Whether you're thinking about divorce or you've already been served, the first thing you need is a clear picture of how it works in North Carolina, what it will cost, and what to do first. That's what the first call is for.
How divorce works in North Carolina
North Carolina grants an absolute divorce on one ground that matters in practice: the spouses have lived separate and apart for one full year, and at least one of them has lived in North Carolina for six months before filing. No fault is required. The divorce itself is often simple; what takes time and care are the claims that go with it.
Custody, child support, alimony and equitable distribution are separate claims. Custody and child support can be filed any time after separation. Alimony and equitable distribution must be filed, or preserved in a signed agreement, before the absolute divorce judgment is entered, or those rights are lost permanently. After a divorce complaint is served, the other spouse has 30 days to respond.
Contested or uncontested
An uncontested divorce means you and your spouse agree on everything: custody, parenting time, support, and how property and debt are divided. It's faster and far less expensive. A contested divorce means at least one issue is disputed and the court may have to decide it. Most cases start contested and settle before trial; the preparation is what makes settlement possible on good terms.
What we do
We review your situation, explain the realistic range on timing and cost, and build a plan: temporary orders if you need them now, the financial disclosures the court requires, negotiation on custody and property, and trial preparation if it comes to that. You hear from us at every step.
Protecting what matters
Custody, the house, retirement accounts, a business, and support all get decided in a divorce, and decisions made early are hard to undo. Don't sign anything or move out of the home without talking to a lawyer first.
Ready to talk? We're here now. Phones are answered 24/7. Tell us what's happening and we'll tell you what comes next.
Call (704) 842-3411Request a case reviewCommon questions
How long does a divorce take in North Carolina?
You must be separated for one year before you can file for absolute divorce. Once filed, an uncontested divorce is often granted within 45 to 90 days. The related claims, custody, support, alimony and property, run on their own timelines and can be resolved during the separation year or litigated well after the divorce itself.
Do I have to prove fault?
No. One year of separation is the only thing you need to prove for the divorce. Marital misconduct does still matter for alimony in North Carolina, so it's worth discussing on the first call.
What if I was just served?
You have 30 days to answer. Before the divorce judgment is entered, make sure any claim for alimony or equitable distribution is on file or protected in a signed agreement; once the divorce is final, those claims are gone. Call before the deadline.
What does a divorce cost?
It depends on how much is disputed. An uncontested divorce with an agreement costs a fraction of a contested one. We give you a realistic range on the first call and explain fees before you decide anything.
This page provides general information about North Carolina law. It is not legal advice, and reading it or contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different and no outcome is guaranteed.