how to file for divorce in nc

by Juston Lindgren V 9 min read

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

Jan 01, 2019 · How do I file for divorce? To file for divorce, you must file the following documents with the clerk of court in the county where either you or your spouse lives: A complaint, stating the facts of your case and your request for a divorce. The courts do …

What are the grounds for immediate divorce in NC?

Feb 25, 2022 · Six steps to a North Carolina divorce. Initiate the divorce process. Notify your spouse. Decide whether to pursue an uncontested divorce or a contested divorce. Decide whether to hire an attorney or not. Resolve the three big issues. Finalize all paperwork.

What are the requirements for divorce in North Carolina?

Steps for Separation and Divorce in North Carolina 1. A physical separation of the couple.. A married couple that decides to end their marriage and divorce first becomes... 2. File a Divorce Complaint with the Clerk of Court in Your County.. The next step in …

What are the laws for divorce in North Carolina?

Mar 01, 2022 · The initial fee to file for an absolute divorce in North Carolina is $225, as of 2022. There are also additional fees for having a sheriff serve the divorce papers and restoring a former name after the divorce and for setting a motion for hearing.

How much does it cost to file for divorce in NC?

The fee for filing a case for divorce is currently $225.00. If you are including a claim for Resumption of Maiden Name, there may be an additional $10.00 fee. These fees are subject to change. If you cannot afford the filing fee, also take the Petition to Proceed as an Indigent and ask to speak with a Clerk.

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.

What documents do I need to file for divorce in NC?

How do I file for divorce?A complaint, stating the facts of your case and your request for a divorce. ... A summons.A Domestic Civil Action Cover Sheet.An affidavit pursuant to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), telling the court whether or not your spouse is in the military. ... You must pay the court filing fee.

How long do you have to be separated before divorce in NC?

one yearHow do we get divorced? One spouse or the other must have resided in North Carolina for at least six months and the parties must have been separated for at least one year with the separation intended to be permanent. When those two requirements have been met, either party may file for an absolute divorce.

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 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

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

In the state of North Carolina, a couple must be legally separated for one year and a day before they can file for divorce. There is no need to have a separation agreement or file anything with a court for the legal separation to take place.

What should you not do during separation?

5 Mistakes To Avoid During Your SeparationKeep it private.Don't leave the house.Don't pay more than your share.Don't jump into a rebound relationship.Don't put off the inevitable.Oct 19, 2016

What is a wife entitled to in a divorce in North Carolina?

What is a spouse entitled to in a divorce in NC? A spouse is typically entitled to some amount of alimony or spousal support, depending on the decision of the NC divorce courts. A spouse may also be entitled to a 50/50 split of marital property if so decided by the courts.

Can I 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

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 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 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.

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 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.

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 are the main points of contention in divorce cases?

The major points of contention in most divorce cases involve issues of property division, child custody or spousal support. If you and your spouse fail to come to an agreement on these issues, you should know how North Carolina courts often rule.

How to get divorce in NC?

To reach this final termination of marriage, one spouse must file a divorce complaint with the Clerk of Court in the county of their residence. A divorce attorney may file the notice on behalf of a client. The county Sheriff (or a deputy) will then serve the divorce complaint upon the other spouse. In most cases a divorce notice is delivered by certified mail.After the couple has lived separate and apart for at least 12 consecutive months, either spouse may then file for a legal divorce. This is if at least one of the two, at the time of the separation, intended for the separation to be permanent.

What should be done before a divorce?

Upon filing for a divorce, such factors as child support, spousal support, child custody and asset division come to the fore. Decisions and creation of agreements such as a child custody agreement in each of these areas should be made before a divorce goes to court. 3.

Can you enter into mediation with your spouse?

If you and your spouse are engaging in an amicable divorce, you may choose to enter into mediation. In some cases, the court will order mediation. Mediation can mean the difference between a lengthy, expensive and public court battle and a timely, cost-efficient and confidential resolution to your divorce or separation. A mediator can help a couple come to an agreement in a less formal and less adversarial setting and can help find creative solutions to unique situations.

What is a mediator in divorce?

A mediator can help a couple come to an agreement in a less formal and less adversarial setting and can help find creative solutions to unique situations. 4. A judge hears testimony and issues the final divorce order.

Can a consent order be enforced in court?

Once this agreement is signed and notarized, it can be enforced in any court. If you choose to enter into a consent order as part of your divorce, this agreement can be enforced by a court through the use of its contempt power s.

What does a judge do in divorce?

