Tremendously helpful, responsibly aggressive in an advisory capacity. Fortunate to have been referred to Kathleen.
North Carolina law allows grandparents to seek custody or visitation, but the path isn’t always easy. We help grandparents in Durham understand their rights and fight for meaningful involvement when it matters most.
Maybe you’ve been raising your grandchild for years, but now a parent wants to take them back.
Maybe you’re worried about your grandchild’s safety—and wondering if there’s anything you can do.
Grandparents are often the quiet anchor in a child’s life. But when things go wrong, they’re also the ones who step in, step up, and ask the hardest questions.
At Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C. in North Carolina, we help grandparents seek custody, visitation, or guardianship in a way that’s legally grounded—and child-centered.
We know you’re not trying to create conflict. You’re trying to stay connected—or keep a child safe. And we take that seriously.
Grandparents don’t automatically have legal rights to custody or visitation. But under certain circumstances, the law allows them to petition the court.
There are two primary paths:
If the parents are going through a divorce or custody battle, or if custody is already being litigated, a grandparent can sometimes intervene and request visitation. Courts will consider:
Note: If the parents are intact and unified, there is no legal claim for grandparent visitation rights
If neither parent is fit—or both are absent and unable to care for the child—you may be able to seek custody or guardianship. Courts may award custody to a grandparent if:
These cases are challenging, but possible—with the right legal preparation and evidence.
Whether you’re trying to stay involved or step into a caregiving role, we’ll help you take the next right step.
We understand that grandparent rights cases often come with heartbreak. You may be grieving the loss of a child, watching a grandchild suffer, or trying to stay neutral in a family conflict you didn’t create.
You don’t need judgment. You need a path forward and a legal team that treats your role with respect.
We’ll tell you the truth about what’s possible.
We’ll fight for what’s fair.
And we’ll never forget that behind every case is a child who needs stability.
If you’ve been cut off from your grandchild, you may still have options if a custody case is happening.
We can help you:
There are limitations, but there are also opportunities. We help you explore both.
We represent grandparents throughout Durham, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and surrounding communities. Whether you’re seeking visitation, custody, or answers about what’s possible, we’re here to help you navigate it with compassion and clarity.
We offer both in-person and virtual consultations for your convenience.
We know how heavy this is. You just want to do right by your grandchild.
We’ll help you understand the law, make your case, and take the next step—whatever that looks like.
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.
Because when a child’s well-being is at stake, waiting isn’t an option.
And for a fun twist: don’t miss our “Pour Decisions” section, featuring wine tips from our lawyer-wine specialist Gray Ellis!
