Real numbers for North Carolina — filing fees, attorney rates, contested vs. uncontested costs, county breakdowns, and what you can do to reduce your total.
✓ Filing fee and waiting period verified against current state statutes · Updated August 2026
However complicated the details get, nearly every North Carolina divorce follows the same underlying sequence:
This outline is meant as general orientation, not a substitute for legal advice — check with a North Carolina family law attorney or your courthouse's self-help center for the forms specific to your case.
Enter your specific situation — children, assets, contested issues — and get a real cost breakdown in 60 seconds. Free, private, no login.
Calculate My North Carolina Divorce Cost →The cost of divorce in North Carolina ranges from roughly $2,880 for a simple uncontested case to $31,200 or more for a contested divorce that goes to trial. The single biggest factor is not the state — it is how much you and your spouse disagree.
North Carolina requires a 12-month separation period before filing — you must live separately for one full year first.
| Divorce Type | Low Estimate | Typical | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested, no children | $225 | $945 | $4,800 |
| Uncontested with children | $2,880 | $4,800 | $7,200 |
| Contested, no trial | $10,725 | $19,500 | $31,200 |
| Contested, goes to trial | $31,200 | $37,050 | $50,000+ |
| Savings going uncontested | Up to $14,700 per spouse | ||
The court filing fee in North Carolina is paid when you submit your divorce petition to the court. This is a fixed, unavoidable cost regardless of whether your divorce is contested or uncontested.
Filing fee note: $225 statewide uniform fee
| Mecklenburg County (Charlotte) | $225 |
| Wake County (Raleigh) | $225 |
| Guilford (Greensboro) | $225 |
| Forsyth (Winston-Salem) | $225 |
Divorce attorney hourly rates in North Carolina average $240 per hour.
A Charlotte couple who have been separated for a year and agree on all terms would spend $225 in filing fees and $1,500–$4,000 in attorney costs — total around $1,800–$4,500 for an uncontested divorce.
How much does a divorce cost in North Carolina?
An uncontested divorce in North Carolina typically costs $4,800–$7,200 including the $225 filing fee. A contested divorce averages $19,500–$31,200 per spouse depending on attorney hours and complexity.
How long do I have to be separated before I can divorce in North Carolina?
Exactly one year. North Carolina requires spouses to live in separate residences for a full 12 months before a divorce can be filed.
Do I need to file for property division before the divorce is finalized?
Yes. In North Carolina, you must file your equitable distribution and alimony claims before the divorce decree is entered. Filing after loses these rights permanently.
Is North Carolina a fault-based divorce state?
North Carolina's divorce process is no-fault (based solely on separation), but fault (adultery, for example) can still affect alimony awards.
Get a personalized estimate in 60 seconds.
Open North Carolina Calculator →Filing fees based on North Carolina court records as of July 2026. This is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.