North Carolina Divorce Guide
What you need to know to file for an uncontested divorce in North Carolina.
Mediation may be required
North Carolina requires mediation before proceeding to trial for contested issues, particularly custody and property disputes. For truly uncontested divorces where both parties already agree, this typically does not apply.
Key facts for North Carolina
Equitable distribution. Requires 1-year physical separation before filing. Mediation required for equitable distribution disputes. No waiting period once separation requirement is met.
Step-by-step: filing in North Carolina
- 1
Meet the North Carolina residency requirement
You or your spouse must have lived in North Carolina for at least 6 months before filing. Some counties may require you to file in the county where you reside.
- 2
Reach agreement on all terms
For an uncontested divorce, you and your spouse must agree on how to divide property and debts, any spousal support, and — if you have children — custody and child support arrangements. Getting this in writing before filing will speed up the process significantly.
- 3
Gather financial documents
Collect recent pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, mortgage or lease documents, retirement account statements, vehicle titles, and any business ownership records. You will likely be required to file a financial disclosure.
- 4
Complete the divorce petition and required forms
Download the North Carolina divorce petition (and summons) from your county court website or the court self-help center. Fill out all required forms accurately. If you have a settlement agreement, prepare that document as well.
- 5
File with the North Carolina court clerk
Take your completed forms to the county clerk's office and pay the $225 filing fee (approximately — fees vary by county). Keep copies of everything stamped by the clerk.
- 6
Serve your spouse
Your spouse must be formally served with the divorce papers. Options typically include sheriff service, a process server, or — if your spouse signs an Acceptance of Service — you may avoid formal service. Your spouse then has a set number of days to respond.
- 7
No mandatory waiting period in North Carolina
North Carolina does not impose a mandatory waiting period for uncontested divorces. Once your paperwork is filed and served, the court can move quickly to schedule your final hearing.
- 8
Attend the final hearing (or submit by default)
In uncontested cases, the final hearing is often brief — sometimes just a few minutes. A judge reviews your agreement and issues the final decree of divorce. Some counties allow a default judgment by written declaration, skipping the hearing entirely for uncontested cases. Once signed, your divorce is final.
Court self-help center
North Carolina courts offer self-help centers where staff can answer procedural questions, provide forms, and review your paperwork for completeness — though they cannot give legal advice. Search “North Carolina court self-help center” or check your county court's website for hours and location.