Wilmington divorce lawyers handle contested and uncontested matters with a focus on custody, child support, equitable distribution, alimony, mediation, and collaborative divorce.
A. David Ervin at Ervin Law PLLC represents clients in North Carolina family law with a steady, step by step process that starts with a clear plan and realistic expectations. A. David Ervin focuses on divorce & family law within North Carolina family law. The practice includes matters filed in District Court in Wilmington, North Carolina and New Hanover County. Cases often involve temporary orders, parenting schedules, guideline child support worksheets, post separation support, spousal support, and QDROs where retirement is divided. When needed the attorney pursues or defends 50B protective orders and requests for emergency custody. Property division work addresses classification, valuation, and distribution of homes, business interests, vehicles, and credit lines. Strategy sessions cover goals, safety concerns, temporary orders, and the documents needed for discovery and mediation. The goal is to help clients make informed decisions through settlement or trial while protecting rights to equitable distribution and support before an Absolute Divorce is entered.
Allan Brandon Tise at Allan Brandon Tise, PLLC represents clients in North Carolina family law with a steady, step by step process that starts with a clear plan and realistic expectations. Allan Brandon Tise focuses on divorce & family law within North Carolina family law. The practice includes matters filed in District Court in Wilmington, North Carolina and New Hanover County. Cases often involve temporary orders, parenting schedules, guideline child support worksheets, post separation support, spousal support, and QDROs where retirement is divided. When needed the attorney pursues or defends 50B protective orders and requests for emergency custody. Property division work addresses classification, valuation, and distribution of homes, business interests, vehicles, and credit lines. The office uses a simple intake, organized evidence folders, and direct communication to keep each case moving forward. The goal is to help clients make informed decisions through settlement or trial while protecting rights to equitable distribution and support before an Absolute Divorce is entered.
Amanda B. Mason at Mason, Mason, and Smith Attorneys at Law represents clients in North Carolina family law with a steady, step by step process that starts with a clear plan and realistic expectations. Amanda B. Mason focuses on divorce & family law within North Carolina family law. The practice includes matters filed in District Court in Wilmington, North Carolina and New Hanover County. Cases often involve temporary orders, parenting schedules, guideline child support worksheets, post separation support, spousal support, and QDROs where retirement is divided. When needed the attorney pursues or defends 50B protective orders and requests for emergency custody. Property division work addresses classification, valuation, and distribution of homes, business interests, vehicles, and credit lines. The approach blends settlement planning with courtroom preparation so the file stays ready if the case does not resolve in mediation. The goal is to help clients make informed decisions through settlement or trial while protecting rights to equitable distribution and support before an Absolute Divorce is entered.
Ashley-Nicole Russell at Michael & Russell, PLLC represents clients in North Carolina family law with a steady, step by step process that starts with a clear plan and realistic expectations. Ashley-Nicole Russell focuses on divorce & family law within North Carolina family law. The practice includes matters filed in District Court in Wilmington, North Carolina and New Hanover County. Cases often involve temporary orders, parenting schedules, guideline child support worksheets, post separation support, spousal support, and QDROs where retirement is divided. When needed the attorney pursues or defends 50B protective orders and requests for emergency custody. Property division work addresses classification, valuation, and distribution of homes, business interests, vehicles, and credit lines. The office uses a simple intake, organized evidence folders, and direct communication to keep each case moving forward. The goal is to help clients make informed decisions through settlement or trial while protecting rights to equitable distribution and support before an Absolute Divorce is entered.
Charlotte Noel Fox at Craige, Fox & Roden represents clients in North Carolina family law with a steady, step by step process that starts with a clear plan and realistic expectations. Charlotte Noel Fox focuses on divorce & family law within North Carolina family law. The practice includes matters filed in District Court in Wilmington, North Carolina and New Hanover County. Cases often involve temporary orders, parenting schedules, guideline child support worksheets, post separation support, spousal support, and QDROs where retirement is divided. When needed the attorney pursues or defends 50B protective orders and requests for emergency custody. Property division work addresses classification, valuation, and distribution of homes, business interests, vehicles, and credit lines. The office uses a simple intake, organized evidence folders, and direct communication to keep each case moving forward. The goal is to help clients make informed decisions through settlement or trial while protecting rights to equitable distribution and support before an Absolute Divorce is entered.
