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NORTH CAROLINA DIVORCE PACKET PreparedbytheNorthCarolinaEqualAccesstoJusticeCommission

RevisedSeptember2019

Usethispacketonlyif:

• YouoryourspousehavelivedinNorthCarolinaforatleastthelast6months• Youhavebeenseparatedfromyourspouseforatleast12months• Youarenotinterestedineverreceivingalimonyorspousalsupport• Youarenotinterestedineverhavingpropertyordebtsfromthemarriagedividedbetween

youandyourspouse

Usetheseformsatyourownrisk!Theseareeducationalformsdesignedtohelpyou,butyouarerepresentingyourself.Pleasereviewandfollowthedirectionstohelpyoupresentyourcase.Failuretoreadandfollowtheinstructionsmayhurtyourcase.

YoucanfindthenameofanattorneybyconsultingyourlocaltelephonedirectoryortheNorthCarolinaLawyerReferralServiceat1-800-662-7660.Ifyoucannotaffordanattorney,youmaybeeligibleforadviceorassistancefromLegalAidofNorthCarolinaat1-800-219-5262.

Nooneexceptanattorneycanadviseyouofyourlegalrights.NooneattheJudicialCenter,ClerkofCourt’soffice,orJudge’sofficemaygivelegaladviceortellyouhowtofillouttheseforms.

Thispacketcannothelpyouwith:

• Childcustody• Visitation• Legalseparation• Childsupport• Alimony• Divisionofpensions,jointsavingsaccounts,retirementplans• Equitabledistributionofmaritalproperty(dividingthingsthatyouand

yourspousebothowntogethersuchasvehicles,houses,bankaccounts,insurancepolicies,homeequity,andotherpersonalproperty;andalsodividingdebtsthatyouandyourspouseowe)

Ifyouwanttheserights,youneedtotalktoalawyer.Thispacketisnotforyou!Ifyougetadivorcebeforeyousettlethesematters,youmayloseyourrights!

of 51 North Carolina Divorce Packet - September 2019

NORTH CAROLINA DIVORCE PACKET TABLE OF CONTENTS

ThingstoKnowBeforeYouBegin

ThreeReasonstoConsiderNotRepresentingYourself

StepsforGettinganAbsoluteDivorce

StepOne–CompletingtheCourtFormsandPreparingtoFile

StepTwo–HowtoFiletheActionforDivorce

StepThree–ServingtheDefendant

StepFour–GettingaHearingDateandNoticeofHearing

StepFive–GoingtoCourt

TipsforPresentingYourCaseinCourt

Summary

RequirementsChecklist

GlossaryofLegalTerms

NeedMoreInformation?

FormsYouWillNeedComplaintforAbsoluteDivorce

Verification

Domestic CivilActionCoverSheet

CivilSummons

ServicemembersCivilReliefAct

NoticeofHearing

JudgmentofAbsoluteDivorce

CertificateofService

CertificateofAbsoluteDivorceorAnnulment

FormsYouMightNeedPetitiontoProceedasanIndigent

Civil AffidavitofIndigency

AffidavitofServiceofProcessbyRegisteredorCertifiedMail

AcceptanceofService

WaiverandAnswer

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BEGIN

• Yourcaseiscalledaprose,orself-representedcase,becauseyouarerepresentingyourselfinsteadofhiringalawyer.Therefore,itisuptoyoutomakesurethattheformsandinformationyoupresenttothecourtarecorrectandup-to-date.Sinceyouarerepresentingyourself,youshouldresearchthelaws,rulesofcourt,andcasesthatapplytoyourcase.

• Filloutalltheformsbycompletingthemonline,typingonatypewriter,orusingablueorblackpen.Writeneatlyifyouuseapen.

• Keepcopiesofeverything.Keepatleastonecopyofalltheformsyoufileforyourownrecords.

