Preparing for the future means making thoughtful decisions about your health, assets and the people you care about. Without a clear estate plan, those decisions could be left in the hands of the courts. Working with experienced Wake Forest estate planning attorneys can help ensure your wishes are followed and your family is not left guessing.
At Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C., our North Carolina lawyers take the time to understand what matters to you. We serve individuals and families throughout Wake Forest and nearby communities with personalized estate planning services that are practical, compassionate and comprehensive. We are here to help you feel confident in your next steps, whether starting or updating an existing plan.
Every family has its set of values, concerns and priorities. Our job is to help you create a plan that addresses what matters most. We will walk you through important questions, such as:
We offer comprehensive planning services, including wills, revocable living trusts, durable powers of attorney, advance directives and guardianship designations.
We are here to help you understand estate planning. These are some of the most asked questions on the issues:
Anyone who wants to decide how their belongings are handled, who cares for their children or who manages their health decisions should have a plan in place.
It is not about how much you own – it is about making your choices known and reducing confusion for your loved ones.
Dying without a will in North Carolina means the state uses a legal formula to divide your property. This is known as intestate succession.
It often does not reflect personal relationships or unique family situations. Your assets may go to relatives you did not intend, while others may be left out entirely. A custom estate plan lets you stay in control of your legacy.
Our board-certified specialists lead every case with strategy, care, and a commitment to your best outcome.
I have only worked with Kathleen for a short time but, I in that time she has made me feel very comfortable. She listens to what I have to say...
I have only worked with Kathleen for a short time but, I in that time she has made me feel very comfortable. She listens to what I have to say and provides valuable feedback. She truly cares about me as a client. I also appreciate all the support I’ve received from her. I know I’m in good hands.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and reiki master/teacher. No matter how much positive energy I put into my personal life and my life’s work, I was humbled...
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and reiki master/teacher. No matter how much positive energy I put into my personal life and my life’s work, I was humbled by having to face the reality that many of my clients face, a custody dispute. Ellis Family Law was referred to me by an associate of friend. At the time, I had consulted with at least 10 lawyers seeking help for a time sensitive issue pertaining to a move abroad. I was exhausted with the legal advice I was given until an associate of a good friend made the suggestion to see Mr. Gray Ellis and his team. My initial thoughts were to just pick someone I had already seen as I was overwhelmed by the process but sharing the same surname prompted me to give it one last try with one more firm. Ms. Tiffany was the first voice to represent Ellis Family Law. Her warmth and passion for her work and her confidence in her legal team inspired me. No other person I spoke to was able to communicate such a strong and firm belief in capability of their legal team more than she. She was catalyst for my investigative inquiry about Mr. Ellis and his credentials. After discovering how brilliant attorney Ellis was, I made an appointment for a consultation. Soon after our meeting, I meditated in thought and made the decision to retain Ellis Family Law. I felt a sense of peace come over me from the moment I left the office the day I retained the firm. It was the first time I was able to rest comfortably since the beginning of my custody ordeal.
From the second I hired the firm, all hands were on deck and I felt at ease. I received consistent updates and information. It felt like I had an army of caring, exceptional, intelligent and most of all compassionate people working for me and my children. I could not have asked for more from Mr Ellis and his team as they exceeded my expectations. I sit here in Okinawa telling this story nearly three months after my case was won still in awe and still offering thanks for all that was done to keep my family together. We are eternally grateful for your kindness and giving hearts as I know these qualities paired with your exemplary legal mind and dedicated team are the reasons why my family is together.
We are enjoying the best of life as a whole, happy and healthy environment which allows me to serve others who are striving to heal their families. Thank you for helping me to heal mine. Choosing Ellis Family Law was the best decision I have made for my family to date because it allowed my family and I the freedom to explore the world. As we continue growing from this experience and rebuilding connections, we are eternally grateful for the platform you have provided us in helping others. I don’t see how anyone can loose choosing Ellis Family Law
From my family to yours, thank you soo very much/どうもありがとうございます (doumo arigatou gozaimasu)
-Love Always,
Ronella Ellis Wilson and family
Sarah M. is very reliable and comes highly recommended!