Christine Farrell at Mulligan Attorneys PLLC represents clients in North Carolina family law with a steady, step by step process that starts with a clear plan and realistic expectations. Christine Farrell focuses on divorce & family law within North Carolina family law. The practice includes matters filed in District Court in Wilmington, North Carolina and New Hanover County. Cases often involve temporary orders, parenting schedules, guideline child support worksheets, post separation support, spousal support, and QDROs where retirement is divided. When needed the attorney pursues or defends 50B protective orders and requests for emergency custody. Property division work addresses classification, valuation, and distribution of homes, business interests, vehicles, and credit lines. Clients get practical timelines, clear fee terms, and next step checklists that reduce stress during a difficult time. The goal is to help clients make informed decisions through settlement or trial while protecting rights to equitable distribution and support before an Absolute Divorce is entered.
Christine M. Sprow at Rice Law, PLLC represents clients in North Carolina family law with a steady, step by step process that starts with a clear plan and realistic expectations. Christine M. Sprow focuses on divorce & family law within North Carolina family law. The practice includes matters filed in District Court in Wilmington, North Carolina and New Hanover County. Cases often involve temporary orders, parenting schedules, guideline child support worksheets, post separation support, spousal support, and QDROs where retirement is divided. When needed the attorney pursues or defends 50B protective orders and requests for emergency custody. Property division work addresses classification, valuation, and distribution of homes, business interests, vehicles, and credit lines. Strategy sessions cover goals, safety concerns, temporary orders, and the documents needed for discovery and mediation. The goal is to help clients make informed decisions through settlement or trial while protecting rights to equitable distribution and support before an Absolute Divorce is entered.
Christopher Johnson at Johnson Law Office represents clients in North Carolina family law with a steady, step by step process that starts with a clear plan and realistic expectations. Christopher Johnson focuses on divorce & family law within North Carolina family law. The practice includes matters filed in District Court in Wilmington, North Carolina and New Hanover County. Cases often involve temporary orders, parenting schedules, guideline child support worksheets, post separation support, spousal support, and QDROs where retirement is divided. When needed the attorney pursues or defends 50B protective orders and requests for emergency custody. Property division work addresses classification, valuation, and distribution of homes, business interests, vehicles, and credit lines. Clients get practical timelines, clear fee terms, and next step checklists that reduce stress during a difficult time. The goal is to help clients make informed decisions through settlement or trial while protecting rights to equitable distribution and support before an Absolute Divorce is entered.
Cynthia C. Locklear at Cynthia Cass Locklear, P.A. represents clients in North Carolina family law with a steady, step by step process that starts with a clear plan and realistic expectations. Cynthia C. Locklear focuses on divorce & family law within North Carolina family law. The practice includes matters filed in District Court in Wilmington, North Carolina and New Hanover County. Cases often involve temporary orders, parenting schedules, guideline child support worksheets, post separation support, spousal support, and QDROs where retirement is divided. When needed the attorney pursues or defends 50B protective orders and requests for emergency custody. Property division work addresses classification, valuation, and distribution of homes, business interests, vehicles, and credit lines. Work includes drafting separation agreements, preparing parenting plans, and coordinating financial disclosures for property division. The goal is to help clients make informed decisions through settlement or trial while protecting rights to equitable distribution and support before an Absolute Divorce is entered.
David M.Godwin at Godwin Law Firm represents clients in North Carolina family law with a steady, step by step process that starts with a clear plan and realistic expectations. David M.Godwin focuses on divorce & family law within North Carolina family law. The practice includes matters filed in District Court in Wilmington, North Carolina and New Hanover County. Cases often involve temporary orders, parenting schedules, guideline child support worksheets, post separation support, spousal support, and QDROs where retirement is divided. When needed the attorney pursues or defends 50B protective orders and requests for emergency custody. Property division work addresses classification, valuation, and distribution of homes, business interests, vehicles, and credit lines. The office uses a simple intake, organized evidence folders, and direct communication to keep each case moving forward. The goal is to help clients make informed decisions through settlement or trial while protecting rights to equitable distribution and support before an Absolute Divorce is entered.
Ellen Arnold Kiernan at Kiernan Ellen Arnold represents clients in North Carolina family law with a steady, step by step process that starts with a clear plan and realistic expectations. Ellen Arnold Kiernan focuses on divorce & family law within North Carolina family law. The practice includes matters filed in District Court in Wilmington, North Carolina and New Hanover County. Cases often involve temporary orders, parenting schedules, guideline child support worksheets, post separation support, spousal support, and QDROs where retirement is divided. When needed the attorney pursues or defends 50B protective orders and requests for emergency custody. Property division work addresses classification, valuation, and distribution of homes, business interests, vehicles, and credit lines. The approach blends settlement planning with courtroom preparation so the file stays ready if the case does not resolve in mediation. The goal is to help clients make informed decisions through settlement or trial while protecting rights to equitable distribution and support before an Absolute Divorce is entered.
