"The Most Trusted
Name in Online Divorce"
Exclusive
Online Divorce Partner
Best
Online Divorce Service
ADVISOR
We offer an online guided path through divorce that helps couples avoid unnecessary conflict and costs.
"The Most Trusted
Name in Online Divorce"
Exclusive
Online Divorce Partner
Best
Online Divorce Service
ADVISOR
We offer an online guided path through divorce that helps couples avoid unnecessary conflict and costs.
Written By:
Liz Pharo
CEO and Founder, Divorce.com
How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Charlotte, NC: The Real DIY Guide
You're sitting in your car outside Harris Teeter on Providence Road Googling "how to file for divorce myself" because you just looked at how much Charlotte lawyers charge and there's no way you can afford $8,000 right now.
Here's the truth: a lot of Charlotte divorces don't need lawyers. But "don't need" and "easy" are different things. North Carolina divorce forms are complicated.
Can You Actually Do This Yourself?
Yes. North Carolina lets you file without a lawyer. Mecklenburg County Courthouse processes hundreds of DIY divorces.
But DIY only works if you and your spouse agree on basically everything.
North Carolina's One-Year Separation Rule
Here's the big thing about NC: you have to live separately for one full year before you can file for divorce.
Physical separation required—different addresses. Can't just sleep in separate bedrooms.
Use this time to negotiate everything so you're ready to file when the year is up.
When DIY Makes Sense
Good candidate if: Both agree it's over. No kids or simple custody. Assets are simple. Completed one-year separation. Similar incomes. Nobody's hiding anything. Can talk without fighting.
The North Carolina Process
You're filing: Complaint, Summons, Separation Agreement, Parenting Agreement (with kids), Absolute Divorce.
Filing Fee
Mecklenburg County costs $225. Can't afford it? File Petition to Proceed as Indigent.
Serving Your Spouse
NC requires formal service. You can't serve yourself.
Options: Sheriff ($45-$100), process server, or Acceptance of Service (if cooperating).
What Could Go Wrong
You divide property wrong. NC's equitable distribution is specific.
Tax implications. Adultery affects alimony eligibility. Agree to something unfair.
When to Hire a Lawyer
Probably need help if: Fighting about custody, own house in Myers Park or SouthPark, banking bonuses/stock options, big income gap, adultery allegations, spouse has lawyer, domestic violence, or completely lost.
Using Divorce.com
Flat fee ($500-$800). They walk you through NC forms. Make sure everything's right for Mecklenburg County.
Works if you both agree. Not legal advice. They help with forms.
The Bottom Line
Can you divorce without a lawyer in Charlotte? Yes. Should you? Depends.
If you both genuinely agree and situation is simple, DIY or Divorce.com saves thousands.
If there's complexity—Charlotte real estate, banking comp—you need help.
Other Articles:
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Charlotte, NC (2025) | Filing Fees & Attorney Rates
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Charlotte, NC? Real Prices & Breakdown (2026)
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Greensboro, NC (2025) | Filing Fees & Attorney Rates
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Raleigh, NC (2025)?
Divorce Lawyers in Charlotte, NC | Compare Attorneys
Divorce Lawyers in Greensboro, NC | Compare Attorneys
Divorce Lawyers in Raleigh, NC | Compare Attorneys
How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Charlotte | Step-by-Step 2025 Guide
How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Greensboro, NC
How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Raleigh, NC | Step-by-Step Guide
Other Articles:
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Charlotte, NC (2025) | Filing Fees & Attorney Rates
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Charlotte, NC? Real Prices & Breakdown (2026)
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Greensboro, NC (2025) | Filing Fees & Attorney Rates
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Raleigh, NC (2025)?
Divorce Lawyers in Charlotte, NC | Compare Attorneys
Divorce Lawyers in Greensboro, NC | Compare Attorneys
Divorce Lawyers in Raleigh, NC | Compare Attorneys
How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Charlotte | Step-by-Step 2025 Guide
How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Greensboro, NC
How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Raleigh, NC | Step-by-Step Guide
Real Answers. Real Support.
