Ending a marriage is tough, but the uncontested divorce process can make things a lot easier if you and your spouse agree on the significant things. An uncontested divorce attorney in Wilmington can help you avoid court and move on faster. At Marshall & Taylor PLLC, we respectfully and efficiently guide clients through the process.
We handle all aspects of uncontested divorce—kids, property, support, and more. If you are ready to start, call our Wilmington divorce lawyers at 984-520-6690 or schedule a consultation online.
What Is an Uncontested Divorce?
An uncontested divorce happens when you and your spouse agree on the big stuff—like splitting property, custody, support, and alimony if it applies. You also have the option to manage your own divorce through self-service solutions like DIY divorce forms. Since there’s no major fighting, it’s usually faster, cheaper, and less stressful than a contested divorce. If you’re both on the same page, the whole process can be much smoother. A Wilmington divorce attorney can guide you through everything, help with the paperwork, and make sure nothing important gets missed so you can wrap things up the right way and move on.
Benefits of Uncontested Divorce
Couples often choose uncontested divorce for its practical and emotional benefits:
- Saves time – The divorce process moves much faster without drawn-out court battles.
- Saves money – Lower legal fees and minimal court costs make it a more affordable option.
- Reduces stress – Bypassing courtroom drama helps preserve your peace of mind and keeps matters private.
- Encourages cooperation – This approach promotes respectful communication between spouses, which is especially important when co-parenting children.
Uncontested divorce is wise for those who agree on the key issues and want to part ways respectfully. Choosing the right legal team matters. At Marshall & Taylor PLLC, our Wilmington divorce lawyers offer clear, compassionate guidance to help you finalize your divorce efficiently and move forward with confidence.
Who Qualifies for an Uncontested Divorce in North Carolina?
Certain conditions must be met to file for an uncontested divorce in NC. You and your spouse must have lived separately for at least one year, and at least one of you must have been a North Carolina resident for six months before filing. You must also agree on key issues such as property division, child custody, child support, and alimony. While the process may seem straightforward, consulting an uncontested divorce lawyer in Wilmington can help you avoid unexpected legal issues and ensure everything is handled correctly, giving you peace of mind as you move forward with your life.
Common Issues We Handle in Uncontested Divorce Cases
Even in the most amicable divorces, important issues still need to be addressed. Our law firm have extensive expertise in handling various family law cases, ensuring that all aspects of your legal matters are managed with professionalism and dedication. For instance, our team handles every part of your case with care, including:
Property and Debt Division
North Carolina follows the principle of equitable distribution in property distribution during divorce proceedings. This does not always mean a 50/50 split—it means a fair one. We will help you sort through bank accounts, real estate, personal property, and debts to create a clear and enforceable agreement.
Child Custody and Support
If you are seeking an uncontested divorce for couples with children, you still need a solid parenting plan. It is integral to protect parental rights during this process to ensure fair custody arrangements for both biological parents and stepparents. Our attorneys will help you outline custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and child support obligations that serve your children’s best interests.
Spousal Support (Alimony)
Spousal support is not automatic. If one spouse needs financial help post-divorce, we will help you decide whether alimony is appropriate and fair based on the spouse’s needs. Working out an uncontested divorce with a spousal support attorney ensures this part of your agreement is legally sound and realistic.
No matter how straightforward your divorce may seem, having experienced legal guidance helps you cover every detail—so you can move forward with confidence and clarity.
Uncontested Divorce for Couples with Children
Divorcing with kids doesn’t have to turn into a battle. Keeping your relationship with your spouse amicable is one of the best things you can do for your minor children. When parents can agree on custody and support, kids usually adjust better and avoid a lot of emotional stress down the road.
Our Wilmington team can help put together custody agreements, create realistic visitation schedules, and make sure child support is fair. We’ll focus on keeping your child’s best interests front and center every step of the way.
With the right attorney, you can protect your rights and your relationship with your kids.
Mediation and Negotiation Support
Even if you agree on the big stuff, working out the details can be tough. Reaching agreements without the need for a court order is important to avoid legal complications. Our uncontested divorce mediation lawyer helps couples talk things through in a private, respectful setting. Mediation gives you both a chance to sort out priorities, catch anything you missed, and avoid future problems. With a neutral third party helping out and offering suggestions you may not have considered, it’s often easier to reach a fair deal without going to court. If you’re aiming for a low-stress, cooperative divorce, mediation can keep things on track and make the process smoother for everyone.
