How Much Does a Divorce Cost in North Carolina?

Experiencing a divorce can be both emotionally and financially challenging, especially when you are unsure of what to expect or how to move forward. During these times, one of the most common questions is how much a divorce costs in North Carolina. Unfortunately, there isn’t a universal answer to help everyone prepare in the same way. Costs vary widely depending on factors such as whether the divorce is contested and how many assets are involved.

To better understand the financial implications of a divorce, the following information can help paint a better picture of what you might expect in your own journey.

Common Factors That Affect the Cost of Divorce in North Carolina

The total cost of a divorce in North Carolina depends on a range of factors, including how cooperative both spouses are and whether the case involves other complex issues to manage, such as child custody or dividing high-value assets. While some may be resolved quickly and at a lower cost, others might need more time.

Some key factors that influence divorce costs include:

• Contested vs uncontested divorce. Uncontested divorces are typically less expensive since both parties agree on major terms and will make decisions more quickly.
• Attorney involvement. Hiring an experienced divorce attorney adds to the costs but may save you money in the long run if they solve complex problems to secure more of what you want.
• Court and filing fees. These will vary based on where you file for divorce. They mostly include administrative costs for processing documents.
• Child custody and support issues. Disagreements around parenting plans can increase the time and cost involved.
• Division of property and debt. The more assets you need to divide, the more financial planning and legal input may be required.

With nearly 29,738 divorces recorded in North Carolina in 2020, it’s clear that divorce is not an uncommon issue for the state. However, the process and costs will vary widely based on your unique situation. To better know what to anticipate, connect with a divorce lawyer early on.

What Documents and Records You May Need

Before and during the divorce process, you want to make sure you gather all the documents you need to finalize your case successfully. Having the right paperwork not only streamlines the process but may also help to reduce some additional legal fees by saving your attorney time.

Some common divorce-related documents include:

• Marriage certificates
• Financial records, such as income, debts, and property ownership
• Tax returns from recent years
• Custody or parenting agreements
• Divorce certificate once it has been finalized

Once it has been finalized, you can obtain your divorce certificate from NC Vital Records or the Clerk of Court in the county where the divorce was filed. Having this document may be necessary to do certain things, like changing your name or proving your legal marital status in the future.

Strategies to Save Money During the Divorce Process

While there are certain divorce costs that will be unavoidable, there are other ways you could potentially better manage your expenses and avoid unnecessary fees. Being organized and proactive can go a long way toward reducing the total cost of your divorce.

Some possible strategies to save money include:

• Opting for an uncontested divorce, if possible, to avoid going to court
• Use mediation services to resolve disputes outside of court
• Organize financial documents in advance to reduce billable hours
• Ask about flat-fee services for simpler divorces
• Limit emotional decision-making, as it can prolong and complicate the process

Educating yourself and planning can make a huge difference in your preparation and peace of mind. Be sure to ask your attorney about costs upfront to ensure you can afford their services and know what to expect.

FAQs

Is It Cheaper to File for Divorce First?

Filing for a divorce before your ex-partner doesn’t necessarily make the process cheaper, but it can give you more control over the timeline and initial legal strategy. You may be responsible for paying the initial filing fee, but being the first to file can allow you to set the tone of the case and choose the court location. Sometimes, this can lead to a smoother process if you’re well-prepared. However, cost savings also depend on case cooperation and complexity.

Can You Share a Lawyer With Your Ex-Spouse to Save Money?

Most of the time, a lawyer cannot represent both spouses because of the potential conflicts of interest. Rather than having the same attorney, if you and your spouse agree on all divorce terms, you could work with a single, neutral mediator to help save costs. This is typically a less expensive route to take. Just keep in mind that a mediator cannot provide legal advice, only guide discussions, help to resolve conflicts, and issue their final recommendations.

How Do Children Affect the Cost of Divorce?

Anytime children are part of a divorce, the process could become more complicated and expensive. This is because there are more decisions to make, such as creating a parenting plan, addressing custody arrangements, and potentially negotiating child support. These discussions could require additional mediation or court involvement, which could cost more. If you can plan and keep communication focused on a child’s needs, it can help reduce expenses.

How Long Do I Have to Wait for a Divorce in North Carolina?

North Carolina requires all married couples who want to divorce to be living in different homes for at least a year and a day before they can begin the divorce process. One of the spouses must also have lived in the state for at least six months before filing for divorce. You will need to work with your attorney to prove these residency requirements by providing formal documentation to the court for review.

Get Help From North Carolina Divorce Lawyer

If you are recently facing the prospect of a divorce and are looking to secure quality legal representation, contact our firm today to get started. If costs are a concern, Griffin Law, PLLC, has several strategies we could entertain to see what would have the strongest impact on your personal bottom line.