We're here to guide you through every step of divorce — whether you're just starting to explore your options or ready to take the next step. Our blog offers expert insights, practical tips, and real-life stories to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Real Answers. Real Support.
We're here to guide you through every step of divorce — whether you're just starting to explore your options or ready to take the next step. Our blog offers expert insights, practical tips, and real-life stories to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Upfront pricing at a fraction of the cost of traditional divorce
Divorce doesn’t have to cost as much as a car.
Upfront pricing at a fraction of the cost of traditional divorce
Divorce doesn’t have to cost as much as a car.
Our Services
Paperwork Only
Basic access to divorce paperwork where you handle the rigorous filing process with the court.
POPULAR
We File For You
Our most popular package includes a dedicated case manager, automated court filing, spouse signature collection, and personalized documentation.
Fully Guided
Complete divorce support including mediation sessions, dedicated case management, court filing, and personalized documentation.
Our Services
Paperwork Only
Basic access to divorce paperwork where you handle the rigorous filing process with the court.
POPULAR
We File For You
Our most popular package includes a dedicated case manager, automated court filing, spouse signature collection, and personalized documentation.
Fully Guided
Complete divorce support including mediation sessions, dedicated case management, court filing, and personalized documentation.
We've helped with
over 1 million divorces
We provide everything you need to get divorced — from conflict resolution to filing support and access to divorce experts — in one comprehensive, convenient online platform.
The team at divorce.com was responsive and helpful during a difficult process. I would highly recommend the site for uncomplicated, amicable divorces!!
Jen B.
I came across this online. So I checked on it. It was easy and affordable. I wish I would have found this years ago.
Brandy D.
I was able to read it easily. Thanks God for this service. I will recommend it to anyone who asks this is a very easy step to do. I love it please try it you won't be disappointed
Dianna R.
Great customer service. Questions were easy to answer and had descriptions to understand the questions.
Andelain R.
Proudly featured in these publications
We've helped with
over 1 million divorces
We provide everything you need to get divorced — from conflict resolution to filing support and access to divorce experts — in one comprehensive, convenient online platform.
The team at divorce.com was responsive and helpful during a difficult process. I would highly recommend the site for uncomplicated, amicable divorces!!
Jen B.
I came across this online. So I checked on it. It was easy and affordable. I wish I would have found this years ago.
Brandy D.
I was able to read it easily. Thanks God for this service. I will recommend it to anyone who asks this is a very easy step to do. I love it please try it you won't be disappointed
Dianna R.
Great customer service. Questions were easy to answer and had descriptions to understand the questions.
Andelain R.
Proudly featured in these publications
"The Most Trusted
Name in Online Divorce"
Exclusive
Online Divorce Partner
Best
Online Divorce Service
ADVISOR
We offer a guided path through divorce that helps avoid unnecessary conflict and costs.
Written By:
Liz Pharo
CEO and Founder, Divorce.com
How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Charlotte, NC: The Real DIY Guide
You're sitting in your car outside Harris Teeter on Providence Road Googling "how to file for divorce myself" because you just looked at how much Charlotte lawyers charge and there's no way you can afford $8,000 right now.
Here's the truth: a lot of Charlotte divorces don't need lawyers. But "don't need" and "easy" are different things. North Carolina divorce forms are complicated.
Can You Actually Do This Yourself?
Yes. North Carolina lets you file without a lawyer. Mecklenburg County Courthouse processes hundreds of DIY divorces.
But DIY only works if you and your spouse agree on basically everything.
North Carolina's One-Year Separation Rule
Here's the big thing about NC: you have to live separately for one full year before you can file for divorce.
Physical separation required—different addresses. Can't just sleep in separate bedrooms.
Use this time to negotiate everything so you're ready to file when the year is up.
