From day one, Kathleen made me feel supported and heard. She is comforting, pays close attention to every detail, and responds quickly. I continue to fully trust her to protect both my best interests and my son’s. I am beyond thankful for Kathleen.
Divorce is more than a legal process; it’s a personal crossroads. Whether you are the one initiating it or responding to a decision that wasn’t yours, you deserve experienced, compassionate legal counsel that keeps your future front and center. At Ellis Family Law, we help individuals and families in Wake Forest navigate separation and divorce with strategy, clarity, and care.
We believe in protecting what matters most: your children, your financial future, your peace of mind. From the first consultation through to the final agreement or judgment, our Wake Forest divorce lawyers are here to help you take control of the next chapter.
The divorce lawyers at Ellis Family are part of your local law firm. Based in the Triangle and experienced in Wake County courts, we understand the legal landscape and community resources that make a difference. We serve clients throughout Wake Forest, including neighborhoods like Heritage, Holding Village, and Traditions, as well as clients in Rolesville and northern Wake County.
We regularly handle matters in:
Wake County Courthouse
316 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
District Court – Family Division
Whether your divorce is amicable or contested, we’ll help you understand your options, avoid common pitfalls, and plan for a more stable future.
No two families are the same. That’s why we tailor every strategy around your needs, not someone else’s checklist. Our attorneys handle:
North Carolina requires a 12-month separation period before you can file for an absolute divorce. But during that time—and often well before—critical decisions are being made about:
Many of these issues are handled through a Separation Agreement or a series of temporary orders. Our attorneys help you negotiate these terms thoughtfully, so you’re not left in limbo.
If you have children, they are your priority, and ours too. We help Wake Forest parents create workable custody arrangements that put the child’s best interests first and reduce unnecessary conflict.
We’ll walk you through:
We also assist with modifying custody orders as your children grow and life evolves.
Finances often become a source of stress during divorce, but with the right guidance, they do not have to become a battleground.
We’ll help you understand:
Whether you’re the primary earner or the spouse who paused your career for the family, we’ll make sure your financial interests are protected.
North Carolina follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning marital assets and debts must be divided fairly—even if that’s not 50/50.
We help you:
We also work with forensic accountants and financial planners when needed to ensure full transparency and accuracy.
If you and your spouse want to keep things out of court, we’re equipped to help you do just that. Our attorneys are trained in collaborative divorce and regularly represent clients in private mediation.
These out-of-court options can offer:
We’ll explain whether this path makes sense for your family and guide you through it step by step if it does.
If your marriage includes threats, intimidation, or abuse, you don’t have to face it alone. We assist clients with protective orders (50B) and emergency custody filings when safety is a concern.
We can help you:
Your safety and your children’s well-being come first. We act swiftly when the situation demands it.
Whether your case is simple or high-conflict, we work hard to ensure your child is provided for and that you are treated fairly.
We appear before local judges regularly.
Your concerns won’t sit in a voicemail box.
You’ll get realistic advice, not false promises.
We consider the long game—your financial, emotional, and family well-being.
We’ve walked hundreds of people through what you’re facing now. And we care about how you come through it.
Our board-certified specialists lead every case with strategy, care, and a commitment to your best outcome.
From day one, Kathleen made me feel supported and heard. She is comforting, pays close attention to every detail, and responds quickly. I continue to fully trust her to protect...
From day one, Kathleen made me feel supported and heard. She is comforting, pays close attention to every detail, and responds quickly. I continue to fully trust her to protect both my best interests and my son’s. I am beyond thankful for Kathleen.
Learning to trust an attorney that you’re just beginning to work with is really difficult. The anxiety I felt along this journey was supported by Kathleen, but what she did...
Learning to trust an attorney that you’re just beginning to work with is really difficult. The anxiety I felt along this journey was supported by Kathleen, but what she did in court this afternoon was beyond. I didn’t know what I didn’t know; but she did. She blew opposing counsel away. She knows her stuff and she knows what’s needed. Her staff went above and beyond for me also, and I’m so grateful
Wow! I’m actually excited about moving forward on my divorce now! I was terrified, now I’m not in the least bit. So excited to have Kathleen Murphy in my corner.
...Wow! I’m actually excited about moving forward on my divorce now! I was terrified, now I’m not in the least bit. So excited to have Kathleen Murphy in my corner.
Kathleen Murphy is simply the best. If you’re looking for someone who protects your best interests along with creating a clear, concise and strategic game plan. Look no further!
...Kathleen Murphy is simply the best. If you’re looking for someone who protects your best interests along with creating a clear, concise and strategic game plan. Look no further!
Ellis Family Law is always there for your family legal needs. I can personally recommend Kathleen Murphy, she is excellent.
...Ellis Family Law is always there for your family legal needs. I can personally recommend Kathleen Murphy, she is excellent.
I hired Attorney Shannon Tucker with Ellis Family Law for help with a DVPO case, and I’m very grateful for their support. They responded quickly, explained every step of the...
I hired Attorney Shannon Tucker with Ellis Family Law for help with a DVPO case, and I’m very grateful for their support. They responded quickly, explained every step of the process in a way I could understand, and made sure I felt prepared for court. The case moved faster than I expected, and their professionalism and compassion made a difficult situation much easier to handle. I highly recommend them for anyone needing prompt and effective help with protective orders.
You do not have to have everything figured out to reach out. Whether you’re preparing to separate, need help with custody or finances, or want a second opinion on your options, we’re here to listen and help.
We’ll help you protect what matters, and begin building what comes next.
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!