Uncontested Divorce Paperwork and Filing
Even in a peaceful divorce, the paperwork can feel overwhelming. Collecting accurate address information is important to ensure all documents are correctly filed and processed. Filing incorrect forms or missing deadlines can delay the process or create issues down the line. That’s where we come in. As your uncontested divorce paperwork attorney, we will prepare and review all necessary documents, file them with the appropriate court, track essential deadlines, and communicate with the other party or their attorney on your behalf. Our job is to take the stress out of the legal side so you can focus on moving forward. With our help, the process becomes more manageable, predictable, and easier to deal with from start to finish.
How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Wilmington?
Most uncontested divorces in North Carolina are finalized within 45–90 days after filing, but only once the one-year separation is complete. We will walk you through the timeline, handle the paperwork, and help avoid delays so you can move on with confidence and peace of mind. The process concludes with a final hearing where the judge decides and signs the necessary judgment to officially finalize the divorce.
Read more: How Long Does a Contested Divorce Take in North Carolina?
Cost of an Uncontested Divorce in Wilmington
Costs for an uncontested divorce vary depending on the details, but they are typically far more affordable than contested cases. At Marshall & Taylor PLLC, we offer transparent, competitive pricing with no hidden fees or surprise costs. You will receive an upfront quote based on factors like whether children are involved, how much negotiation is needed, and how many assets or debts must be divided. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and cost-effective as possible, reducing financial and emotional strain so you can focus on the future with confidence and peace of mind. Seeking legal help can also be important in managing these costs effectively.
Why Choose Marshall & Taylor PLLC for Your Uncontested Divorce in Wilmington?
At Marshall & Taylor PLLC, we do more than handle the legal stuff—we help make a tough time a little easier. With over ten years of family law experience, you’ll be in competent, compassionate hands. We’ll keep you in the loop, offer honest advice without judgment, and provide flat-fee options to keep things simple and affordable. We’ve helped plenty of Wilmington clients get through uncontested divorces with less stress and more clarity. If you’re looking for a lawyer who’ll guide you through the process with respect and support, our team is here for you from start to finish.
Related Family Law Services in Wilmington
Divorce is rarely the only legal issue you will face. That’s why we offer support in related practice areas as well. If your needs evolve, we are ready to help with:
- Child Custody and Support
- Spousal Support and Alimony
- Prenuptial Agreements
- Adoption
- Domestic Violence Cases
- Legal Separation
Our family law lawyers have extensive expertise in handling various family law matters, ensuring you receive comprehensive representation in all aspects of family law.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know divorce can bring up a lot of questions, especially when you’re trying to keep things simple. It’s important to be interested in understanding the divorce process to make informed decisions. Below are some of the most common concerns we hear from clients considering an uncontested divorce in Wilmington.
How do I know if my divorce is truly uncontested?
If you and your spouse agree on all major terms—property division, custody, support, and alimony—your divorce is uncontested. However, if even one issue remains unresolved, it may require additional negotiation or court involvement.
It is also important to have a clear and final divorce judgment to ensure all agreements are legally binding and properly documented.
Can we use the same lawyer for an uncontested divorce?
No. In North Carolina, one lawyer cannot represent both parties in a divorce. Your spouse can choose not to hire a lawyer, but your attorney must advocate for your interests only. It is important to protect each party’s legal rights to ensure fair negotiations and address all relevant family-related issues.
Do I still need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce?
Yes. Even uncontested divorces involve legal requirements. A Wilmington uncontested divorce attorney will help protect your rights, prepare proper documentation, and streamline the process. It is integral to consult a licensed attorney who can practice law in North Carolina to navigate the complexities and emotional challenges of divorce.
What if we agree on everything except spousal support?
In that case, your divorce may not qualify as fully uncontested. However, we may still be able to resolve the issue through mediation. A spousal support attorney can help. If an agreement cannot be reached, court orders may be necessary to ensure compliance and address any disputes.
Can I switch from contested to uncontested divorce?
Yes. If both parties eventually agree, your divorce may shift from contested to uncontested. This often happens after mediation or negotiation. Once the transition is complete, you will be officially divorced, marking the end of the legal process and the beginning of a new chapter.
Talk to a Wilmington Uncontested Divorce Lawyer Today
You do not have to go through divorce alone: we can give you the legal advice and support you need. Whether you are dealing with property division or parenting plans or need guidance through the paperwork, Marshall & Taylor PLLC is here for you. Our team of uncontested divorce lawyers in Wilmington help clients in North Carolina and the surrounding areas handle divorce with confidence and clarity.
If you are ready to take the next step, call us at 984-520-6690 to schedule a confidential consultation or use our online form.
Let’s work together to make this next chapter a smoother one.