North Carolina Divorce Cost
How much does divorce cost in North Carolina? Detailed breakdown of filing fees, attorney costs, mediation, and hidden expenses — plus how to save up to 90%. Updated for 2026.
North Carolina Divorce Cost Comparison
| Method | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Divorce.ai | $299 + $225 filing fee |
| DIY (Pro Se) | $225 filing fee only |
| Mediation | $3,000-$8,000(~$200/session) |
| Uncontested + Attorney | $500-$2,500 |
| Contested + Attorney | $5,000-$30,000+ |
North Carolina Divorce Fee Breakdown
| Court Filing Fee | $225 |
| Process Server | $30 |
| Certified Copy | $10 |
| Parenting Course | $60 |
| Minimum Total (DIY) | $265 |
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Attorney Costs in North Carolina
Divorce attorneys in North Carolina typically charge between $150 and $400 per hour. Total costs depend on how many hours your case requires.
Simple Uncontested
$1,500-$3,000
5-15 hours
Moderate Complexity
$5,000-$15,000
20-60 hours
Highly Contested
$5,000+
60+ hours
Hidden Costs to Watch For
QDRO (Retirement Division)
If dividing retirement accounts, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order costs $500-$1,500 to prepare.
Real Estate Appraisals
Professional home appraisals run $300-$600 each and may be needed for property division.
Business Valuations
If either spouse owns a business, a formal valuation can cost $5,000-$25,000.
Custody Evaluations
Court-ordered custody evaluations cost $3,000-$10,000 in contested custody cases.
Fee Waiver Information
North Carolina offers filing fee waivers for individuals who cannot afford to pay.
File AOC-G-106 (Petition to Proceed as an Indigent) at the same time as the Complaint. Automatic qualification for recipients of Work First (TANF), SNAP (food stamps), SSI, or those represented by Legal Aid NC. No fixed dollar income threshold -- determined case-by-case by the Clerk of Court. If not receiving qualifying benefits, the Clerk may require pay stubs or proof of income and expenses. No fee to file the petition itself.
Income threshold: No fixed dollar threshold; determined case-by-case. Automatic for Work First (TANF), SNAP, SSI recipients, or Legal Aid representation.
Required form: AOC-G-106 - Petition to Proceed as an Indigent
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