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Divorce Lawyer · Wilmington, NC/Updated June 13, 2026

The 10 Best Divorce Lawyers in Wilmington, NC

Divorce can be a challenging process. Choosing the right lawyer in Wilmington can help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve a favorable outcome.

Editorially independent10 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceBurney & Jones
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 10 Wilmington-metro divorce lawyer businesses evaluated, top 10 ranked by Vetted Score.

Divorce is not just a legal process; it profoundly impacts lives, especially in Wilmington, where the emotional stakes can be high. Hiring the wrong attorney can lead to costly mistakes, extended litigation, and unresolved issues that affect your future.

To help you find the right representation, we evaluated 10 local divorce lawyers based on their ratings, reviews, and overall reputation in the Wilmington area. Our rankings reflect the best options available, ensuring you have access to reliable legal support during this challenging time.

10divorce lawyers evaluated in Wilmington
4.57average rating across the field
901customer reviews analyzed

Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.

How much does divorce lawyer cost in Wilmington? See the price breakdown →

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories
★ Editor's Choice
96Score

Burney & Jones

★★★★★4.9(172 reviews)

With a stellar rating of 4.9 based on 172 reviews, Burney & Jones is highly praised for their personalized approach and thorough legal representation.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
94Score

Cape Fear Family Law - Wilmington

★★★★★4.7(278 reviews)

Cape Fear Family Law - Wilmington has a solid 4.7 rating from 278 reviews, making it the most reviewed firm in the area.

Read full review
Best for Individual Attention
92Score

The Pyle Law Firm, PLLC

★★★★★5.0(29 reviews)

The Pyle Law Firm, PLLC holds a perfect 5.0 rating from 29 reviews.

Read full review

All 10, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
Burney & Jones
Burney & Jones
Editor's Choice
96Score
4.9★★★★★
172Complex divorce cases requiring personalized attention
2
94Score
4.7★★★★★
278Clients looking for a well-reviewed firm with a variety of family law services
3
The Pyle Law Firm, PLLC
The Pyle Law Firm, PLLC
Best for Individual Attention
92Score
5.0★★★★★
29Clients wanting dedicated, one-on-one legal support
4
88Score
4.6★★★★★
112Individuals seeking clear and practical legal guidance
5
85Score
4.6★★★★★
90Clients looking for thorough representation in family law
6
84Score
4.8★★★★★
28Clients looking for an approachable lawyer with strong knowledge
7
82Score
4.5★★★★★
52Clients involved in contentious divorce disputes
8
81Score
4.5★★★★★
49Clients looking for a supportive approach during divorce
9
79Score
4.3★★★★★
34Clients who value thoroughness and dedication
10
78Score
3.8★★★★★
57Clients seeking a larger firm with diverse offerings
Methodology

How we evaluated all 10 divorce lawyers.

Our evaluation process involved analyzing a wide range of factors, including client reviews, case outcomes, and the overall experience of each attorney. We ensured that no business pays for placement in our rankings, maintaining an impartial stance.

We refresh our list monthly to include the most current information, so you can trust that the recommendations are relevant and up-to-date. This commitment to transparency and accuracy helps you make informed decisions when selecting a divorce lawyer.

The Vetted Score: six weighted factors

Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%

Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order
1
★ Editor's Choice

Burney & Jones

★★★★★4.9(172 reviews)
96Score

With a stellar rating of 4.9 based on 172 reviews, Burney & Jones is highly praised for their personalized approach and thorough legal representation. Clients commend their responsiveness and ability to handle complex divorce cases effectively. However, their premium services may not fit every budget, so consider your financial situation before engaging.

Pros

  • High client satisfaction
  • Personalized legal strategies
  • Experienced in complex cases

Cons

  • Higher fees than some competitors
  • Limited availability during peak times
Best forComplex divorce cases requiring personalized attention
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$300 to $500 per hour
2
Most Reviewed

Cape Fear Family Law - Wilmington

★★★★★4.7(278 reviews)
94Score

Cape Fear Family Law - Wilmington has a solid 4.7 rating from 278 reviews, making it the most reviewed firm in the area. Clients appreciate their comprehensive approach and the expertise of their attorneys. While they have a strong reputation, some clients note longer wait times for appointments, particularly during busy periods.

Pros

  • Extensive client base
  • Expertise in family law
  • Comprehensive service offerings

Cons

  • Longer wait times for appointments
  • Variable attorney availability
Best forClients looking for a well-reviewed firm with a variety of family law services
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$250 to $450 per hour
3
Best for Individual Attention

The Pyle Law Firm, PLLC

★★★★★5.0(29 reviews)
92Score

The Pyle Law Firm, PLLC holds a perfect 5.0 rating from 29 reviews. Clients often highlight the individual attention they receive from the firm, which is ideal for those seeking a more personal touch in their legal representation. However, the limited number of reviews may indicate a smaller client base, making it a promising but unproven choice.

Pros

  • Perfect rating for client satisfaction
  • Highly personalized service
  • Focused approach to each case

Cons

  • Limited client reviews
  • May lack resources of larger firms
Best forClients wanting dedicated, one-on-one legal support
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$250 to $400 per hour
4

Rice Law, PLLC

★★★★★4.6(112 reviews)
88Score

Rice Law, PLLC has a solid 4.6 rating from 112 reviews. Many clients appreciate their straightforward communication and practical advice during the divorce process. While they excel in responsiveness, some clients feel the firm could benefit from more extensive resources to handle larger cases. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is individuals seeking clear and practical legal guidance. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $200 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited resources for larger cases and fewer specialties than larger firms.

