how much does a nc attorney charge for simple divorce

by Jo Champlin 5 min read

In North Carolina, the cost of filing for an absolute, or simple divorce, is $225. This does not include serving the other party with papers, which is $30, and, if you choose to return to your maiden name, this is an additional $10 fee. The Fees for Working with a Divorce or Family Law Attorney

On average, North Carolina divorce lawyers charge between $230 and $280 per hour. 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.Jul 22, 2020

Full Answer

How much does a North Carolina divorce lawyer cost?

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.

Where can I get a simple divorce in North Carolina?

On average, North Carolina divorce lawyers charge between $230 and $280 per hour. 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. Who is the best divorce attorney in North Carolina? Top Rated Divorce Lawyers in Raleigh, NC. Jeffrey Marshall.

What are the requirements for a divorce in North Carolina?

Jun 06, 2015 · Consultation fees for a divorce lawyer in NC generally range from $50 to $300 for a consultation that lasts 30 to 60 minutes. What if I can’t afford a divorce retainer? Some lawyers may be willing to work with you on a pay-as-you-go arrangement where the law firm prepares legal documents to be signed by you in addition to appearing at Court hearings on a per hearing basis.

Why do attorneys in North Carolina charge different rates?

Aug 20, 2020 · In North Carolina, the cost of filing for an absolute, or simple divorce, is $225. This does not include serving the other party with papers, which is $30, and, if you choose to return to your maiden name, this is an additional $10 fee. The Fees for Working with a Divorce or Family Law Attorney. Even if you’re choosing a simple divorce, having a divorce attorney ensures that …

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How much does a simple divorce cost in NC?

Average Cost of Divorce in North Carolina The filing fee for divorce in North Carolina is currently $225 (with an additional $10.00 for filing a Resumption of Maiden Name). However, this fee can be waived for indigent filers, through a Petition to Proceed as an Indigent.Jan 17, 2020

How can I get a simple divorce in NC?

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.

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

How long does a divorce take in NC? Once the divorce is served to your spouse, there is a 30 day waiting period before the divorce can be finalized. In general, it takes at least 45-90 days to get divorced.

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

Can you 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 much does a uncontested divorce cost in NC?

You can expect to pay around $225 for the documents and filing fees. If you have an amicable or "uncontested" divorce, then you will file the documents and may not need much additional time with an attorney.Jul 15, 2020

Can you date while separated in NC?

1) You Can Date While Separated After you have legally separated you are free to date as if you are not married. Your spouse does not have a say in whether or who you date. Third party claims such as alienation of affection and criminal conversation cannot be filed solely due to post-separation acts.Oct 29, 2018

Do you have to file for separation before divorce in NC?

In NC you must be separated for at least one full year before you can file for divorce. ... However, property acquired and debts incurred during the separation are treated differently than the property and debt accumulated while together during a marriage.

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 get divorced in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the cost of filing for an absolute, or simple divorce, is $225.

What to consider when considering a divorce?

When considering a divorce, you have a multitude of factors to consider – whether you’re ready for a divorce, what’s best for the kids, how will property be divided – but one of the main concerns is cost. In fact, many people stay in a marriage solely because they don’t know if they can afford to terminate their marriage, ...

When to call an appraiser for a house?

Appraisers may be called in if the couple is discussing putting the house on the market and they need to determine a selling price . Most often, in cases of high net worth divorce or couples with complicated financial dealings, a financial analyst will be called to consult.

Is divorce more expensive than contested divorce?

The type of divorce you will be getting in particular is the biggest variable. A simple divorce will be much less expensive than a collaborative divorce which will then be much less expensive than a contested divorce.

Does retainer money get refunded?

Typically, any money remaining is refunded, though if the case is more complex than the attorney initially thought, the client may have to pay additional fees. Clients receive monthly statements to see where the retainer is going and how much is left.

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

Before you can file for an uncontested divorce in North Carolina, you must have lived physically apart from your spouse for at least one year. Also, at least one spouse must have lived in North Carolina for at least six months.

How long does it take to get a notice of hearing from a divorce court?

The Notice of Hearing form must be delivered to the defendant at least ten days before the court date.

How long does a divorce have to be uncontested?

If the divorce is uncontested, the defendant does have the option to waive the 30-day period by submitting a Waiver and Answer form. The defendant would have to complete this form and file it with the Clerk of Court, also serving a copy on the plaintiff.

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.

Why do people get divorces without fault?

No-fault divorces are preferred because no specific reason or grounds must be given to get a divorce. You simply state you can no longer get along with your spouse, and you’ll be able to get a divorce. This is the route that people seeking uncontested divorces use.

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.

Uncontested or Simple Divorce Lawyer in North Carolina

You may need the guidance of a skilled uncontested, simple divorce lawyer in North Carolina. The basic steps for filing for uncontested divorce are the same for Winston-Salem, Raleigh, Charlotte and throughout North Carolina, though the process for filing may vary by county.

NC Simple Divorce at Low Cost

Our attorney network covers all of North Carolina. We combine comprehensive and complete family law and divorce legal services with prompt efficiency and low cost. Contact us to discuss the easiest way to get a cheap divorce as quickly as possible and avoid having the process drag on in the courts.

We Are On Your Side and What We Discuss Is Strictly Confidential

The Law Office of James Barrett Wilson and Associates in North Carolina has been distinguished by its winning record, commitment to clients, and service to the community. Our Winston-Salem attorneys well equipped to handle your legal needs. Contact us for a meeting in our office at a convenient time for you or consultation over the phone.

How much does a divorce attorney charge per hour?

20% paid $400 or more per hour. The more complicated the divorce, the higher attorneys' fees -- especially if the proceedings take a long time or if going to trial to resolve contested issues is necessary. Some attorneys offer a flat fee, which can help you budget for your divorce case.

How much does a divorce cost?

The median cost of a divorce is $7,500. An uncontested divorce or one with no major contested issues costs, on average, $4,100. Disputes over child support, child custody, and alimony raise the average cost of a divorce significantly. Divorces that go to trial on two or more issues cost, on average, $23,300.

How long does it take to get divorced in NC?

Divorces take, on average, between 12 and 18 months to finalize. Filing fees range from $75 in North Carolina to $435 in California. Divorced men and women have less money in independently owned defined-contribution retirement accounts than married men and women.

How much wealth does divorce cause?

And some older studies have shown that divorce causes an average 77% drop in wealth.

How many people ended their marriages in 2018?

Despite that drop in the rate, this still means hundreds of thousands of people per year end a marriage -- 782,038 in 2018.

How much does a family therapy session cost?

Family therapy for yourself or your child: Rates are typically $75 to $200 per session, according to the National Directory of Marriage and Family Counseling.

Do you have to pay a fee to dissolve a marriage?

The court must legally dissolve your marriage. You have to pay a filing fee in court for this. Filing fees vary a lot by state, with some states showing significantly higher divorce costs than others.

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