• YoumustfileallformsattheClerk’sofficeinthecountyinwhichyouoryourspouselives.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

AnAbsoluteDivorceisacompletedivorcethatallowsthepartiestomarryagainaftertheirdivorcejudgmentbecomesfinal,ortolegallytakeactionasasingleindividual,suchaspurchasingpropertyorfilingtaxesassingle.NorthCarolinalawrequiresthatthepartiesbeseparatedformorethanone(1)yearbeforetheyfilefordivorce.ThepartiesdonotneedanagreementtofileforanAbsoluteDivorce.However,inorderforapartytobeeligibleforanAbsoluteDivorceinNorthCarolina,thehusbandorwifemusthavebeenaresidentofNorthCarolinaforatleastsix(6)monthspriortothefiling.Youandyourspousemustalsohavelivedcontinuouslyseparateandapartforatleastone(1)yearandone(1)daybeforethedivorcecanbefiled.(SeebelowformoreinformationaboutNorthCarolina’sseparationrequirement.)TheserequirementsaresetoutinNorthCarolinalaw(orstatutes)atNorthCarolinaGeneralStatuteSection50-6.TherearenoexceptionstotheserequirementstogetanAbsoluteDivorce.Asyougothroughthecourtprocess,youwillbecalledthePlaintiff,becauseyouhavestartedthecourtprocesstogetanAbsoluteDivorce.YourspousewillbetheDefendant.AcaseforAbsoluteDivorcebeginswhenaComplaintisfiledwiththeCourt.TheComplaintmustcontainastatementoffactstogiveapersonfairnoticeofthebasisforthelawsuit,includingastatementofwherethepartylivesandhaslived.AsampleComplaintisfoundonpage25ofthisDivorcePacket.Inorderforthecourttoreachabindingdecisioninacase,thecourtmusthaveJurisdiction(thepowertorequireapartytofollowitsdecisions),whichitobtainsbyServiceofProcess.TheClerkofCourtmustissueaSummonsandtheSummonsmustbeservedontheDefendant(thespouseofthepersonwhostartedtheprocessforDivorce)inacertainway,whichissetoutinthecourt’srules.TheeasiestwaytoservetheDefendantistosubmittheSummonsandacopyoftheComplainttotheSheriffofthecountywheretheDefendantlives.TheSheriffwilldeliverthepaperstotheDefendantandprovideprooftothecourt.Therearealsoothermethodsofacceptableservicethataredescribedbelowatpage13-14.


CAN OR SHOULD I FILE FOR AN ABSOLUTE DIVORCE?

PleasenotethatneithertheDistrictCourtStaffnoranyoneintheofficeoftheClerkofCourtareallowedtoprovidelegaladvice.Therefore,wecannottellyouifyoushouldfileorwhatyoushouldfile,butwecantellyouthatyoumustmeetcertainrequirementstobeeligibleforanAbsoluteDivorce.ThePlaintiffisthepersonbeginningthedivorceproceedingagainsttheDefendant,whoisthespouse(husbandorwife)ofthePlaintiff.ThePlaintiffmayfileaComplaintfordivorceinNorthCarolinaIFthePlaintiffspousehasbeenaresidentofNorthCarolinaforatleastsix(6)monthspriortothefiling.Thecouplemusthavelivedcontinuouslyseparateandapart,whereatleastonepersonintendsforthatseparationtobepermanent,foratleastone(1)yearandone(1)daybeforethedivorcecanbefiled.

Youshouldrememberthat,ifyouwanttoreceivealimonyorspousalsupportorhaveacourthelpyoudecidehowtodivideyourmaritalpropertyanddebts,youmustraiseitbyfilingaclaimwiththecourtbeforeyourDivorceisfinal.IftheJudgesignsaJudgmentforAbsoluteDivorcebeforetheseissuesareraised,youwillloseyourrighttoraiseitforever.Youshouldtalktoanattorneyifyouhavequestionsaboutthesetopics.

DO I HAVE TO HAVE A COURT ORDER TO BEGIN A PHYSICAL SEPARATION?

No,youdonotneedacourtordertobelegallyseparatedinNorthCarolina.Aslongasyouandyourspousearelivinginseparateresidencesandatleastoneofyouintendstheseparationtobepermanent,thenthetimeyouspendlivingapartwillqualifyforaone-yearwaitingperiodforadivorce.

ApersonmightbeabletosignaSeparationAgreement(aSeparationAgreementisacontractbetweenbothspousestosettleissuessuchaspropertydivision,childcustody,alimony,andequitabledistribution)orgetacourtorder(calledaDivorcefromBedandBoard),eitherofwhichcanfreebothspousesfromlegalresponsibilityfortheotherspouse.Thisstepisnotrequiredtostarttheone-yearseparationclockforthepurposesofgettinganAbsoluteDivorce–onlyphysicalseparationisrequiredforthat.IfyouareinterestedintakingthestepofgettingacourtorderoraSeparationAgreementtoseparateyourlegalresponsibilityfromyourspousebeforeobtaininganAbsoluteDivorce,youshouldtalktoanAttorney.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GET AN ABSOLUTE DIVORCE?

