I have known Sarah Mercer for many years and she has always been so easy to talk to and is great at problem solving! I can always trust her to be fair and knowledgeable!
When parents separate or divorce, determining where children will live and how parenting responsibilities will be shared is often the most emotionally challenging aspect of the process. North Carolina law prioritizes the best interests of the child in all custody decisions, but navigating the legal system can be complex and overwhelming for families already experiencing significant change. That’s why you need a local Wake Forest Child custody lawyer to help you succesfully traverse this system.
Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C., provides compassionate, knowledgeable representation for families throughout Wake Forest and surrounding communities. Our attorneys have more than 50 years of combined experience handling complex child custody matters. From our Wake Forest office, we offer personalized guidance to help you create custody arrangements that protect your relationship with your children while meeting their needs.
North Carolina recognizes legal custody and physical child custody. Legal custody involves decision-making authority regarding education, health care, religious upbringing and other significant matters. Physical custody determines where the child lives and the parenting time schedule.
The court may award joint custody, giving both parents equal rights and responsibilities, or sole custody to one parent with visitation rights to the other. Many factors influence these determinations, including:
Our Wake Forest attorneys help you present the strongest case possible for your desired custody arrangement, always keeping your child’s best interests at the center of our strategy.
A well-crafted parenting plan can help avoid future conflicts and provide stability for your children. Our divorce lawyer team works closely with you to develop comprehensive agreements addressing regular parenting time schedules, holiday arrangements, transportation logistics, communication between parents and children, and methods for resolving future disagreements.
Even when parents agree on custody matters, having skilled legal representation helps ensure your agreement complies with North Carolina law and anticipates potential future challenges.
Life circumstances change, and custody arrangements sometimes need adjustment. If you need to modify an existing custody order or are facing issues with enforcement, our experienced attorneys can help you navigate the legal process and advocate for solutions that continue to serve your child’s best interests.
Our board-certified specialists lead every case with strategy, care, and a commitment to your best outcome.
I have known Sarah Mercer for many years and she has always been so easy to talk to and is great at problem solving! I can always trust her to...
I have known Sarah Mercer for many years and she has always been so easy to talk to and is great at problem solving! I can always trust her to be fair and knowledgeable!
Excellent Service. Helpful and professional.
...Excellent Service. Helpful and professional.
I am extremely grateful for the team at Ellis Family Law From my very first consultation with Christina, I felt heard, respected, and taken seriously. Family law situations can feel...
I am extremely grateful for the team at Ellis Family Law From my very first consultation with Christina, I felt heard, respected, and taken seriously. Family law situations can feel overwhelming, but they brought clarity and steady guidance when I needed it most.
Their communication was consistent and transparent, and they were always prepared. I appreciated how strategic they were while still remaining compassionate and understanding. It was clear they truly care about their clients and work hard to achieve the best possible outcome.
As a fellow family law practitioner with over 22 years of experience and family law professor with over 17 years of experience, I get numerous calls requesting an attorney referral...
As a fellow family law practitioner with over 22 years of experience and family law professor with over 17 years of experience, I get numerous calls requesting an attorney referral for family law matters. There are only three firms within the triangle that I refer people to. Ellis Family Law is always number one. I know that I have referred many people over the last several years to both offices. Every last one has retained their services and been very happy with the legal outcomes. The overall experience they share with me always have several common denominators. Experience, Expertise Professionalism and tenaciousness.
I was able to experience these qualities when I contacted them to represent my significant other in a matter. The service was phenomenal and aligned with what had been shared with me. There is a reason why they have been recognized with numerous accolades over the years regarding the attorneys and the firm’s locations overall. Super Lawyers, NC Lawyers Power List and the BBB just to name a few.
You will not go wrong by retaining the services of Ellis Family Law. They have proven time and time again that they understand and respect that a person is making an investment and entrusting them with sensitive matters that may become lifechanging. They will honor that with the utmost professionalism and representation.
Kathleen saved my sanity by defending me against the most manipulative person I’ve ever met. It’s very hard to convince anyone that a man has been subjected to domestic violence...
Kathleen saved my sanity by defending me against the most manipulative person I’ve ever met. It’s very hard to convince anyone that a man has been subjected to domestic violence because of implicit bias but Kathleen articulated this very effectively, and prevented my abuser from steamrolling me in court like she’s done in the past. I don’t know what I would’ve done without Kathleen being such a strong advocate for me, but I’m so glad to have her on my side.”
The decisions you make during your custody case will affect your family for years to come. Work with attorneys who understand both the legal complexities and emotional nuances of child custody matters. Contact Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C., in Wake Forest.
Wake Forest Office
Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C.
1740 Heritage Center Dr Suite 202, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Fax: 877-678-1584
Mon – Fri: 9am – 5:pm
And for a fun twist: don’t miss our “Pour Decisions” section, featuring wine tips from our lawyer-wine specialist Gray Ellis!