Emily Jones Queen at Burney & Jones represents clients in North Carolina family law with a steady, step by step process that starts with a clear plan and realistic expectations. Emily Jones Queen focuses on divorce & family law within North Carolina family law. The practice includes matters filed in District Court in Wilmington, North Carolina and New Hanover County. Cases often involve temporary orders, parenting schedules, guideline child support worksheets, post separation support, spousal support, and QDROs where retirement is divided. When needed the attorney pursues or defends 50B protective orders and requests for emergency custody. Property division work addresses classification, valuation, and distribution of homes, business interests, vehicles, and credit lines. The approach blends settlement planning with courtroom preparation so the file stays ready if the case does not resolve in mediation. The goal is to help clients make informed decisions through settlement or trial while protecting rights to equitable distribution and support before an Absolute Divorce is entered.
Erin Russell at Russell Family Law & Litigation represents clients in North Carolina family law with a steady, step by step process that starts with a clear plan and realistic expectations. Erin Russell focuses on divorce & family law within North Carolina family law. The practice includes matters filed in District Court in Wilmington, North Carolina and New Hanover County. Cases often involve temporary orders, parenting schedules, guideline child support worksheets, post separation support, spousal support, and QDROs where retirement is divided. When needed the attorney pursues or defends 50B protective orders and requests for emergency custody. Property division work addresses classification, valuation, and distribution of homes, business interests, vehicles, and credit lines. Work includes drafting separation agreements, preparing parenting plans, and coordinating financial disclosures for property division. The goal is to help clients make informed decisions through settlement or trial while protecting rights to equitable distribution and support before an Absolute Divorce is entered.
Geannine M. Boyette at The Boyette Law Firm represents clients in North Carolina family law with a steady, step by step process that starts with a clear plan and realistic expectations. Geannine M. Boyette focuses on divorce & family law within North Carolina family law. The practice includes matters filed in District Court in Wilmington, North Carolina and New Hanover County. Cases often involve temporary orders, parenting schedules, guideline child support worksheets, post separation support, spousal support, and QDROs where retirement is divided. When needed the attorney pursues or defends 50B protective orders and requests for emergency custody. Property division work addresses classification, valuation, and distribution of homes, business interests, vehicles, and credit lines. The office uses a simple intake, organized evidence folders, and direct communication to keep each case moving forward. The goal is to help clients make informed decisions through settlement or trial while protecting rights to equitable distribution and support before an Absolute Divorce is entered.
Grieg Alley at Alley, Register & McEachern Attorneys At Law represents clients in North Carolina family law with a steady, step by step process that starts with a clear plan and realistic expectations. Grieg Alley focuses on divorce & family law within North Carolina family law. The practice includes matters filed in District Court in Wilmington, North Carolina and New Hanover County. Cases often involve temporary orders, parenting schedules, guideline child support worksheets, post separation support, spousal support, and QDROs where retirement is divided. When needed the attorney pursues or defends 50B protective orders and requests for emergency custody. Property division work addresses classification, valuation, and distribution of homes, business interests, vehicles, and credit lines. Detailed preparation for mediation and hearings helps clients understand options and tradeoffs at every stage. The goal is to help clients make informed decisions through settlement or trial while protecting rights to equitable distribution and support before an Absolute Divorce is entered.
J. Albert Clyburn at J. Albert Clyburn represents clients in North Carolina family law with a steady, step by step process that starts with a clear plan and realistic expectations. J. Albert Clyburn focuses on divorce & family law within North Carolina family law. The practice includes matters filed in District Court in Wilmington, North Carolina and New Hanover County. Cases often involve temporary orders, parenting schedules, guideline child support worksheets, post separation support, spousal support, and QDROs where retirement is divided. When needed the attorney pursues or defends 50B protective orders and requests for emergency custody. Property division work addresses classification, valuation, and distribution of homes, business interests, vehicles, and credit lines. Detailed preparation for mediation and hearings helps clients understand options and tradeoffs at every stage. The goal is to help clients make informed decisions through settlement or trial while protecting rights to equitable distribution and support before an Absolute Divorce is entered.
