How to Get a Divorce in North Carolina Without a Lawyer

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Obtaining a divorce without a lawyer in North Carolina is a fairly simple process, provided you have the patience to deal with some very precise rules about how, when and where to file. If you’re willing to learn, you can save a substantial amount of money by moving through the system without an attorney by your side.

Requirements to Meet Before You File

If you’re seeking a divorce in North Carolina, either you or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months. You must also physically separate from your spouse for one year before you can file for divorce.

If you’ve got assets to argue over, child custody concerns or desire spousal support after the divorce, it’s generally recommended that you seek the counsel of an attorney. These issues should be resolved before you file for divorce. Once a divorce is granted, there’s really no going back, according to North Carolina law. Thus, you may lose rights you weren’t aware you had.

Completing the Forms

The process starts with filling out a Domestic Civil Action Cover Sheet, a civil summons and a Complaint for Absolute Divorce. Not all forms are available at the courthouse. However, Legal Aid of North Carolina makes the process easy by offering a complete set of all the necessary forms available for print in a “Do It Yourself Divorce Packet.”

Some Forms Will Need to be Notarized

Read all of the instructions carefully, because some forms must be notarized. Many banks, libraries and accountants offer Notary Public services for a minimal fee. Plan to make copies of all the forms once you’ve completed them. You’ll need the originals for the court, one set of copies for your spouse and a set of copies for yourself.

Filing the Forms

Your next step is to file the forms with your county’s Clerk of Court office. Fees are due at the time you file and vary according to jurisdiction. You can call the court to find out the costs. If you cannot afford the fees, you may qualify to have them reduced or waived completely by filing a Petition to Sue/Appeal as an Indigent.

Serving the Forms on Your Spouse

The sheriff’s department will deliver or “serve” a copy of the paperwork to your spouse for an additional fee. North Carolina law does not allow you to deliver it yourself. After your spouse is served, you must wait 30 days before proceeding with your case.

Scheduling a Court Appearance

Once that date has passed, you’ll return to the court clerk’s office with a Notice of Hearing form. The clerk will schedule the date and time of your appearance before the judge. You must then serve your spouse a copy of the completed Notice of Hearing form at least 10 days before the hearing. You can send this form to your spouse by mail or have it served by the sheriff’s department.

Attending the Hearing

On the day of the hearing, you’ll need to bring along two copies of a Judgment of Absolute Divorce and Certificate of Absolute Divorce. Neither of these forms is available at the court, but both are included in the Do It Yourself Divorce Packet compiled by Legal Aid of North Carolina. The judge will have a few questions for you regarding your marriage and separation, and then sign the divorce documents to dissolve your marriage.

Legal Aid Clinic

Legal Aid of North Carolina offers free clinics to individuals who wish to file for a divorce without an attorney. These clinics take place several times a year in various counties throughout the state. Registration forms and further information are available on its website.