Jacksonville divorce lawyers handle contested and uncontested matters with a focus on custody, child support, equitable distribution, alimony, mediation, and collaborative divorce.
Amanda B. Johnson is a divorce & family law attorney with The Houser Law Firm, P.C. in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The practice centers on divorce strategy and filings, parenting plans and child custody cases, child support guidelines and modifications, equitable distribution and property division, post separation support and alimony, mediation and settlement focused resolutions, and domestic violence protective orders. Clients can expect clear communication, reliable status updates, and practical guidance on timelines and next steps. The focus is on reducing conflict where possible while preparing thoroughly for court when needed. Amanda appears in Onslow County District Court and works within North Carolina family law procedures such as mediation, temporary hearings, and consent orders. Matters commonly include divorce; family law; child custody; child support; equitable distribution; alimony; domestic violence; mediation.
Amy Leonard is a divorce & family law attorney with Leonard Law PLLC in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The practice centers on divorce strategy and filings, parenting plans and child custody cases, child support guidelines and modifications, equitable distribution and property division, post separation support and alimony, mediation and settlement focused resolutions, and domestic violence protective orders. Clients can expect clear communication, reliable status updates, and practical guidance on timelines and next steps. The focus is on reducing conflict where possible while preparing thoroughly for court when needed. Amy appears in Onslow County District Court and works within North Carolina family law procedures such as mediation, temporary hearings, and consent orders. Matters commonly include divorce; family law; child custody; child support; equitable distribution; alimony; domestic violence; mediation.
Andrew M. Snow is a divorce & family law attorney with Andrew M. Snow, Attorney at Law, PLLC in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The practice centers on divorce strategy and filings, parenting plans and child custody cases, child support guidelines and modifications, equitable distribution and property division, post separation support and alimony, mediation and settlement focused resolutions, and domestic violence protective orders. Clients can expect clear communication, reliable status updates, and practical guidance on timelines and next steps. The focus is on reducing conflict where possible while preparing thoroughly for court when needed. Andrew appears in Onslow County District Court and works within North Carolina family law procedures such as mediation, temporary hearings, and consent orders. Matters commonly include divorce; family law; child custody; child support; equitable distribution; alimony; domestic violence; mediation.
Ann D. Maready is a divorce & family law attorney with Ann D. Maready, Attorney at Law in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The practice centers on divorce strategy and filings, parenting plans and child custody cases, child support guidelines and modifications, equitable distribution and property division, post separation support and alimony, mediation and settlement focused resolutions, and domestic violence protective orders. Clients can expect clear communication, reliable status updates, and practical guidance on timelines and next steps. The focus is on reducing conflict where possible while preparing thoroughly for court when needed. Ann appears in Onslow County District Court and works within North Carolina family law procedures such as mediation, temporary hearings, and consent orders. Matters commonly include divorce; family law; child custody; child support; equitable distribution; alimony; domestic violence; mediation.
Hurman R. Sims is a divorce & family law attorney with Law Office of Hurman R. Sims in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The practice centers on divorce strategy and filings, parenting plans and child custody cases, child support guidelines and modifications, equitable distribution and property division, post separation support and alimony, mediation and settlement focused resolutions, and domestic violence protective orders. Clients can expect clear communication, reliable status updates, and practical guidance on timelines and next steps. The focus is on reducing conflict where possible while preparing thoroughly for court when needed. Hurman appears in Onslow County District Court and works within North Carolina family law procedures such as mediation, temporary hearings, and consent orders. Matters commonly include divorce; family law; child custody; child support; equitable distribution; alimony; domestic violence; mediation.
Jaime Campbell is a divorce & family law attorney with The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A. in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The practice centers on divorce strategy and filings, parenting plans and child custody cases, child support guidelines and modifications, equitable distribution and property division, post separation support and alimony, mediation and settlement focused resolutions, and domestic violence protective orders. Clients can expect clear communication, reliable status updates, and practical guidance on timelines and next steps. The focus is on reducing conflict where possible while preparing thoroughly for court when needed. Jaime appears in Onslow County District Court and works within North Carolina family law procedures such as mediation, temporary hearings, and consent orders. Matters commonly include divorce; family law; child custody; child support; equitable distribution; alimony; domestic violence; mediation.
