How Much Does a Divorce Cost in NC?

Divorce is one of the most difficult decisions a couple can make. Even if both parties want to end the marriage, they have likely heard how complex and challenging the divorce process is, and they worry about how much it will cost to actually complete the process.

If you are going through a divorce and need guidance, you should consider speaking with a Charlotte divorce attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can answer your questions and concerns, review the costs with you, and help you make important decisions regarding your future.

What is the general cost of a divorce in North Carolina?

According to the financial advice company, The Motley Fool, the median cost for a divorce in the US is around $7,000, but the mean average is $11,300. The complexity of the case – which includes factors like assets custody disputes, can impact that number. The more contentious, the higher the costs will be as well. Filing fees and court costs are less expensive. North Carolina charges $225 to file, and there may be other miscellaneous fees for things like resuming a maiden name.

What costs does a divorce typically involve?

Costs related to divorce can come in a variety of forms, including:

• Courtroom costs
• Mediation costs
• Filing fees
• Lawyer fees
• Service fees
• Expert witness costs

Not everyone will have to pay all of these fees; for instance, in uncontested divorces, the parties will likely avoid costs for expert witnesses. In complex custody cases, the parties might need to pay a guardian ad litem and even cover costs related to psychological testing or evaluations.

What factors impact the cost of divorce in Charlotte, NC?

It is important to know and understand that the cost of your divorce depends on the factors involved. Some of the factors that will likely impact the cost of your divorce include:

Whether you and your spouse agree on terms: You might be pursuing an uncontested divorce or a contested divorce. In an uncontested divorce, both spouses typically agree on everything and can get along and make mutual decisions together. A contested divorce usually involves several disputes or disagreements. If you and your spouse can work together on an uncontested divorce, you will most likely be able to save money as these divorces are usually simpler, quicker, and straightforward, making them much more affordable.

Whether children are involved: When children are involved, the divorce process must include determinations about child custody, visitation, and child support. Parents need to come to an agreement that fits their children’s best interests. However, they may have completely different ideas about what is best for their children. These disputes can become emotional and heated, which can add to the costs of the divorce.

Whether you or your spouse is requesting alimony: When alimony is requested, it can also delay the divorce proceedings and lead to more costs. This is because, most of the time, one spouse is reluctant to give alimony or is concerned about the requested amount. If you or your spouse requests alimony, you may experience higher costs.

How complex the property and asset division process is: If your divorce involves a complex property and asset division process, you can expect your divorce costs to increase. The reason for this is that the more time that is spent on the property and asset division process, the more costly your legal fees will be. Those with many different, high-dollar, or even digital assets usually go through a very challenging property division process. Assets might include real estate properties, businesses, investments, cryptocurrency, and more.

Is it cheaper to handle my divorce case on my own?

If you and your spouse agree on the terms, you might not need much help from a lawyer. In that case, your divorce will likely cost less. However, if you are disputing factors related to your divorce, forgoing legal representation might lead to an unfair outcome. Having a lawyer means someone is fighting in your corner when it comes to property division and custody disputes.

Even with a lawyer, there are ways to prevent overspending on legal fees. First, be realistic about the outcome. One way people often increase their divorce costs is by fighting every possible battle about custody and property division. Listen to your attorney about what is reasonable, and don’t turn every issue into a fight. Secondly, be mindful about contacting your attorney. If you want to vent about something your ex did, your attorney isn’t the best person to call. Keep them informed, but remember that your communications should stick to the issues that truly matter. While taking a measured approach can be challenging when dealing with such an emotional situation, it can benefit you by preventing unnecessary costs.

If you are contemplating a divorce and need more information about the costs, please do not hesitate to reach out to a Charlotte divorce lawyer at Epperson Law Group at your earliest convenience. We can review your unique situation, break down all the costs and fees, and help ensure that you receive the best possible outcome for your case. Call our office or submit our contact form to schedule an appointment in Concord, Charlotte, Boone, and Weddington today.