How Much Does Divorce Cost in North Carolina?

Most people know that in the United States, 35 to 50% of first-time marriages result in divorce. The probability of second marriages ending in divorce is at 60% and it increases to 70% for marriages after the second.

It’s often said that the price of ending a marriage can be expensive, but understanding the breakdown of expenses involved in divorce can provide you clarity on what you can expect. 

According to https://ocfamilylawanddivorce.com/, just like California, North Carolina is a no-fault divorce state, which means that the only thing that is required of you to get a divorce is to live separately for a year. The costs of divorce in North Carolina can vary depending on a number of factors, such as whether the divorce is contested or not, how complicated the case is, and whether or not you hire a lawyer. 

For the mean time, let’s look at the average cost of divorce in North Carolina and the factors that affect it:

Court Filing Fees

These fees are necessary to initiate the legal process of divorce in the state.  If you’re looking for affordable divorce lawyers in North Carolina, you need to be familiar with court filing fees. The amount you’ll be required to pay varies depending on the county where you file your divorce papers. Typically, court filing fees range from around $150 to $180 in North Carolina. Budget for these fees when planning for your divorce proceedings. 

You can contact the Clerk of Court’s office in the county where you intend to file for divorce. They’ll be able to provide you with the most up-to-date information regarding the fees and any other requirements for filing for divorce in that specific county.

Attorney’s Retainer Costs

When you hire an attorney for your divorce proceedings in North Carolina, you can expect to pay a retainer fee upfront. This fee acts as a deposit against which the attorney bills their hourly rate and expenses. The retainer cost can vary based on the attorney’s experience, reputation, and the complexity of your case. 

On average, retainer fees for divorce attorneys in North Carolina range from $2,500 to $5,000.

In cases involving high-conflict or high-asset divorces, the retainer fees can exceed $10,000. Discuss the retainer fee structure with your attorney before signing any agreements to make sure you have a clear understanding of the costs involved.

Alimony and Spousal Support

Alimony, also known as spousal support, is a payment that one spouse makes to the other to provide financial assistance post-divorce. In North Carolina, alimony may be awarded based on factors such as the duration of the marriage, the standard of living established during the marriage, and each spouse’s financial situation. 

Alimony isn’t guaranteed in every divorce case and is typically awarded at the court’s discretion. The purpose of alimony is to guarantee that both spouses can maintain a standard of living similar to that which they’d had during the marriage. The amount and duration of alimony payments can vary widely, depending on the specific circumstances of each case. 

Factors such as the earning capacity of each spouse, any sacrifices made for the marriage or career, and the need for financial support are taken into account when determining alimony.

Child Support Obligations

When it comes to child support obligations, North Carolina follows specific guidelines to determine the amount one parent must pay to financially support their child. The court considers factors such as the number of children, each parent’s income, and the child’s needs to establish a fair and reasonable child support amount.

In North Carolina, both parents are expected to contribute to their child’s financial well-being, regardless of custody arrangements. The non-custodial parent typically pays child support to the custodial parent, making sure that the child’s basic needs are met. Child support payments cover necessities like food, shelter, clothing, and education, aiming to maintain the child’s standard of living post-divorce.

Failure to comply with child support obligations can result in legal consequences, including wage garnishment, suspension of driver’s licenses, and even imprisonment. Fulfill your child support responsibilities to provide for your child’s upbringing and avoid potential legal repercussions in North Carolina.

Property Division Expenses

When it comes to property division, there are various costs involved that you should be aware of. Attorney fees can vary based on your assets and the level of contention between you and your spouse.

Another expense to consider is the cost of appraising the value of your shared assets, such as real estate, vehicles, investments, and personal belongings. Appraisals are necessary to guarantee that assets are divided fairly and equitably.

If you and your spouse are unable to reach an agreement through negotiation or mediation, you may have to incur the costs associated with litigating the property division in court.

Conclusion

Overall, the cost of divorce in North Carolina can vary depending on several factors. Carefully consider these financial implications before proceeding with a divorce. 

It is recommended to consult with a legal professional to fully understand the costs involved and make informed decisions.