...Sarah M. is very reliable and comes highly recommended!
I feel obligated to write a truthful review of my experience with Kathleen Murphy as my attorney. It has been an absolute nightmare since August 2 of 2024 the day...
I feel obligated to write a truthful review of my experience with Kathleen Murphy as my attorney. It has been an absolute nightmare since August 2 of 2024 the day I hired her. I requested that she file for custody of my daughter, and she instructed me that it was not the right time for that and not part of her strategy at that time. I trusted her expertise as I have never been through something like this. I continued to request every month since August 2024 for her to file For custody of my daughter And she kept giving me the same excuse. Her answer continued to be That she did not feel that was the right strategic move at this time and that she would deal with that later. During the last 15 months, I have been denied visits with my daughter by her other parent. My daughter continues to be told untruths about me, And I cannot do anything to facilitate reconciliation with her because Kathleen Murphy has filed no motions to get me any visitation and has failed to file for custody on my behalf despite the fact that I have paid her Approximately $100,000. I have been grossly misrepresented by Kathleen Murphy. I have been unable to communicate with her for months. She does not return emails. She does not return phone calls despite promising to do so. She does not do what she promises to do. This has been my own personal experience with her. I have had very little contact with her paralegal and almost no contact with Kathleen herself. I have followed her advice and done exactly what she has told me to do Since the day that I hired her. Her advice Has made My already difficult divorce even worse. She has put me approximately $100,000 in debt, I am still not divorced, as she refused to file it for me until I paid her an additional $2500, I still receive no salary from the businesses that I am a co-owner of because Kathleen Murphy has filed no motions on my behalf To get me a salary. I still do not have visitation with my daughter because Kathleen Murphy has failed to file for custody as she promised to do. I tried to fire Kathleen Murphy in March 2025 and she begged me not to and she promised me that she would give My case the attention that it deserved. She told me that I needed to give her a good review and so initially I did because I felt pressure to do so just to get her to work on my case. The review that I initially gave was what she wanted me to say not what really happened. I had to finally fire Kathleen Murphy And hire a new law firm. The law requires that Kathleen Murphy turn all of my files over to the new law firm and she has still refused to do that as of today. She has made it very difficult for my new law firm to properly represent me because she is still refusing to turn over my files. Even though I have already paid Kathleen Murphy approximately $100,000 and she has failed to file for my divorce and she has failed to file for custody of my daughter. She is still sending me bills for $15,000 and for $5000 additionally, Even after being fired, she continues to send me bills for work that she did not do and communication that she failed to have with me. I witnessed her being rude to me to her own paralegal, to a friend of mine, and to a retired judge. Based on my personal experience with her, the lack of communication that I received from her, The fact that I was not allowed access to her, and to her staff, the fact that I was not made aware and kept updated On my case, I cannot recommend this attorney to anyone. Sincerely, Teresa Hamaty
I have nothing but good things to say about my representation by Ellis Family Law. Autumn represented me in a contentious child custody case and we were able to settle...
I have nothing but good things to say about my representation by Ellis Family Law. Autumn represented me in a contentious child custody case and we were able to settle outside of court and obtain a fair settlement to the matter. Autumn provides very sound advice and doesn’t back down from the important issues. I felt that the firm was very responsible with the allocation of resources and efficient with billable hours, avoiding unnecessary charges. I recommend this firm to anyone that is going through a divorce or child custody issue.
Shannon Tucker has been great at gently leading me through some very challenging legal proceedings and navigating the complexities of the NC legal system. I highly recommend her and the...
Shannon Tucker has been great at gently leading me through some very challenging legal proceedings and navigating the complexities of the NC legal system.
I highly recommend her and the group at large given their broad expertise and integrated approach to each individual’s circumstances.
If you are considering your next steps, our Wake Forest estate planning attorneys are here to help you protect what matters most.
Ellis Family Law, P.L.L.C., proudly serves individuals and families throughout Wake Forest and the surrounding areas with thoughtful, accessible planning services. Call us at 919-298-8351 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation.
And for a fun twist: don’t miss our “Pour Decisions” section, featuring wine tips from our lawyer-wine specialist Gray Ellis!
