North Carolina county guide
Divorce in Wake County
Where to file in Wake County, what it costs, the local rules that apply and where to find help, checked against official court and clerk websites.
Wake County at a glance
The local facts
Court
Wake County District Court
Where
Raleigh
Filing fee
$225
Residency
6 months in NC, 1 year apart
Official website
Self-help
Checked against official court and clerk websites in September 2026. Fees and local rules change, so confirm with the Clerk of Superior Court before you file.
Where to file in Wake County
Divorces in Wake County are heard in District Court (District 10) and filed with the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court in Raleigh.
File with the clerk of court in the county where you or your spouse lives.
North Carolina's eCourts system takes e-filing in counties where it has launched; check your county.
Official website: nccourts.gov. Divorce and self-help information: family law page.
Who can file here
You or your spouse must have lived in North Carolina for 6 months before filing (G.S. 50-8), and you must have lived apart for a year (G.S. 50-6). Read the law.
You do not both need to live in Wake County; one of you is enough.
What it costs
The Wake County court lists the divorce filing fee as $225 (fee schedule).
North Carolina's fee for an absolute divorce is $225 statewide: the $150 district court filing fee plus $75 for the divorce. Sheriff service is $30.
If you cannot afford the fee, file a Petition to Proceed as an Indigent (AOC-G-106).
Local rules and help in Wake County
Wake uses local domestic forms, including a Notice of Divorce Trial (Wake-DOM-23C). Source.
The Clerk of Superior Court's family law page has current forms, hours and fees.
The forms you will use
North Carolina divorces use the NC Divorce Packet. KindSplit's Paralegal fills in North Carolina's official forms from your case, and you check every answer before you download them. See forms and filing.
Read the full North Carolina divorce guide for waiting periods, property, custody and support.
Other North Carolina county guides
Mecklenburg County · Guilford County · Forsyth County · Cumberland County · Durham County · Buncombe County · Union County · Johnston County · New Hanover County
Straight answers
Wake County, plain answers
Where do I file for divorce in Wake County?
Divorces in Wake County are heard in District Court (District 10) and filed with the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court in Raleigh. File with the clerk of court in the county where you or your spouse lives.
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Wake County?
The clerk lists $225. North Carolina's fee for an absolute divorce is $225 statewide: the $150 district court filing fee plus $75 for the divorce. Sheriff service is $30. If you cannot afford the fee, file a Petition to Proceed as an Indigent (AOC-G-106).
Do I have to live in Wake County to file there?
You or your spouse must have lived in North Carolina for 6 months before filing (G.S. 50-8), and you must have lived apart for a year (G.S. 50-6). File with the clerk of court in the county where you or your spouse lives.
Is there help in Wake County if I do not have a lawyer?
Wake uses local domestic forms, including a Notice of Divorce Trial (Wake-DOM-23C). The clerk's family law page lists current forms, hours and fees.
Ready when you are
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