Jennifer R. Pope is a divorce & family law attorney with Jennifer R. Pope, Attorney At Law in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The practice centers on divorce strategy and filings, parenting plans and child custody cases, child support guidelines and modifications, equitable distribution and property division, post separation support and alimony, mediation and settlement focused resolutions, and domestic violence protective orders. Clients can expect clear communication, reliable status updates, and practical guidance on timelines and next steps. The focus is on reducing conflict where possible while preparing thoroughly for court when needed. Jennifer appears in Onslow County District Court and works within North Carolina family law procedures such as mediation, temporary hearings, and consent orders. Matters commonly include divorce; family law; child custody; child support; equitable distribution; alimony; domestic violence; mediation.
Lawrence Hudspeth is a divorce & family law attorney with N. Lawrence Hudspeth III, Family Law Attorney in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The practice centers on divorce strategy and filings, parenting plans and child custody cases, child support guidelines and modifications, equitable distribution and property division, post separation support and alimony, mediation and settlement focused resolutions, and domestic violence protective orders. Clients can expect clear communication, reliable status updates, and practical guidance on timelines and next steps. The focus is on reducing conflict where possible while preparing thoroughly for court when needed. Lawrence appears in Onslow County District Court and works within North Carolina family law procedures such as mediation, temporary hearings, and consent orders. Matters commonly include divorce; family law; child custody; child support; equitable distribution; alimony; domestic violence; mediation.
Louis Fristensky is a divorce & family law attorney with Fristensky Law, PLLC in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The practice centers on divorce strategy and filings, parenting plans and child custody cases, child support guidelines and modifications, equitable distribution and property division, post separation support and alimony, mediation and settlement focused resolutions, and domestic violence protective orders. Clients can expect clear communication, reliable status updates, and practical guidance on timelines and next steps. The focus is on reducing conflict where possible while preparing thoroughly for court when needed. Louis appears in Onslow County District Court and works within North Carolina family law procedures such as mediation, temporary hearings, and consent orders. Matters commonly include divorce; family law; child custody; child support; equitable distribution; alimony; domestic violence; mediation.
Lynn Smith is a divorce & family law attorney with M Lynn Smith, Atty at Law in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The practice centers on divorce strategy and filings, parenting plans and child custody cases, child support guidelines and modifications, equitable distribution and property division, post separation support and alimony, mediation and settlement focused resolutions, and domestic violence protective orders. Clients can expect clear communication, reliable status updates, and practical guidance on timelines and next steps. The focus is on reducing conflict where possible while preparing thoroughly for court when needed. Lynn appears in Onslow County District Court and works within North Carolina family law procedures such as mediation, temporary hearings, and consent orders. Matters commonly include divorce; family law; child custody; child support; equitable distribution; alimony; domestic violence; mediation.
Nicholas A. Ziolkowski is a divorce & family law attorney with Silva, Kiernan & Associates, PLLC in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The practice centers on divorce strategy and filings, parenting plans and child custody cases, child support guidelines and modifications, equitable distribution and property division, post separation support and alimony, mediation and settlement focused resolutions, and domestic violence protective orders. Clients can expect clear communication, reliable status updates, and practical guidance on timelines and next steps. The focus is on reducing conflict where possible while preparing thoroughly for court when needed. Nicholas appears in Onslow County District Court and works within North Carolina family law procedures such as mediation, temporary hearings, and consent orders. Matters commonly include divorce; family law; child custody; child support; equitable distribution; alimony; domestic violence; mediation.
