Divorce Cost in North Carolina (2026)

Complete guide to divorce costs across 22 cities in North Carolina. Find filing fees, attorney rates, and total cost estimates.

$225
Filing Fee
$1,926
Avg Uncontested
$19,554
Avg Contested
22
Cities Covered

North Carolina Divorce Laws

Divorce TypeBoth
Property DivisionEquitable Distribution
Waiting Period30 days
Residency Requirement6 months

Divorce Costs by City in North Carolina

CityPopulationUncontestedContestedAttorney Rate
Charlotte874,579$2,031$20,735$258/hr
Raleigh467,665$2,038$20,820$259/hr
Greensboro299,035$1,898$19,247$239/hr
Durham283,506$2,157$22,167$276/hr
Winston-Salem249,545$1,884$19,103$237/hr
Fayetteville211,657$1,940$19,738$245/hr
Cary151,088$1,982$20,193$251/hr
Wilmington112,067$1,933$19,653$244/hr
High Point107,741$1,842$18,627$231/hr
Greenville89,130$1,891$19,140$238/hr
Asheville87,236$1,919$19,502$242/hr
Concord83,506$1,856$18,735$233/hr
Gastonia73,209$1,863$18,819$234/hr
Jacksonville69,079$1,919$19,498$242/hr
Chapel Hill59,635$1,842$18,600$231/hr
Rocky Mount56,954$1,947$19,797$246/hr
Burlington51,510$1,940$19,731$245/hr
Huntersville50,458$1,912$19,370$241/hr
Wilson49,628$1,898$19,236$239/hr
Kannapolis44,359$1,940$19,717$245/hr
Apex42,214$1,891$19,167$238/hr
Hickory40,361$1,842$18,585$231/hr

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to file for divorce in North Carolina?
The court filing fee for divorce in North Carolina is $225. Total costs range from $1,926 for an uncontested divorce to $19,554 or more for a contested case.
How long does a divorce take in North Carolina?
North Carolina requires a waiting period of 30 days and 6 months of residency. Uncontested divorces typically take 2-4 months; contested cases can take over a year.
Is North Carolina a community property or equitable distribution state?
North Carolina follows equitable distribution for dividing marital assets during divorce.