how much does a divorce cost with an a lawyer in nc

by Prof. Dixie Macejkovic 9 min read

Based on the combined data from our reader survey and attorney study, our analysis showed that the average cost of a full-scope attorney in a typical North Carolina divorce is $9,700 (based on minimum hourly rates) to $11,800 (based on maximum rates).

Full Answer

How long does it take to get a divorce in NC?

Jul 22, 2020 · Average total costs for North Carolina divorce lawyers are $9,700 to $11,700 but are typically significantly lower in cases with no contested issues. If you’re contemplating divorce in North Carolina, or are already in the midst of the process, one of your many concerns will be how much it’s going to cost you.

How much does an uncontested divorce cost in North Carolina?

Dec 17, 2021 · In North Carolina, it will cost the person filing for a divorce, or the plaintiff, $225 to file the divorce documents. Attorney Fees In most cases, you’ll need a lawyer to help you complete your paperwork, negotiate with your soon-to …

How long will my divorce take in North Carolina?

Take a look at the average costs of divorces in North Carolina under some of the most common situations: No contested issues (with lawyers): $3,500–$4,200. One dispute but without trial: $5,100–$6,200. Two or more disputes but no trial: $8,800–$10,600. Going …

How long do you have to be separated in NC?

Nov 11, 2020 · In comparison, uncontested divorces are more cost-effective due to their nature. For general costs, you may be looking at (all costs subject to change): Filing an Absolute Divorce - $225 Service fees - $30 Serving defendant via mail - $7

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How much do divorce lawyers cost in NC?

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in North Carolina? Lawyers are generally paid by the hour at $100 to $300 per hour.Jul 15, 2020

What is the average cost of a divorce in NC?

Average Cost of Divorce in North Carolina According to the article, the average cost of divorce without children is $13,100 (20th highest) and the average cost with children is $19,700 (21st highest).Jan 17, 2020

How much does it cost to get a uncontested divorce in NC?

Here in North Carolina, the cost of filing your divorce with the state is $225. You can click here to see a state-by-state break down of divorce filing costs. If you and/or your spouse also which to change their last name (typically a woman changing to her maiden name) you may have to pay an additional cost.Aug 26, 2020

How much does it cost to get a divorce if both parties agree?

If both parties agree on all major issues, known as an uncontested divorce, you can keep the costs relatively low. If you do your own divorce papers and your divorce is amicable, costs could be under $500. Of course, there are filing fees in all states, which increase the cost.Mar 17, 2022

How do I get a divorce in NC without waiting a year?

Most states do not require any type of waiting period or separation prior to filing or getting a divorce. North Carolina, however, is not in the majority. Here, the law requires you and your spouse to be separated for one year before you can get a divorce. To fulfill this obligation, you must live separately and apart.Jul 12, 2019

How can I get a quick divorce in NC?

Couples who wish to pursue an uncontested (simple) divorce can do so by filing a "no-fault" divorce. In a no-fault divorce, the law doesn't require either spouse to prove that the other person caused the breakdown of the marriage.

Can you get a divorce without going to court?

It is possible to get divorced without going to court, as long as your partner agrees to the divorce and the reasons why. However, it is still possible that you will need to go to court to decide what happens to money, property and children.Apr 26, 2018

How can I get a divorce in NC without a lawyer?

If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for advice or assistance from Legal Aid of North Carolina at 1-866-219-5262. No one except an attorney can advise you of your legal rights.

What Is the Average Cost of Divorce in NC?

In 2020, the average cost of divorce in North Carolina was $13,100 for cases with no children involved. The average cost for marriages with children was $19,700.

What Expenses Contribute to the NC Divorce Cost?

The cost of a divorce consists of many smaller fees. Check out the following table for an explanation:

How Can I Reduce the Cost of Divorce in NC?