Paul Y.K. Castle is a divorce & family law attorney with Castle, Peterson & Naylor, P.C. in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The practice centers on divorce strategy and filings, parenting plans and child custody cases, child support guidelines and modifications, equitable distribution and property division, post separation support and alimony, mediation and settlement focused resolutions, and domestic violence protective orders. Clients can expect clear communication, reliable status updates, and practical guidance on timelines and next steps. The focus is on reducing conflict where possible while preparing thoroughly for court when needed. Paul appears in Onslow County District Court and works within North Carolina family law procedures such as mediation, temporary hearings, and consent orders. Matters commonly include divorce; family law; child custody; child support; equitable distribution; alimony; domestic violence; mediation.
Robert Coxe is a divorce & family law attorney with The Coxe Law Firm PLLC in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The practice centers on divorce strategy and filings, parenting plans and child custody cases, child support guidelines and modifications, equitable distribution and property division, post separation support and alimony, mediation and settlement focused resolutions, and domestic violence protective orders. Clients can expect clear communication, reliable status updates, and practical guidance on timelines and next steps. The focus is on reducing conflict where possible while preparing thoroughly for court when needed. Robert appears in Onslow County District Court and works within North Carolina family law procedures such as mediation, temporary hearings, and consent orders. Matters commonly include divorce; family law; child custody; child support; equitable distribution; alimony; domestic violence; mediation.
Sarah R. Lycans is a divorce & family law attorney with New Bridge Family Law in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The practice centers on divorce strategy and filings, parenting plans and child custody cases, child support guidelines and modifications, equitable distribution and property division, post separation support and alimony, mediation and settlement focused resolutions, and domestic violence protective orders. Clients can expect clear communication, reliable status updates, and practical guidance on timelines and next steps. The focus is on reducing conflict where possible while preparing thoroughly for court when needed. Sarah appears in Onslow County District Court and works within North Carolina family law procedures such as mediation, temporary hearings, and consent orders. Matters commonly include divorce; family law; child custody; child support; equitable distribution; alimony; domestic violence; mediation.
Steven M. Laird is a divorce & family law attorney with Sullivan Law, PLLC in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The practice centers on divorce strategy and filings, parenting plans and child custody cases, child support guidelines and modifications, equitable distribution and property division, post separation support and alimony, mediation and settlement focused resolutions, and domestic violence protective orders. Clients can expect clear communication, reliable status updates, and practical guidance on timelines and next steps. The focus is on reducing conflict where possible while preparing thoroughly for court when needed. Steven appears in Onslow County District Court and works within North Carolina family law procedures such as mediation, temporary hearings, and consent orders. Matters commonly include divorce; family law; child custody; child support; equitable distribution; alimony; domestic violence; mediation.
Timothy R. Oswalt is a divorce & family law attorney with Timothy R. Oswalt, Attorney at Law, PLLC in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The practice centers on divorce strategy and filings, parenting plans and child custody cases, child support guidelines and modifications, equitable distribution and property division, post separation support and alimony, mediation and settlement focused resolutions, and domestic violence protective orders. Clients can expect clear communication, reliable status updates, and practical guidance on timelines and next steps. The focus is on reducing conflict where possible while preparing thoroughly for court when needed. Timothy appears in Onslow County District Court and works within North Carolina family law procedures such as mediation, temporary hearings, and consent orders. Matters commonly include divorce; family law; child custody; child support; equitable distribution; alimony; domestic violence; mediation.
Trevor J. Avery is a divorce & family law attorney with The Trevor J. Avery Law Firm in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The practice centers on divorce strategy and filings, parenting plans and child custody cases, child support guidelines and modifications, equitable distribution and property division, post separation support and alimony, mediation and settlement focused resolutions, and domestic violence protective orders. Clients can expect clear communication, reliable status updates, and practical guidance on timelines and next steps. The focus is on reducing conflict where possible while preparing thoroughly for court when needed. Trevor appears in Onslow County District Court and works within North Carolina family law procedures such as mediation, temporary hearings, and consent orders. Matters commonly include divorce; family law; child custody; child support; equitable distribution; alimony; domestic violence; mediation.
