
James W. Lea III, Divorce Attorney in Wilmington, North Carolina
Over 46 years of legal practice · focused on Divorce, Family Law, and General · 4.8/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
MemberatThe Lea/Schultz Law Firm, P.C.
Wilmington, NC
Practicing divorce in Wilmington since 1980.
- 46+
- Years practicing
- 4.8 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
James W. Lea III is a member based in Wilmington, NC. The practice focuses on Divorce, Family Law, and General. James has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Lea/Schultz Law Firm, P.C.. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Wilmington, NC
- Experience
- over 46 years
- Known for
- Divorce · Family Law · General
- Handles Divorce, Family Law, and General matters from Wilmington, NC.
- Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James W. Lea III: James W. Lea III is a member based in Wilmington, NC. The practice focuses on Divorce, Family Law, and General. James has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Lea/Schultz Law Firm, P.C.. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
James's practice areas in Wilmington
James concentrates on divorce, family law, general, litigation, and prenup. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Divorce
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Family Law
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General
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Litigation
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Prenup
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Divorce cases in Wilmington, North Carolina
James takes divorce matters in Wilmington, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Wilmington, North Carolina
James takes family law matters in Wilmington, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
General cases in Wilmington, North Carolina
James takes general matters in Wilmington, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Wilmington, North Carolina
James takes litigation matters in Wilmington, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Prenup cases in Wilmington, North Carolina
James takes prenup matters in Wilmington, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Biography
James W. Lea III, divorce attorney serving Wilmington
James W. Lea III is a member based in Wilmington, NC. The practice focuses on Divorce, Family Law, and General. James has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Lea/Schultz Law Firm, P.C.. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 2 client reviews. James works from Wilmington, North Carolina and takes on divorce matters across the region.
Named to North Carolina Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America since 2006. Named in 2010 by us news and world report as one of the best law firms in the country in the area of family law.
James's approach to divorce cases
Named to North Carolina Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America since 2006. Named in 2010 by us news and world report as one of the best law firms in the country in the area of family law.
Clients James works with
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for divorce, family law, and general matters in Wilmington and the surrounding North Carolina area.
Credentials
Credentials — where James studied and practices
Campbell University
J.D. · 1980
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
B.A. · 1976
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1981 · ACTIVE
North Carolina
1980 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in Campbell University and B.A. in University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in Campbell University and B.A. in University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in North Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
James's legal honors and published work
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
James W. Lea III's office in Wilmington
James's primary office is at 1612 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 300, Wilmington, NC, 28405. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
The Lea/Schultz Law Firm, P.C.
1612 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 300
Wilmington, NC 28405
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James W. Lea III — 4.8/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing divorce attorneys in Wilmington.
4.8
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James W. Lea III claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James W. Lea III — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new divorce attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a divorce attorney in Wilmington, North Carolina
A short list to run through before you commit: How many divorce matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in divorce practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every divorce matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many divorce practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James W. Lea III
How much does it cost to hire James for a divorce case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some divorce attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do divorce cases in North Carolina typically take?
Simple divorce matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Wilmington?
James is licensed in North Carolina. Matters governed by North Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with James?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new divorce clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Divorce attorneys serving Wilmington, Raleigh and Charlotte in North Carolina
James handles divorce matters throughout North Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified divorce attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated divorce attorneys in North Carolina
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these divorce attorneys in Wilmington handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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Stephen P. Gennett II
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Sarah P. Wenzel
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J. Matthew Little
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Geoffrey A. Losee
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