James W. Lea at The Lea Schultz Law Firm represents clients in North Carolina family law with a steady, step by step process that starts with a clear plan and realistic expectations. James W. Lea focuses on divorce & family law within North Carolina family law. The practice includes matters filed in District Court in Wilmington, North Carolina and New Hanover County. Cases often involve temporary orders, parenting schedules, guideline child support worksheets, post separation support, spousal support, and QDROs where retirement is divided. When needed the attorney pursues or defends 50B protective orders and requests for emergency custody. Property division work addresses classification, valuation, and distribution of homes, business interests, vehicles, and credit lines. Clients get practical timelines, clear fee terms, and next step checklists that reduce stress during a difficult time. The goal is to help clients make informed decisions through settlement or trial while protecting rights to equitable distribution and support before an Absolute Divorce is entered.
Jason Vaughn at The Law Office of Jason Vaughn, PLLC represents clients in North Carolina family law with a steady, step by step process that starts with a clear plan and realistic expectations. Jason Vaughn focuses on divorce & family law within North Carolina family law. The practice includes matters filed in District Court in Wilmington, North Carolina and New Hanover County. Cases often involve temporary orders, parenting schedules, guideline child support worksheets, post separation support, spousal support, and QDROs where retirement is divided. When needed the attorney pursues or defends 50B protective orders and requests for emergency custody. Property division work addresses classification, valuation, and distribution of homes, business interests, vehicles, and credit lines. The office uses a simple intake, organized evidence folders, and direct communication to keep each case moving forward. The goal is to help clients make informed decisions through settlement or trial while protecting rights to equitable distribution and support before an Absolute Divorce is entered.
Jeffrey E. Marshall at Marshall & Taylor PLLC represents clients in North Carolina family law with a steady, step by step process that starts with a clear plan and realistic expectations. Jeffrey E. Marshall focuses on divorce & family law within North Carolina family law. The practice includes matters filed in District Court in Wilmington, North Carolina and New Hanover County. Cases often involve temporary orders, parenting schedules, guideline child support worksheets, post separation support, spousal support, and QDROs where retirement is divided. When needed the attorney pursues or defends 50B protective orders and requests for emergency custody. Property division work addresses classification, valuation, and distribution of homes, business interests, vehicles, and credit lines. Detailed preparation for mediation and hearings helps clients understand options and tradeoffs at every stage. The goal is to help clients make informed decisions through settlement or trial while protecting rights to equitable distribution and support before an Absolute Divorce is entered.
Jessica Arthur at Cape Fear Family Law represents clients in North Carolina family law with a steady, step by step process that starts with a clear plan and realistic expectations. Jessica Arthur focuses on divorce & family law within North Carolina family law. The practice includes matters filed in District Court in Wilmington, North Carolina and New Hanover County. Cases often involve temporary orders, parenting schedules, guideline child support worksheets, post separation support, spousal support, and QDROs where retirement is divided. When needed the attorney pursues or defends 50B protective orders and requests for emergency custody. Property division work addresses classification, valuation, and distribution of homes, business interests, vehicles, and credit lines. Clients get practical timelines, clear fee terms, and next step checklists that reduce stress during a difficult time. The goal is to help clients make informed decisions through settlement or trial while protecting rights to equitable distribution and support before an Absolute Divorce is entered.
Justin A. Moulin at Port City Family Law represents clients in North Carolina family law with a steady, step by step process that starts with a clear plan and realistic expectations. Justin A. Moulin focuses on divorce & family law within North Carolina family law. The practice includes matters filed in District Court in Wilmington, North Carolina and New Hanover County. Cases often involve temporary orders, parenting schedules, guideline child support worksheets, post separation support, spousal support, and QDROs where retirement is divided. When needed the attorney pursues or defends 50B protective orders and requests for emergency custody. Property division work addresses classification, valuation, and distribution of homes, business interests, vehicles, and credit lines. Work includes drafting separation agreements, preparing parenting plans, and coordinating financial disclosures for property division. The goal is to help clients make informed decisions through settlement or trial while protecting rights to equitable distribution and support before an Absolute Divorce is entered.
Kathy H. Lucas at Fresh Start Family Law represents clients in North Carolina family law with a steady, step by step process that starts with a clear plan and realistic expectations. Kathy H. Lucas focuses on divorce & family law within North Carolina family law. The practice includes matters filed in District Court in Wilmington, North Carolina and New Hanover County. Cases often involve temporary orders, parenting schedules, guideline child support worksheets, post separation support, spousal support, and QDROs where retirement is divided. When needed the attorney pursues or defends 50B protective orders and requests for emergency custody. Property division work addresses classification, valuation, and distribution of homes, business interests, vehicles, and credit lines. Clients get practical timelines, clear fee terms, and next step checklists that reduce stress during a difficult time. The goal is to help clients make informed decisions through settlement or trial while protecting rights to equitable distribution and support before an Absolute Divorce is entered.
Choose a divorce lawyer in Wilmington, 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.