divorce in north carolina online

by Vernon Kertzmann 6 min read

How do I obtain a divorce in North Carolina?

Online Divorce Without a Lawyer in North Carolina Take our simple questionnaire. Divorce forms are custom generated for you to print out, or we will mail them to you. File the documents with your local court clerk. The judge will complete your divorce by …

Can you handle your own North Carolina divorce?

Jan 01, 2019 · View the North Carolina Divorce Packet Help Topic for more information. eCourts Guide & File is available to help users prepare court documents online to file for Absolute Divorce. How do I serve my spouse after filing the documents? After filing your case, you must ensure that your spouse is “served” with a copy of your summons and complaint.

How to find a divorce record in North Carolina?

Online Divorce in North Carolina. For those seeking an inexpensive divorce in the state of North Carolina, online divorce is an easy, affordable, and fast solution. Online divorce may be appropriate for couples who have an uncontested case. The step-by-step process of preparing divorce documents at Onlinedivorce.com makes it easy for you.

What is the average cost of divorce in North Carolina?

North Carolina Divorce Packet . This packet provides information, steps, and forms for getting an absolute divorce. eCourts Guide & File NOW AVAILABLE for Absolute Divorce A free online service to help users prepare court documents to file for certain case types. Learn more or start a …

Can you do an online divorce in North Carolina?

Get Your Divorce Forms Completed Online With North Carolina Online Divorce, you'll get court-approved papers filled out based on the information you provide. All Required North Carolina State Forms. North Carolina-Specific Court Filing Instructions. Unlimited Revisions for as long as your account is active.

Can you get a divorce without going to court 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.

How do I file for divorce in NC for free?

If you cannot afford the fees for filing your Complaint for Divorce, you can ask the Court to let you file for free. In order to make that request, you must file a “Petition to Proceed as an Indigent.” If approved, you will not have to pay the filing fee to the Clerk or service of process fee to the sheriff.

How do I get an immediate divorce in NC?

What are the basic steps for filing for divorce?First, you must meet the residency requirements of the state.Second, you must have “grounds” (a legally acceptable reason) to end your marriage.Third, you must file divorce papers and have copies sent to your spouse.More items...

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

Unfortunately, there is no legal way to avoid this divorce requirement in North Carolina, though there may be exceptions. Some choose to falsely claim that they had been separated for one year on their divorce complaint just to get divorced as soon as possible. However, it is not advised to do that.Jan 1, 2020

Can I get a divorce without my spouse knowing?

Now, though, it's possible to file for divorce even when you don't know where your spouse is. The only catch is that you can't get a divorce without at least attempting to formally notify your spouse about the proceedings.

Can I file my own separation agreement in NC?

North Carolina law doesn't permit legal separation. Couples who wish to end their marriage in the Tar Heel State must file a petition for an absolute (no-fault) divorce (after one year of separation) or file for a divorce from bed and board (fault divorce) using one of the state's legal grounds for divorce.

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

Steps for Getting an Absolute DivorceComplete the Court Forms.File Court Papers in the Clerk of Court's Office.Serve the Papers on the Defendant (your Spouse)Wait 30 days, then set date for Hearing.Go to Court with prepared Judgment for Judge's review.

Why moving out is the biggest mistake in a divorce?

One of the most significant ways moving out can influence your divorce is when it comes to child custody. If you move out, it means you don't spend as much time with your kids. Not only can this harm your relationship, but it can also damage your custody claim.Mar 31, 2021

Can I file for divorce before one year?

Divorce by mutual consent can be obtained within six months, but no petition in such a case can be filed within first year of marriage. There also has to be gap of six months between the first and second motions. The court can waive this cooling off period in some cases.Jan 27, 2020

What grounds can I file for divorce?

Grounds for divorce - the five factsAdultery.Unreasonable behaviour.Desertion.Two years' separation with consent.Five years' separation without consent.Jan 8, 2018

Is NC A 50/50 divorce state?