When DIY Makes Sense
Good candidate if: Both agree it's over. No kids or simple custody. Assets are simple. Completed one-year separation. Similar incomes. Nobody's hiding anything. Can talk without fighting.
The North Carolina Process
You're filing: Complaint, Summons, Separation Agreement, Parenting Agreement (with kids), Absolute Divorce.
Filing Fee
Mecklenburg County costs $225. Can't afford it? File Petition to Proceed as Indigent.
Serving Your Spouse
NC requires formal service. You can't serve yourself.
Options: Sheriff ($45-$100), process server, or Acceptance of Service (if cooperating).
What Could Go Wrong
You divide property wrong. NC's equitable distribution is specific.
Tax implications. Adultery affects alimony eligibility. Agree to something unfair.
When to Hire a Lawyer
Probably need help if: Fighting about custody, own house in Myers Park or SouthPark, banking bonuses/stock options, big income gap, adultery allegations, spouse has lawyer, domestic violence, or completely lost.
Using Divorce.com
Flat fee ($500-$800). They walk you through NC forms. Make sure everything's right for Mecklenburg County.
Works if you both agree. Not legal advice. They help with forms.
The Bottom Line
Can you divorce without a lawyer in Charlotte? Yes. Should you? Depends.
If you both genuinely agree and situation is simple, DIY or Divorce.com saves thousands.
If there's complexity—Charlotte real estate, banking comp—you need help.
Other Articles:
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Charlotte, NC (2025) | Filing Fees & Attorney Rates
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Charlotte, NC? Real Prices & Breakdown (2026)
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Greensboro, NC (2025) | Filing Fees & Attorney Rates
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Raleigh, NC (2025)?
Divorce Lawyers in Charlotte, NC | Compare Attorneys
Divorce Lawyers in Greensboro, NC | Compare Attorneys
Divorce Lawyers in Raleigh, NC | Compare Attorneys
How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Charlotte | Step-by-Step 2025 Guide
How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Greensboro, NC
How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Raleigh, NC | Step-by-Step Guide
Other Articles:
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Charlotte, NC (2025) | Filing Fees & Attorney Rates
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Charlotte, NC? Real Prices & Breakdown (2026)
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Greensboro, NC (2025) | Filing Fees & Attorney Rates
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Raleigh, NC (2025)?
Divorce Lawyers in Charlotte, NC | Compare Attorneys
Divorce Lawyers in Greensboro, NC | Compare Attorneys
Divorce Lawyers in Raleigh, NC | Compare Attorneys
How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Charlotte | Step-by-Step 2025 Guide
How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Greensboro, NC
How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Raleigh, NC | Step-by-Step Guide
Upfront pricing at a fraction of the cost of traditional divorce
Divorce doesn’t have to cost as much as a car.
Real Answers. Real Support.
We're here to guide you through every step of divorce — whether you're just starting to explore your options or ready to take the next step. Our blog offers expert insights, practical tips, and real-life stories to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Our Services
Paperwork Only
Basic access to divorce paperwork where you handle the rigorous filing process with the court.
POPULAR
We File For You
Our most popular package includes a dedicated case manager, automated court filing, spouse signature collection, and personalized documentation.
Fully Guided
Complete divorce support including mediation sessions, dedicated case management, court filing, and personalized documentation.
We've helped with
over 1 million divorces
We provide everything you need to get divorced — from conflict resolution to filing support and access to divorce experts — in one comprehensive, convenient online platform.
The team at divorce.com was responsive and helpful during a difficult process. I would highly recommend the site for uncomplicated, amicable divorces!!
Jen B.
I came across this online. So I checked on it. It was easy and affordable. I wish I would have found this years ago.
Brandy D.
I was able to read it easily. Thanks God for this service. I will recommend it to anyone who asks this is a very easy step to do. I love it please try it you won't be disappointed
Dianna R.
Great customer service. Questions were easy to answer and had descriptions to understand the questions.
Andelain R.
Proudly featured in these publications