A judge hears testimony and arguments and then makes the decision for final divorce orders that she or he thinks are best for each individual. A judge will take recommendations from each spouse’s attorney before making a decision, but the judge’s decision is final.

What happens when you divorce your spouse?

A divorce ends one’s rights to alimony and equitable distribution of property, for example, so those rights must be asserted before a divorce and, if possible, the couple should arrive at an agreement before they appear before the judge. Once the judge signs the order, you and your spouse are divorced.

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.

What is contested divorce in NC?

In uncontested divorces, both parties are able to agree to potential issues such as child custody, alimony, property division, and division of debt. In a contested divorce, the parties disagree.

What is collaborative divorce in NC?

In North Carolina, collaborative divorce is a step up from mediated divorce. This procedure usually involves two attorneys or mediators instead of one, and it often calls for assistance from divorce coaches and/or financial specialists who can help both parties come to a mutual agreement.

Is NC a divorce state?

Many states stop at these two distinctions. North Carolina has a few more options. The state’s third type of divorce is called Divorce from Bed and Board. This can be confusing, because getting a North Carolina divorce from bed and board doesn’t mean that you’re legally divorced. Instead, it’s a term for legal, judicially authorized separation. If you’re considering a divorce from bed & board as an alternative to legal divorce, at least one of the following situations must exist:

Is an annulment the same as divorce?

While an annulment is not the same as a divorce, it is a legal dissolution of marriage. In North Carolina, annulments are granted in cases of bigamy, i.e. when one spouse is already legally married to another person at the time of the second marriage. The following circumstances are also considered grounds for annulment in North Carolina:

Is divorce a complicated process?

Divorce can be a complicated, draining and expensive process, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re looking to file for an uncontested divorce in#N#North Carolina, do it the easy way with our friends at It’s Over Easy, the only online divorce solution that guides you through every aspect of your case, founded by celebrity divorce lawyer Laura A. Wasser.

Is it hard to get divorced in North Carolina?

While it can be difficult to think about the changes that lie ahead, knowledge is the key to moving forward with your life as you navigate the North Carolina divorce process . This guide answers the most commonly asked questions about getting divorced in your state.

How long do you have to wait to file for divorce in NC?

According to NC divorce laws, in order to file for an Absolute Divorce you must wait until you and your spouse have been separated for one year and one party must have resided in North Carolina for six months prior to the filing of the action. Related Article: I’m In A Hurry: How Fast Can I Get Divorced?

How are assets divided in NC?

In NC divorces, assets are typically divided by equitable division (which could be a 50/50 distribution of assets if that is considered equitable). In some cases, courts divide assets by community property division (where both spouses get ownership).

Can you change your child's last name in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, a parent cannot change the minor child’s last name without the other parent’s consent except in limited circumstances. If the other parent is deceased, then the other parent can change the minor child’s last name. Also, if the minor child is 16, then the consent of the other parent is not necessary.

Can you add alimony to a divorce action?

An Absolute Divorce action does not decide the issue of maintenance. If you want to add the claims for post-separation support and alimony, you can, but an Absolute Divorce action alone is not enough.

Can I marry a divorced person?

Until the judge signs the Divorce Judgment, you are not free to marry. Once the parties are separated, you are free to start dating, but dating prior to divorce may set you up for further possible exposure. Your spouse could use the fact that you are now dating someone to corroborate the fact that you were dating him or her prior to separation (i.e. adultery).

Can you get divorced in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, divorce can be obtained whether or not both parties want a divorce. As long as you have been separated a year and one of the parties has been a resident of North Carolina for six months prior to the filing of the action, then you can obtain a divorce. Consent by both parties is not necessary in North Carolina.

How to contact Raleigh divorce lawyer?

You can also call (888) 975-0406 or filling out our online form.

How to serve divorce papers on spouse?

As described above, your divorce complaint can be served on your spouse by certified mail, in person by a sheriff’s deputy or by publishing notice in the newspaper.

What is a complaint for divorce?

The complaint must outline which spouse is seeking the divorce, attest to certain facts and request the court to grant the dissolution of your marriage. This is a document that attests to the authenticity of the divorce complaint. It must be signed and notarized before it is filed in the clerk’s office.

What to do if you have a separation agreement?

If the terms of a separation agreement are a matter of dispute, you will benefit from the assistance of an attorney who knows how to protect your rights and interests. Once you and your spouse have been separated for a year, you can complete, file and serve your complaint, verification and civil summons. You will be filing multiple copies of these ...

What is the stage of separation?

Separation is the stage at which the couple must determine how they will resolve matters such as child custody and child support, division of assets and debt and alimony. These issues can be addressed in the separation agreement.