Pros

  • Straightforward communication
  • Responsive service
  • Practical legal advice

Cons

  • Limited resources for larger cases
  • Fewer specialties than larger firms
Best forIndividuals seeking clear and practical legal guidance
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$200 to $400 per hour
5

Mason, Mason, & Smith Attorneys at Law

★★★★★4.6(90 reviews)
85Score

Mason, Mason, & Smith Attorneys at Law have a respectable 4.6 rating based on 90 reviews. Clients praise their thoroughness and dedication to each case. However, some reviews indicate that their communication could be improved, especially regarding updates on case status. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is clients looking for thorough representation in family law. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $200 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are communication can be lacking and inconsistent follow-up on cases.

Pros

  • Thorough legal representation
  • Dedicated attorneys
  • Good client reviews

Cons

  • Communication can be lacking
  • Inconsistent follow-up on cases
Best forClients looking for thorough representation in family law
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$200 to $400 per hour
6

Allan Brandon Tise, PLLC

★★★★★4.8(28 reviews)
84Score

Allan Brandon Tise, PLLC has a strong 4.8 rating from 28 reviews. Clients commend his deep understanding of family law and his approachable demeanor. The downside is the limited number of reviews, which may not fully reflect his capabilities in handling various cases. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is clients looking for an approachable lawyer with strong knowledge. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $250 to $450 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited number of reviews and potentially less experience with larger cases.

Pros

  • Strong understanding of family law
  • Approachable and friendly
  • High client satisfaction

Cons

  • Limited number of reviews
  • Potentially less experience with larger cases
Best forClients looking for an approachable lawyer with strong knowledge
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$250 to $450 per hour
7

Russell Family Law & Litigation

★★★★★4.5(52 reviews)
82Score

Russell Family Law & Litigation has a solid 4.5 rating from 52 reviews. Many clients appreciate their aggressive approach in court and their ability to handle high-stakes cases. However, some clients mention that their fees can be on the higher side, which might not be ideal for everyone. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is clients involved in contentious divorce disputes. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $300 to $500 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are higher fees than some competitors and may not be as approachable.

Pros

  • Aggressive representation in court
  • Good for high-stakes cases
  • Solid client reviews

Cons

  • Higher fees than some competitors
  • May not be as approachable
Best forClients involved in contentious divorce disputes
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$300 to $500 per hour
8

Hager Divorce & Family Law

★★★★★4.5(49 reviews)
81Score

Hager Divorce & Family Law has a 4.5 rating based on 49 reviews. Clients appreciate the firm's knowledge of family law and their supportive approach. However, some clients feel that they could improve on communication and providing timely updates on case progress. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is clients looking for a supportive approach during divorce. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $200 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are improvement needed in communication and timeliness of updates can vary.

Pros

  • Knowledgeable in family law
  • Supportive and understanding
  • Good client rapport

Cons

  • Improvement needed in communication
  • Timeliness of updates can vary
Best forClients looking for a supportive approach during divorce
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$200 to $400 per hour
9

LeeAnne Quattrucci, P.A.

★★★★★4.3(34 reviews)
79Score

LeeAnne Quattrucci, P.A. holds a 4.3 rating from 34 reviews. Clients often mention her thoroughness and dedication. However, some indicate that her office might benefit from improved organization, as there are occasional delays in communication and case handling. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is clients who value thoroughness and dedication. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $200 to $350 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are organization could improve and delays in communication noted.

Pros

  • Thorough and dedicated
  • Good client relationships
  • Flexible scheduling

Cons

  • Organization could improve
  • Delays in communication noted
Best forClients who value thoroughness and dedication
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$200 to $350 per hour
10

Cordell & Cordell has a rating of 3.8 from 57 reviews. While they provide a wide range of family law services, some clients have raised concerns about the consistency of their service quality. This firm may be a good option for those seeking a larger firm but be aware of potential variability in experience.

Pros

  • Wide range of services
  • Access to multiple attorneys
  • Established firm

Cons

  • Inconsistent service quality
  • Varied attorney experience
Best forClients seeking a larger firm with diverse offerings
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$200 to $400 per hour
Before you book

How to choose a divorce lawyer in Wilmington

Selecting a divorce lawyer requires careful consideration. Here are key factors to keep in mind as you make your choice.

Assess experience and expertise

Look for lawyers who specialize in family law and have a strong track record in divorce cases.

Read client reviews

Pay attention to feedback from former clients to gauge satisfaction and the lawyer's communication style.

Evaluate compatibility

Choose a lawyer you feel comfortable with, as this relationship can significantly impact your case.

What it costs

What divorce lawyers cost in Wilmington

Consultation feesInitial consultations typically range from $100 to $300, providing an opportunity to discuss your case.
Hourly ratesMost attorneys charge between $200 to $400 per hour, depending on their experience and reputation.
Flat feesSome lawyers offer flat fee arrangements for uncontested divorces, usually ranging from $1,500 to $5,000.
RetainersExpect to pay a retainer fee of $2,500 to $10,000, which covers initial legal work and may be replenished as needed.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Wilmington?

Divorce lawyer fees in Wilmington typically range from $150 to $400 per hour, depending on the lawyer's experience and the complexity of your case.

What should I look for in a divorce lawyer?

It's essential to consider their experience, client reviews, and whether they have a specialization in family law that matches your needs.

How often is this ranking updated?

We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.

Our verdict

For most Wilmington families: <strong>Burney & Jones</strong>

Call Burney & Jones first for their stellar reputation, backed by 172 reviews and a 4.9 rating. If you need a family law specialist with more extensive experience, Cape Fear Family Law - Wilmington is your best bet, especially for complex custody cases. For those with less complicated situations who want a perfect score, The Pyle Law Firm, PLLC is an excellent choice, despite its smaller review base.