In North Carolina, the courts will divide property in a way that is equitable, or fair. The court will assume that dividing the marital property evenly, 50/50, is what is most fair. This is true unless the court determines that dividing the assets equally is not fair.Mar 19, 2018

Can I really file for divorce in North Carolina without a lawyer?

Like other US states, North Carolina allows proceeding 'Pro Se,' which is the legal term for representing oneself before the court. The same right...

How can I file for divorce in North Carolina without a lawyer?

Though each divorce case is unique, and sometimes additional actions may be required, the common steps in an uncontested divorce process in North C...

How much does it cost to get an uncontested divorce in North Carolina?

The cost of divorce in North Carolina is hard to predict without considering the circumstances of a particular divorce case, which may vary signifi...

How long do you have to live in North Carolina to file for divorce?

A couple must meet the residency requirements of the state to apply for a divorce in North Carolina. Thus, according to the North Carolina General...

How long do you have to respond to divorce papers in North Carolina?

After being served with divorce papers, the defendant has thirty days to file an answer or counterclaim, and the date of the court hearing can be s...

How do you get a free divorce in North Carolina?

The most affordable way to get divorced in North Carolina is to arrange an agreed DIY divorce without legal representatives, but it still is not fr...

What papers do I need to file for a divorce in North Carolina?

Although some documents may vary depending on the circumstances, the initial divorce forms every plaintiff has to file with the court in North Caro...

What is a complaint in divorce?

A complaint, stating the facts of your case and your request for a divorce. The courts do not provide a standard form for the complaint. If you intend to file for property division or spousal support, you must include all supporting facts and your requests in your complaint. A summons.

How long do you have to be separated to file for divorce?

You are eligible to file for divorce, also called an “absolute divorce,” only after being separated for at least a year and a day. This means that you must have been living in different homes and that at least one of you intended that the separation be permanent during that time.

What is a separation agreement?

A separation agreement includes agreed-upon terms dealing with various issues related to the separation, such as which spouse is responsible for certain bills, whether one person will continue to live in the marital home, or where the children will live .

Is alimony included in gross income?

Beginning on January 1, 2019, and affecting alimony granted through a separation agreement signed after that date or a court order entered after that date, alimony is no longer included in the calculation of a dependent spouse’s gross income.

How old do you have to be to file for child support?

Similarly, parents can file at any time for child support for children under 18 (or still in high school and under age 20), regardless of marital status.

Can you enforce a separation agreement?

If your separation agreement was included in a court order, such as your divorce decree, you can ask the court to hold the person in contempt of court (see above). If not, you can enforce your separation agreement by suing your former spouse for breach of contract. An attorney can assist you with this process. Tagged.

What is considered marital property?

Assets and debts you acquired during the marriage are generally classified as “marital property” (exceptions include inheritances and gifts that either of you received from a third party during the marriage). A third category, called “divisible property,” applies to property obtained between separation and divorce.

What is the custody of a child in North Carolina?

Custody of the child in North Carolina. Custody, including both joint or sole child custody, is decided based upon the interests and welfare of the child or children. There is no presumption that either parent is better suited to have custody based on gender, race, or sexual orientation.

How is child support determined in North Carolina?

Typically, child support is determined using the official North Carolina Child Support Guidelines unless the parents agree to a different amount.

What happens after the waiting period for divorce?

After the expiration of the waiting period, the court can schedule the hearing date. Uncontested divorce hearings are typically brief, but the spouses have to submit the rest of the legal forms and their Settlement Agreement and Parenting Plan (if any) to finalize a divorce.

What happens if a child is contested in North Carolina?

If child custody is contested in the state, the court can sometimes order the parents to submit to mediation for that issue. [General Statutes of North Carolina; Chapter 50, Section 50-13.1]. Mediation is available for other cases when the participants feel it would benefit them.

Who is responsible for child support?

