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Family lawyers handle a variety of family law matters from simple prenuptial agreements to complex divorce cases and everything in between. If you’re facing a family law issue, you probably want to know, “How much does a family law attorney cost in North Carolina?” Being able to plan for potential costs is an important part of these cases.
What Cases North Carolina Family Law Attorneys Handle
Divorce, or dissolution of marriage, cases are some of the most common cases that family lawyers see. North Carolina has a divorce rate of 2.7 per 1,000 people, with a marriage rate of 6.0 per 1,000, so there are always people in need of these services.
However, family law covers more than just divorce. Related cases can include, but are not limited to:
Understanding Legal Fees: Flat, Hourly, and Retainer
When you hire a family law attorney, their fee structure will help determine the cost of their representation. In simple cases, such as a basic prenup agreement or an amicable divorce, lawyers may choose to charge a one-time flat fee for their services. With more complex cases that require more time, hearings, or other work, they might charge hourly.
Flat fees are not inherently cheaper than an hourly rate, but they do set a predetermined cost right at the beginning. These fees don’t work when cases might require additional tasks later.
In many family law matters, an attorney might prefer to work on a retainer. Retainer agreements require an up-front payment that reserves the lawyer’s time and availability for a specific time frame, set of tasks, and/or topic. Cases like custody disputes might have to be revisited later, and it’s more helpful to work with an attorney who already knows your case, which is why retainers can be valuable.
There can be many types of retainers, but the three most common are:
- General. Reserves availability, but no specific hours or items are determined
- Security/advanced fee. Funds are placed into a trust account that the lawyer bills as they complete work
- Evergreen. A type of security retainer that the client must replenish when it drops below a specified amount
Who Pays Attorney Fees in North Carolina Family Law Cases?
Most often, each party is responsible for paying their own attorney fees. In some cases, a judge can order one party to pay the fees of another.
For example, child custody and support cases are a very common family law topic, with North Carolina Child Support Services having an active caseload of 307,621 cases in March 2025. In these cases, a judge may grant attorney fees to an interested party, so long as that party is acting in good faith and does not have the means to cover the cost.
Hire a Family Law Attorney for Your Case
Working through a family law case alone is challenging, as there can be many documents, hearings, and steps involved. Enlisting a North Carolina family lawyer to support your case can make the process much simpler for you.
Family lawyers provide many types of legal support, depending on your agreement with them. This can include:
- Drafting and filing the necessary legal documents with the appropriate court. If you’re in Statesville, this is the Superior Court branch at the Iredell County Hall of Justice on 226 Stockton Street.
- Representing you in hearings and negotiations, which can provide a buffer between you and an emotionally charged situation
- Advocating for your rights and desired outcome, helping you get the support you need
- Providing general legal counsel and helping you plan the most efficient way to approach your case
At Lassiter & Lassiter, we use our decades of experience in all kinds of family law cases to advocate for our clients. We can talk with you about the costs of our family law services and how we can support you.
FAQs About How Much Does a Family Law Attorney Cost in North Carolina
How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost in NC?
The precise cost of a family lawyer in NC varies from case to case. The complexity of a case, the type of services being performed, and the fee structure all affect the potential cost. Each attorney might charge different fees based on their location and experience. The only way to get a reliable cost estimate is to reach out to a family law firm like ours.
What Is a Reasonable Attorney’s Fee in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, the court or judge can sometimes award a reasonable attorney’s fee to one party. The fee must be considered reasonable by the court. Determination of whether a fee is reasonable depends on many factors, including the scope of the work, the skills required to do it, and the fees that have been awarded in similar cases.
Who Pays Attorney Fees in Child Custody Cases in NC?
By default, each parent is responsible for paying their own attorney fees in child custody cases in NC. Based on the definition of a reasonable attorney’s fee, a judge can decide to require a supporting parent to pay for the fees of the other parent. This decision is made on a case-by-case basis and considers both need and ability to pay.
Who Loses More Financially in a North Carolina Divorce?
North Carolina is an equitable distribution state, meaning that during divorce cases, courts attempt to divide marital assets in a manner fair to both parties. Each case is unique, and no one spouse will always lose more financially. However, being a dependent spouse may make it more difficult to support yourself after a divorce.
Work With an Experienced North Carolina Family Lawyer
Whether you want to file for child support or resolve a domestic violence dispute, a family lawyer can be a valuable part of your legal plan. We can walk you through the process, making sure you know what steps to take and what your options are.
The team at Lassiter & Lassiter understands the importance of advocating for yourself and getting the right support. We’re only a few blocks away from the Iredell Museums, a refreshing stop for children and adults alike after consulting on difficult family matters. Contact us today to see how we can help you.