W. Roy Jacobs is a divorce & family law attorney with Cape Fear Family Law in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The practice centers on divorce strategy and filings, parenting plans and child custody cases, child support guidelines and modifications, equitable distribution and property division, post separation support and alimony, mediation and settlement focused resolutions, and domestic violence protective orders. Clients can expect clear communication, reliable status updates, and practical guidance on timelines and next steps. The focus is on reducing conflict where possible while preparing thoroughly for court when needed. W. appears in Onslow County District Court and works within North Carolina family law procedures such as mediation, temporary hearings, and consent orders. Matters commonly include divorce; family law; child custody; child support; equitable distribution; alimony; domestic violence; mediation.
How to choose a divorce lawyer in Jacksonville, NC?
Choose a divorce lawyer in Jacksonville, NC by focusing on fit, experience, and cost clarity: build a short list of family law attorneys who practice in your local District Court and verify state bar license, disciplinary record, and if possible board certified family law specialist status.
In the initial consultation confirm case fit for child custody, parenting time, child support, spousal support or alimony, equitable distribution or property division, and complex assets like business valuation, real estate, stock compensation, and retirement accounts that require a QDRO. Ask about strategy for settlement, mediation, collaborative divorce, discovery, temporary orders, protective orders, and trial.
Evaluate communication, who does the work attorney, associate, or paralegal, response time, and whether there is a secure client portal. Get a written fee agreement that explains retainer, hourly rates, flat fee options, billing increments, expert costs, and realistic timelines. Bring tax returns, pay stubs, bank and brokerage statements, insurance, prior orders, and a parenting plan to speed up the review. Run a conflict check and confirm attorney client privilege. Choose the lawyer who explains next steps in plain language, knows local procedures and case management orders, offers transparent pricing, and provides a clear path from intake to mediation or trial.
What are the typical costs, fees, and timelines for an Absolute Divorce and contested family law cases in North Carolina District Court?
Costs and timelines in North Carolina depend on case type and county docket. An Absolute Divorce requires one year of separation and six months of residency, and an uncontested divorce is often handled with a flat fee plus filing fee and service of process, with a timeline of weeks that varies by District Court calendar and local rules.
Contested family law matters drive both cost and length, especially child custody, parenting time, child support, post separation support, alimony, and equitable distribution or property division. Expect a written fee agreement that explains retainer, hourly rate, flat fee options, billing increments, and estimated expenses. Common expenses include mediator fees, discovery costs, court reporter, expert witnesses such as a forensic accountant for business valuation, a real estate appraiser, a vocational expert, and QDRO preparation for retirement accounts, and in some cases a guardian ad litem.
The typical path runs from intake to filing in District Court, service, temporary orders when needed, disclosures and discovery, case management order, mediation or collaborative divorce, settlement conference, consent order, and if needed trial, with possible continuances. Timelines vary with complexity and cooperation, so ask your attorney for a projected schedule from filing to mediation or trial and confirm how fees, costs, and updates will be handled.
North Carolina Court & Filing Basics
Family law cases in North Carolina are heard in District Court. To start, file a Complaint and Civil Summons with the Clerk of Superior Court in the proper venue (usually a party’s county of residence) and pay the filing fee.
Proper service of process by sheriff or certified mail triggers a 30-day deadline to file an Answer and counterclaims; many litigants also file a Notice of Appearance and request a 30-day extension. Preserve rights by filing Equitable Distribution, Post Separation Support, and Alimony before Absolute Divorce; you may also seek child custody, child support, and temporary orders.
Expect a case management order, disclosures, discovery, mandatory mediation in many counties, possible collaborative law, then consent order, hearing, or trial, scheduled under local rules and the District Court calendar. Some counties use eCourts eFiling; always follow the North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure and check the Clerk of Superior Court for forms and fees.
Next steps
Shortlist a few lawyers from the list, open popups for details, then book consultations. Bring finances summary, parenting concerns, and prior orders.