LawLintel

North Carolina Legal Costs & Filing Information

Verified filing fees, courts and requirements for common legal processes in North Carolina. Every figure links to the official source it came from, with the date it was last checked.

Divorce in North Carolina
Filing fee:
$225
Separation requirement:
1 year and a day before filing
Residency requirement:
6 months in North Carolina
Where to file:
District Court (via Clerk of Superior Court)

Verified 2026-08-24

Small Claims in North Carolina
Claim limit:
up to $10,000 (set per county: $5,000–$10,000)
Filing fee:
$96 flat
Attorneys:
Allowed (not required)
Court:
Small Claims Court (magistrate, District Court division)

Verified 2026-08-24

Probate in North Carolina
Opening cost:
$120
Small-estate threshold:
$20,000 — $30,000 if spouse is sole heir
Executor compensation:
Up to 5%, clerk's discretion
Where filed:
Clerk of Superior Court (ex officio probate judge)

Verified 2026-08-24

Name Change in North Carolina
Filing fee:
$120
Publication/posting:
Not required (posting repealed for filings on/after Dec 1, 2025)
Background checks:
Required — state (SBI) and FBI, within 90 days of applying
Decided by:
Clerk of Superior Court

Verified 2026-08-24

Bankruptcy in North Carolina
Chapter 7 filing fee:
$338
Chapter 13 filing fee:
$313
Federal districts in North Carolina:
3
Fee waiver (Ch. 7 only):
Income < 150% of poverty line

Verified 2026-08-24

North Carolina official resources

LawLintel provides general legal information, not legal advice. Laws, rules, procedures and fees change and can depend on your specific facts and county. Verify important information with the applicable court or a qualified attorney before acting.