How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Charlotte, NC (2025 Guide)

You can get divorced without a lawyer in Charlotte—especially if your divorce is uncontested and you and your spouse agree on property, custody, and support. North Carolina allows self-represented (pro se) divorces, and Mecklenburg County processes thousands of no-lawyer divorces every year.

This guide explains exactly how to divorce without a lawyer in Charlotte, including the forms you need, how to file, timelines, costs, and common mistakes to avoid.

Can You Get Divorced Without a Lawyer in Charlotte?

Yes. You do not need an attorney to get divorced in North Carolina.

A DIY (pro se) divorce works best when your case is uncontested, meaning:

• You have been separated for at least one full year

• Both spouses agree the marriage is over

• You agree on child custody & support (if applicable)

• You agree on alimony or waive it

• You agree on division of assets and debts

If disagreements arise, mediation can often resolve issues without hiring lawyers.

What Type of Divorce Should You File in North Carolina?

North Carolina offers one primary route for no-lawyer divorces:

✔ Absolute Divorce (No-Fault Divorce)

Available only if:

• You and your spouse have lived separately for 12 months, and

• At least one spouse has lived in NC for 6+ months

An absolute divorce does not automatically resolve property or custody—those issues must be settled before the divorce is finalized or in a separate agreement.

Most Charlotte divorces are completed using this method.

How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Charlotte: Step-by-Step

1. Confirm You Meet North Carolina’s Divorce Requirements

You must meet both:

✓ 12-month separation

You must have lived apart for a full year before filing.

✓ Residency requirement

At least one spouse has lived in North Carolina for six months.

If both are true, you can file.

2. Prepare Mecklenburg County Divorce Forms

To file an absolute divorce without a lawyer, you’ll need:

• Complaint for Absolute Divorce

• Civil Summons (AOC-CV-100)

• Domestic Civil Action Cover Sheet

• Verification (signed before a notary)

• Affidavit of Service

• Judgment for Absolute Divorce

• Certificate of Absolute Divorce (DSS-4458)

• Notice of Hearing or Calendar Request

If you have children, you may also need financial disclosures for child support.

Divorce.com™ prepares all required North Carolina + Mecklenburg County forms automatically.

3. File Your Divorce Forms With the Mecklenburg County Clerk of Court

Charlotte divorces are handled at:

Mecklenburg County Courthouse
832 E. 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

You may file:

• In person

• By mail

• Electronically (in some cases)

Filing Fee (2025):

• $225 (standard NC dissolution fee)

• Additional fees apply for service by sheriff

4. Serve Your Spouse Properly

North Carolina requires service unless your spouse signs a Waiver of Service.

Service options include:

• Sheriff service (~$30 in Mecklenburg County)

• Certified mail

• Acceptance of Service (signed & notarized by your spouse)

You must file a Proof of Service.

5. Wait at Least 30 Days After Service

Your spouse has 30 days to respond after being served.
They may request an extension (an additional 30 days), though most uncontested divorces proceed quickly.

6. Prepare Your Final Divorce Judgment Packet

Your final documents typically include:

• Proposed Judgment for Absolute Divorce

• Notice of Hearing

• Certificate of Absolute Divorce

• Settlement agreements (if property/custody were handled)

Both spouses typically do not need to appear if everything is uncontested—only the filing spouse (Plaintiff) attends.

7. Attend Your Divorce Hearing

At the hearing:

• Hearings often last 5–10 minutes

• You’ll testify briefly about separation dates and residency

• The judge reviews your documents

• If everything is correct, the judge signs your Judgment of Absolute Divorce

Once filed, your divorce is final.

How Long Does a DIY Divorce Take in Charlotte?

Typical timelines:

• Absolute divorce: ~45–90 days after filing

• Contested divorce: 9–24+ months

The 12-month separation requirement must already be met before filing.

How Much Does It Cost to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Charlotte?

DIY Divorce Costs

• Filing fee: $225

• Sheriff service: ~$30

• Certified mail: ~$7

• Notary: $10–$20

Online Divorce Service

• $499–$999

• Avoids court rejections + paperwork mistakes

Attorney Divorce Costs

Charlotte divorce attorneys typically charge:

• $250–$500/hour

• Uncontested divorces: $3,000–$6,000+

• Contested divorces: $10,000–$20,000+

DIY and online services save thousands.

Benefits of Divorcing Without a Lawyer in Charlotte

✔ Save thousands on attorney fees

✔ Faster and simpler for uncontested cases

✔ Transparent, predictable process

✔ Spouses maintain full control

✔ Online tools simplify paperwork

Common DIY Divorce Mistakes in Charlotte

Avoid:

• Filing before completing the 12-month separation

• Incorrect or missing service

• Using outdated NC court forms

• Forgetting the Certificate of Divorce

• Failing to resolve property before the divorce is finalized

• Filing a Judgment that does not match your Complaint

Divorce.com™ helps ensure all forms are accurate and court-approved.

Get Help Filing Your Charlotte Divorce Without a Lawyer

Divorce.com™ helps Charlotte residents complete uncontested divorces quickly, accurately, and affordably.

Why Charlotte couples choose Divorce.com™:

• Court-approved NC divorce forms

• Easy guided questionnaire

• Optional attorney review

• Simple, step-by-step filing instructions

• Flat, predictable pricing

Start your divorce today and avoid unnecessary delays, court rejections, and attorney fees.