things about this law firm and the support I have received from Kathleen and her team. Going through a difficult and emotional family law matter...
I cannot say enough good things about this law firm and the support I have received from Kathleen and her team. Going through a difficult and emotional family law matter can be incredibly overwhelming, but having an attorney who is knowledgeable, responsive, honest, and truly listens has made such a difference.
Kathleen has taken the time to understand my situation, answer my questions, explain my options, and help me navigate decisions that I never expected to have to make. I have always felt that my concerns were taken seriously and that I had someone in my corner advocating for me while still giving me realistic and straightforward advice.
The entire office has been professional, compassionate, and helpful throughout the process. When you’re dealing with something that affects your children, your family, and your future, having confidence in the people representing you means everything.
I am extremely grateful for Kathleen and her team and would highly recommend this office to anyone looking for knowledgeable and compassionate representation in a family law matter.
We are equally skilled in litigation and in resolving disputes outside of court.
Mediation, arbitration, and collaborative approaches that resolve disputes with less stress and more cooperation.
Thoughtful advocacy for parenting arrangements that protect your children and preserve what matters most.
And for a fun twist: don’t miss our “Pour Decisions” section, featuring wine tips from our lawyer-wine specialist Gray Ellis!
