North Carolina Divorce Packet

This packet provides information, steps, and forms for getting an absolute divorce.

About

Prepared by the North Carolina Equal Access to Justice Commission

Please read the entire page before using this Divorce Packet. To access the Packet directly after reading, click here.

This packet cannot help you with:

If you want these rights, you need to talk to a lawyer. This packet is not for you! If you get a divorce before you settle these matters, you may lose your rights!

You can find the name of an attorney by consulting your local telephone directory or the North Carolina Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-662-7660. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for advice or assistance from Legal Aid of North Carolina at 1-866-219-5262.

No one except an attorney can advise you of your legal rights. No one at the Judicial Center, Clerk of Court’s office, or Judge’s office may give legal advice or tell you how to fill out these forms.

Steps for Getting an Absolute Divorce

Before beginning this process, read this complete packet and make sure you understand this process. If you have any questions or are not sure if this is the best route for your situation, talk to an attorney.

  1. STEP ONE
    Complete the Court Forms
  2. STEP TWO
    File Court Papers in the Clerk of Court's Office
  3. STEP THREE
    Serve the Papers on the Defendant (your Spouse)
  4. STEP FOUR
    Wait 30 days, then set date for Hearing
  5. STEP FIVE
    Go to Court with prepared Judgment for Judge's review

Divorce Packet and Table of Contents

Forms You Will Need

Forms included in this section will be needed over the course of filing for an Absolute Divorce. Please remember to keep at least one copy of all the forms you file for your own records.

Forms included in this section:

Forms You Might Need

Forms included in this section might be needed over the course of filing for an Absolute Divorce. Please remember to keep at least one copy of all the forms you file for your own records.

Forms included in this section:

Separation and Divorce

Ways and requirements to end your marriage or domestic partnership, including separation, divorce, property, alimony and enforcement.

Child Custody

Information about child custody, filing, court process, enforcement and more.

Child Support

Information about child support, filing, court process, enforcement and more.

Find an Attorney

Learn how to find an attorney to represent you and other resources for legal representation.