Ellis Family Law, PLLC

10/20/2026

How to choose a custody lawyer in NC? Here are three questions to ask.

Ask strategy, timeline, and communication. What's your plan for temporary stability? How do you prepare for mediation? How will we communicate and how often?

Big mistake: Hiring based only on aggression. The right lawyer is structured, not loud.

Hidden money leaves footprints. Look for inconsistencies, missing statements, unusual transfers, cash withdrawals, and new accounts.

Have questions? Give us a call at 919-688-9400.

Our attorneys help clients across Durham, Raleigh, Cary, and the Triangle through complex and sensitive family law issues. Let us provide the legal support and guidance you need.

10/19/2026

A heartfelt thank you to Nathan for his kind words. Family law matters can be incredibly difficult, but you don’t have to go through them by yourself. We’re here to stand with you.

At Ellis Family Law, our attorneys have a proven history of handling complex and sensitive family law issues for clients across Durham, Raleigh, Cary, and the Triangle.

Contact us today at 919-688-9400.

10/17/2026

High-asset vs high-net-worth divorce: what’s the difference?

They are related, but not the same. High-asset often means complex assets to value or divide. High net worth means the total value is high, sometimes both.

Complexity drivers:
• Business interest
• Multiple properties
• Stock and RSUs
• Trust or unique assets

Big mistake: treating it like a standard divorce with standard paperwork. If your assets are complex, strategy starts with valuation planning.

If you have questions about your specific case, give us a call at 919-688-9400.

You can count on our depth of experience and guidance to help you through this difficult time.

10/16/2026

A child custody dispute can create uncertainty at a time when children need consistency most. But as a child custody case typically takes time to resolve, North Carolina courts can issue temporary custody orders to provide structure while working toward a final resolution.

Knowing the distinction between temporary and permanent custodies is an important part of navigating child custody in the state.

In this article, we break down what sets these two orders apart, giving you the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions for your child and your family’s future.

A child custody dispute can create uncertainty at a time when children need consistency most. But as a child custody case typically takes time to resolve, North Carolina courts can issue temporary custody orders to provide structure while working toward a final resolution. Knowing the distinction be...

10/15/2026

Child support / alimony fights get harder when your co-parent has a cash business or is self employed.

Records and deposits matter: bank deposits, expenses, lifestyle versus reported income. Document the full picture.

Have questions? Give us a call at 919-688-9400. You can count on our depth of experience and dedication to excellence to help you through this difficult time.

10/14/2026

Business owners, this can make or break outcomes.

Clean books and clear compensation records are essential: tax returns, P&Ls, balance sheets, owner draws, payroll, and bank statements.

Big mistake: mixing personal expenses into the business.

We can help you build a clean business divorce document set. Call us today at 919-688-9400.

10/13/2026

Suspect hidden spending? Here’s what to look for.

Look for cash advances, unusual merchants, sudden balance spikes. Pull statements for the last 12 to 24 months. Compare them to the separation timeline.

If spending changed suddenly, document it.

Questions? Give us a call at Ellis Family Law: 919-688-9400.

We have a proven history of handling complex and sensitive family law issues for clients in Durham, Raleigh, Cary, and the Triangle.

10/12/2026

We’re honored to earn the trust of our clients and proud to share their experiences. Thank you to Eric for this kind testimonial.

At Ellis Family Law, every case is personal. We are committed to providing thoughtful guidance and strong advocacy.

Thank you to those who trust us to stand by their side.

10/10/2026

Are student loans separate, marital, or mixed? Watch this video to find out.

It’s a big mistake to assume the borrower always bears 100% of the debt.

Have questions? Give us a call at 919-688-9400.

You don’t have to face this alone. We're here to support you.

10/09/2026

This month we’re continuing to shine the spotlight on one of our attorneys, Hank Stockard. Read our conversation with Hank below. 👇

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲?
I spent 20 years working in the music industry for a record label where I was the Global Director of Business Development. I used to joke that I worked in just about every department in the company.

I had always thought I was going to go to law school, but life took me in a different direction. I ended up getting into business affairs and eventually overseeing the legal team. One of the attorneys encouraged me to apply to North Carolina Central University School of Law.

At the time, I thought I was going to stay with the company. But Dean Davis encouraged me to move toward family law, and it really stood out to me.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐟𝐞𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭?
I’m passionate about helping clients navigate stressful transitions with practical strategy, calm guidance, and determined advocacy.

My background in corporate negotiation and strategic deal-making has been a real advantage in family law. I know how to evaluate options, anticipate pressure points, and work toward resolutions that protect what matters most, especially when emotions and uncertainty are running high.

𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤?
Anything worthwhile is worth working hard for. The value of hard work is important to me. There are no shortcuts. It’s just hard work and determination.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐝𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤?
I’ve lived in the Triangle for over 25 years. Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my family, creating art and music, and traveling.

I spend a lot of time downtown, especially main street, and places like Surf Club and Liberty & Plenty Distillery. I’m a burger-and-dive-bar kind of guy, places like The Pinhook in Durham and Motorco Music Hall.

I’m also big into art and enjoy browsing The Scrap Exchange and 5 Points Gallery.