North Carolina Divorce Lawyers: Find the Support You Need Near You

Divorce in North Carolina can feel emotionally heavy and legally complex — especially when your future, your finances, and your children are involved. Whether you’re working through disagreements about parenting schedules, dividing property, or pursuing a straightforward uncontested divorce, the right support can make the process far more manageable.

North Carolina requires a one-year separation before filing for an absolute divorce, and issues like property division, alimony, and custody often require careful negotiation. A knowledgeable North Carolina divorce lawyer can help you understand your rights, avoid costly mistakes, and move forward with clarity and confidence.

Below you’ll find a practical overview of North Carolina divorce laws, guidance on when to hire an attorney, and a vetted directory of trusted divorce lawyers serving major metro areas across the state.

Understanding Divorce in North Carolina

Residency Requirement

You may file for divorce if you or your spouse have lived in North Carolina for at least 6 months.

Separation Requirement

North Carolina requires:

• 12 months of separation before filing an absolute divorce.

This is one of the strictest separation requirements in the country.

Grounds for Divorce

Most couples file under:

• No-fault divorce: based on one-year separation

• Fault grounds may apply for alimony (adultery, abandonment, cruelty, substance abuse)

Property Division

North Carolina uses equitable distribution, meaning:

• Marital property is divided fairly, not automatically 50/50

• Separate property (premarital assets, gifts, inheritances) usually stays separate

Courts consider income, contributions, non-economic support, and financial needs.

Child Custody

Custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child, including:

• Parental involvement

• Stability and safety

• School and community connections

• Ability to communicate and co-parent

Joint custody is common when it is safe and appropriate.

Alimony

North Carolina courts examine:

• Dependence and supporting spouse roles

• Income, earning capacity, and age

• Duration of marriage

• Marital misconduct

When You May Need a North Carolina Divorce Lawyer

You may benefit from hiring an attorney if:

• You disagree on custody, schedules, or decision-making

• You’re dividing real estate, retirement accounts, or a business

• One spouse earns significantly more

• You suspect hidden assets or financial misconduct

• Domestic violence or control issues are present

• Your spouse already hired a lawyer

Even in uncontested cases, having an expert review your documents can prevent long-term financial or legal issues.

North Carolina Uncontested Divorce Options

If you and your spouse agree on custody, property division, support, and all major issues, you may qualify for a faster, more affordable uncontested divorce (often handled through a simple divorce filing after the one-year separation).

Divorce.com helps North Carolina couples:

• Prepare accurate, state-specific divorce forms

• Avoid errors that cause delays

• File efficiently without expensive legal fees

• Access support throughout the process

This is ideal for low-conflict couples seeking a straightforward resolution.

⭐ North Carolina Divorce Lawyers by Metro Area

A curated list of trusted family-law attorneys across the state.

Charlotte

• Miller Bowles Cushing, PLLC

• Kennedy Law Associates

Raleigh

• Charles R. Ullman & Associates

• Wake Family Law Group

Greensboro

• Garrett, Walker, Aycoth & Olson

• Susan Hunt Law

Durham

• Cheshire Parker Schneider

• Doyle Law Offices

Winston-Salem

• Stroud & Panetti, P.C.

• Bell, Davis & Pitt, P.A.