Both of the parents are considered to be responsible for the support of their minor children and either parent may be ordered to pay child support. The overall goal is to make sure the child or children have everything they need to live a happy and fulfilling life. The factors to be considered are:

What is the number to call for legal aid in North Carolina?

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.

How long do you have to be separated from your spouse?

You have been separated from your spouse for at least 12 months. You are not interested in ever receiving alimony or spousal support. You are not interested in ever having property or debts from the marriage divided between you and your spouse. Use these forms at your own risk!

What is equitable distribution?

Equitable distribution of marital property (dividing things that you and your spouse both own together such as vehicles, houses, bank accounts, insurance policies, home equity, and other personal property; and also dividing debts that you and your spouse owe) If you want these rights, you need to talk to a lawyer.

How long do you have to live in NC to get divorced?

1. you must live separately for at least a year, and. 2. either of you must have lived in NC for at least 6 months. Most divorces are completed in 75 - 90 days. You can do it alone, but it's easier with help. In North Carolina you can also obtain your own divorce.

Can I get divorced in NC?

In North Carolina you can also obtain your own divorce. Most County Clerks Offices will work with you to some degree to create and file the paperwork for a divorce. However that method requires you to make multiple trips to the courthouse for things like filing out the forms, filing them, setting a hearing and attending the hearing.

How long does it take to get divorced in North Carolina?

North Carolina offers an expedited process of uncontested divorce following a 12-month separation. File the complaint, serve your spouse, and attend a hearing with the following documents: Complaint and Summons. Certificate of Absolute Divorce.

What is the custody of a child in North Carolina?

Child Custody. As in most states, North Carolina determines joint or sole child custody based on the best interests of the child. North Carolina courts distinguish between legal custody (right to make decisions about the child) and physical custody.

What happens if my spouse doesn't respond to my divorce petition?

If your spouse does not provide any response to the divorce petition, then the judge will assume that the Respondent has abdicated any right to participate in the case. The judge will probably grant many or all of the requests by the petitioner regarding child custody, support and property distribution in the original Complaint. Following the judgment, you and your spouse are barred from making any additional property claims, although you both have the option to legally revisit issues regarding children.

What to do if you cannot agree to a divorce?

If you and your spouse cannot agree on the major issues in how your marriage should be dissolved, you will probably need to hire an attorney to represent you in this complex divorce proceeding.

How long does it take for a spouse to file a divorce?

You and your spouse must agree to a Marital Settlement which must be filed within 30 days of serving notice.

What is contested divorce?

Contested divorces typically involve attorneys for both parties. Most divorce attorneys charge substantial legal fees in a contested divorce procedure due to the added time and effort of participating in a trial. Attorneys are likely to engage in discovery where they will investigate you and your spouse’s claims.

How long does a divorce trial last?

Divorce Trial (Highest Cost) In cases where you and your spouse cannot agree on major issues, the judge will schedule a trial that could go on for several days. Hiring a well-qualified divorce attorney to defend you is usually in your interest, as your spouse will probably do likewise.

What is a divorce record?

A divorce record is the most complete record that is created as a result of divorce proceedings. It holds the most amount of information and essentially acts as the case file for a divorce.

What is included in a divorce decree?

This includes agreements surrounding custody, property designation, child support, alimony, and any scheduling that is relevant for both parties.

What documents are needed for a symlink?

If the above documents are not available for the requesting party, they must include TWO of the following: 1 Temporary driver’s license or state ID 2 Most up to date utility bill with address listed 3 Car registration address listed 4 Bank statement address listed 5 Pay stub with address listed 6 W-2 form with address listed 7 State weapon permit with address listed

Is a divorce record sealed?

This law makes it a requirement for public record custodians to allow members of the public to access these records in a timely manner, though divorce records are often sealed and may not be available for members of the public not involved in the divorce.

Is divorce a legal document?

A divorce is always legally recorded and this record can come in the form of a divorce certificate, a divorce decre e, or a full divorce record. These documents serve different purposes, and when requesting a divorce record it can be important to know the distinctions. Divorce records are considered court records.