Charlotte Divorce Lawyer Blog
How Much Does it Cost to Get Divorced in North Carolina?
The decision to end your marriage is often a difficult one. As you begin the process of separation and divorce, one of the most common questions that couples have is how much it will cost. The cost to get a divorce is not the same for everyone. There are various factors that will impact the process. It is helpful to understand the issues that could impact the costs associated with obtaining a divorce.
No-Fault Divorce in North Carolina
North Carolina allows no-fault divorce, making it easier to end your marriage. A no-fault divorce is also called an absolute divorce. There are several criteria you must meet in order to proceed with a no-fault divorce. Couples must live apart for a period of at least one year. This means that you cannot reside under the same roof. You must separate with the intent to divorce. At least one party must have lived in North Carolina for 6 months immediately prior to filing for divorce. Couples are supposed to divide their marital property equitably and fairly.
Factors That May Impact the Cost of Divorce
Some divorces are easier than others. Even when couples split amicably, they still may have several or more issues of dispute. When couples disagree about some of the major settlement terms, the divorce may be considered contested.
- Disputes: If a couple has serious disagreements over the settlement terms, it can lead to a lengthier process, and therefore, the process will be more expensive. An uncontested divorce is generally less costly than a contested divorce because of the shorter timeline.
- Child Custody Matters: Couples who have children may find that it takes longer to resolve the many issues around child custody and parenting time. Parents typically need to resolve matters with a parenting plan that they can both agree to. This can take time, especially when parents argue over custody.
- Number of Assets: It can be more challenging to disentangle assets when the couple owns many things. A high-asset divorce may include property, businesses, investments, savings accounts, and more that have to be identified, valued, and distributed properly.
- Length of the Marriage: A longer marriage means that a couple often has accumulated a number of marital assets that have to be divided. Those who have been married longer may have established careers and various properties that can take time to review and divide.
How to Save Money on the Divorce Process
If you are divorcing, you will want to explore some options for saving money. Although you can get divorced without an attorney, it is usually in your best interest to hire a knowledgeable divorce lawyer. Your lawyer will protect your rights and ensure a fair settlement. It is important to note that spouses cannot share one divorce attorney. Strategies to reduce the cost of divorce generally involve reducing the time to resolve issues. Couples can work together to gather the documents necessary and come to an agreement about the division of assets. If you disagree about issues, you may want to seek mediation outside of the court system.
Call us today at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828 to speak to our experienced legal team.
The family law practice group at Arnold & Smith, PLLC includes two Board-Certified Family Law specialists and one Child Welfare Law specialist, as well as several attorneys with many years of family law experience that are committed to providing a powerful voice to individuals facing the often-tumultuous issues in this area of law. The range of issues our family law clients may be facing include pre- and post-nuptial agreements; separation agreements; post-separation support; child support (both temporary and permanent); absolute divorce; divorce from bed and board; military divorce; equitable distribution of assets; child custody (both temporary and permanent); retirement benefits and divorce; alimony and spousal support; adoption; and emancipation. Because this area of the law is usually emotionally charged and complicated, the family law attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC act with the utmost dedication to ensure that each client understands his or her options, and then act to achieve the best result possible for that client’s particular situation.
Source:
https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/divorce-and-marriage/separation-and-divorce#divorce-7477
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