The best way to get a divorce if you have no money is to choose the cheapest marriage dissolution method. In the table below, you can find all the information you need about each method:

How To File for an Uncontested Divorce in North Carolina

If you’re terminating your marriage on amicable terms, you don’t need to hire lawyers. The process is not complicated, but you should be familiar with the state laws and requirements. Here’s a step-by-step guide to filing for an uncontested divorce in North Carolina:

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How Much Will it Cost to File for North Carolina Divorce?

While any spouse can file a petition for divorce to initiate the dissolution of marriage, keep in mind that the petitioner has to pay the filing fees. Before filing for North Carolina divorce, make sure that you meet the requirements to get a divorce:

How Much Will a Divorce Cost in North Carolina?

Now that you have become familiar with the divorce process and filing fees in North Carolina, you probably want to know the average cost of divorce in the state.

How much does a divorce lawyer cost in NC?

That answer varies dramatically depending on what you are looking to do. Do you want to sue for child custody, child support, alimony, property division, or just get a simple uncontested divorce? ​

Do I ever get a refund of a retainer?

You typically do receive a refund of unused funds if your case requires less time than expected or if your case is settled via a separation agreement or Consent Order without the need for a Court hearing.

Can I make my spouse pay my legal bill?

A Judge may Order attorney fees for a custody or alimony case, but that is totally in the discretion of the Judge. That is why most attorneys require a retainer as there is no guarantee your spouse will be ordered to pay attorney fees.

How much is a divorce consultation?

Consultation fees for a divorce lawyer in NC generally range from $50 to $300 for a consultation that lasts 30 to 60 minutes. ​

Are there any pro-bono divorce lawyers?

You could certainly call Legal Aid although they typically don’t get involved with Custody, alimony, or property distribution cases. Sometimes Legal Aid will help if Domestic Violence is also an issue, but they have very limited resources compared to the need in NC.

How much does it cost to file a complaint for divorce?

Currently, the cost to file a Complaint for divorce is $225. If you wish to resume a maiden or former name, there is an extra $10 filing fee. However, this is well worth the cost; the process of changing to a prior name as part of a divorce is much easier than the regular name change process. Serve the papers.

How long does it take to answer a divorce case?

The other party has 30 days to file an Answer. If the case is an uncontested divorce, the other spouse usually does not file anything, but you still have to wait the 30 days.

How to avoid court costs?

One way to avoid court costs is to file as indigent and have the fees waived. Typically, receiving the following benefits qualifies you as indigent: 1 Food and Nutrition Services 2 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 3 Work First Family Assistance

How long do you have to be separated before filing for divorce?

While you must be separated for one year before you file for divorce, you can file in court for custody, child support, alimony, and equitable distribution at the time you separate, or you can agree on all of these issues even before your separation in some instances.

What is an uncontested divorce in North Carolina?

An uncontested divorce means that you and your spouse agree on all the terms of your divorce before your divorce is finalized. Many couples choose this method because it is the cheapest and quickest means to ending a marriage. In North Carolina, a divorce is known as an absolute divorce. The word “absolute” carries no special meaning.

How long does it take to answer a divorce case?

The defendant has 30 days to file an Answer to your case. If an Answer is filed, you will be notified. If the Answer raises any issues or counterclaims, you now have a contested divorce and you should consider consulting an attorney.

Can you file for divorce on no fault grounds?

This means that no specific reason for the divorce needs to be stated or that one spouse or the other needs to prove the reason the marriage no longer works.

What is fault based divorce?

This form of fault-based divorce centers around several possible forms of abandonment, cruel treatment, excessive use of drugs or alcohol, or adultery. This is considered a partial divorce. The spouses remain in the marital relationship, and they can’t marry someone else.

What does the court want to see in a settlement agreement?

The court will want to see a fair settlement agreement that one or both of you have completed. You will both need to indicate that you approve of the agreement.

Who is Jason Crowley?

Jason Crowley is a divorce financial strategist, personal finance expert, and entrepreneur. Jason is the managing partner of Divorce Capital Planning, co-founder of Divorce Mortgage Advisors, and founder of Survive Divorce. A leading authority in divorce finance, Jason has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and other media outlets.

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