Average Divorce Costs in North Carolina (2025)

The process of getting a divorce is draining in so many ways: It eats away at your patience, your time, and, in many cases, your bank account. The financial stress that a divorce can cause is, after all, no secret—in fact, it’s one of the most common concerns we get from our clients by far. 

At Doyle Law Group, our divorce attorneys are familiar with all of the potential financial burdens that come with divorce, and make it our goal to guide our clients through these obstacles to move through the process as efficiently and affordably as possible. If you’re facing a divorce in North Carolina in 2025, we’ve got your guide to the costs you should expect, so you can plan accordingly.

Basic Divorce Costs in North Carolina in 2025

Uncontested Divorce Costs

An uncontested divorce occurs when both parties agree on all major issues, including property division, child custody, and support. Since there is no need for lengthy court proceedings or contentious legal battles, uncontested divorces tend to be much more affordable. The filing fee for an uncontested divorce in NC is $225, though total costs may vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether you choose to work with a lawyer.

Many couples opt for using an online divorce service or an attorney who specializes in streamlined, no-fault divorces to keep costs low. However, even in an uncontested divorce, it’s often wise to seek legal advice to ensure your rights are fully protected, especially when it comes to matters like alimony or child support.

Contested Divorce Costs

In a contested divorce, the spouses cannot agree on one or more issues, and the case must be settled through negotiation or litigation. Because of the added complexity and the time-consuming nature of these cases, contested divorces are significantly more expensive. On average, a contested divorce in North Carolina can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on the length of the proceedings, the number of disputes, and whether the case goes to trial.

A contested divorce usually involves attorneys’ fees, court costs, mediation sessions, and potentially expert witnesses if issues like child custody or asset valuation are contested.

Factors That Influence the Cost of Divorce

Attorney’s Fees

One of the largest costs associated with divorce is attorney’s fees. More experienced and specialized attorneys tend to charge higher rates, while newer attorneys or those with a more general practice may have lower fees. Some attorneys may also require a retainer fee upfront, which is an advance payment against future billings. 

Mediation

Many courts in North Carolina require mediation to help resolve contested issues before they proceed to trial. Mediation is a process where both parties meet with a neutral third-party mediator who helps negotiate a resolution. 

While mediation is generally more affordable than going to court, its costs can still add up. Mediation fees typically range between $100 and $300 per hour, and the total cost will depend on how long the mediation sessions last. If both parties are unable to reach an agreement during mediation, the case will proceed to trial, which will significantly increase costs.

Court Fees

Filing for divorce in North Carolina comes with court fees, which are generally around $225 to submit the initial divorce petition. However, additional court-related costs may arise depending on the complexity of your case.

If motions or hearings are required during the divorce process, there may be additional filing fees for those. If you request a temporary hearing for child custody or support, or if your case involves other special motions, each of these actions can incur extra costs. 

Child Custody and Support Issues

If there are child custody or child support issues involved in your divorce, the overall cost can increase significantly. Custody battles often require additional legal proceedings, expert testimonies, or evaluations to determine the best interests of the children involved. In some cases, the court may require a forensic evaluation, which could involve a professional psychologist or other specialists. 

Property Division

Dividing property in a divorce can be one of the most contentious and expensive parts of the process, especially if complex financial matters or high-value assets are involved. Property division includes everything from real estate and retirement accounts to business interests and investment portfolios. If the assets are difficult to value or require specialized knowledge, expert financial professionals might need to be brought in to assess the value of property.

How to Minimize Divorce Costs

Consider Mediation

Even in a contested divorce, mediation can be a more affordable alternative to a lengthy court battle. While mediation fees can add up, they are often far less expensive than paying for multiple court hearings and attorney fees associated with litigation.

Stay Organized

One of the simplest ways to reduce divorce costs is to stay organized throughout the process. When you provide your attorney with all the necessary documentation upfront—such as financial records, tax returns, and any other relevant information—you minimize the amount of time your attorney spends gathering and organizing this data. 

Opt for Collaborative Divorce

A collaborative divorce is a process where both parties work together with specially trained professionals, including attorneys, financial planners, and mental health experts, to negotiate the terms of the divorce amicably. Since collaborative divorce doesn’t require litigation or a trial, it’s often much less expensive than a contested divorce. 

Contact Us Today for More on Divorce Costs in North Carolina 

At Doyle Law Group, we provide expert legal advice and support throughout the divorce process, helping you navigate the complexities while protecting your rights and interests.

Contact us today at  (919) 301-8843 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you in moving forward with confidence, even during this challenging time.