Thefeeforfilingacasefordivorceiscurrently$225.00.Youwillalsoneedeither$30.00tohavetheSheriffservetheDefendant,or$7.00toservetheDefendantbycertifiedmail.Ifyouareincludingaclaimfor“ResumptionofMaidenName,”theremaybeanadditional$10.00fee.Thesefeesaresubjecttochange.

Ifyoucannotaffordthesecosts,youmightqualifytoproceedasanIndigent.Seepage10formoreinformationabouttherequirementstofileacaseasanIndigent.


THREE REASONS TO CONSIDER NOT REPRESENTING YOURSELF

1. PRESENCE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Ifyouhavebeenthevictimofphysicaloremotionalabuseduringyourmarriage,youmaynotwanttorepresentyourselfinanAbsoluteDivorcecase.Inabusiverelationships,sometimestheactoffilingtheComplaintforanAbsoluteDivorcemayfurtherangertheabusivespouse.Manyabusivespousesareverycontrolling.Yourspousemaythinkyouaretryingtochallengehisorherauthority.Ifyourspousehashurtyouinthepastandyouareafraidofyourspousenow,youmaywanttoreconsiderhandlingyourcaseyourselfandseekrepresentationbyaprivateattorney.YoumayalsowanttoconsiderfilingforaDomesticViolenceProtectiveOrder.MoreinformationcanbeobtainedbycontactingtheDomesticViolenceServiceProviderinyourcounty(alistisavailableatnccadv.org/get-help)orbycallingtheNationalDomesticViolenceHotlineat1-800-799-7233.

Ultimately,thechoicetorepresentyourselfisyourowndecision.Somefactorsyoumaywanttoconsiderwhenmakingyourdecisioninclude:

• DoIthinkmyspousewillbecomeveryangrywhenIfilethisandtrytodosomethingtogetbackatme?

• DoIhaveasafespacetostayafterIfilefordivorce,whileIamwaitingfortheSherifftoservemyspousewiththeabsolutedivorcepapers,andaftermyspousegetsthedivorcepapers?

• HaveIhadtogetaprotectiveorderagainstmyspouseinthepast?• Hasmyspousefollowedthetermsofanyprotectiveorder?

2. EQUITABLE DIVISION OF MARITAL PROPERTY OR DEBTS

OnceanAbsoluteDivorceJudgmenthasbeengranted,neitheryounoryourex-spousecanaskthecourtforadivisionofmaritalpropertyormaritaldebts.Topreserveaclaimtomaritalpropertyordebts,youmustfilewiththeClerkofCourtaclaimforEquitableDistributionofMaritalPropertypriortofilingyourAbsoluteDivorceJudgment.Maritalpropertyconsistsofanyrealorpersonalpropertyacquiredbyeitherspouseduringthecourseofthemarriage,andbeforethespouses’separation.Examplesofmaritalpropertymayincludethemaritalhome,land,vehicles,furniture,andretirementplans(forexample,401korIRA).Maritalpropertycanincludemaritaldebt(forexample,creditcardsandmedicalbills).Ifyouhavemaritalpropertyordebtsyouwishtodivide,youwillneedtofileforEquitableDistributionofthemaritalproperty–eitheratthesametimeyoufileforAbsoluteDivorceorbeforethedivorcejudgmentisentered.YoushouldseektheassistanceofaprivateattorneyinfilingforyourAbsoluteDivorceandEquitableDistributionofmaritalproperty.


3. ALIMONY AND POSTSEPARATION SUPPORT

AlimonyandPostseparationSupportareformsofspousalsupport.Alimonyismoneypaidtoaspouseorex-spouse.PostseparationSupportismoneypaidtoaspouseforaspecificperiodoftime,generallytemporary,untilthecourtordersordeniesanawardofAlimony.YoumaybeeligibleforAlimonyorPostseparationSupportif:

• Youaresubstantiallydependentuponyourspouseforyourmaintenanceandsupportor

• Youaresubstantiallyinneedofmaintenanceandsupportfromyourspouse.ThecourtwillconsidermanyfactorstodeterminewhetherornotyouareeligibleforAlimonyorPostseparationSupport.Someofthesefactorsinclude:maritalmisconduct,earningsandearningcapacityofeachspouse,howlongyouhavebeenmarried,contributionseachofyouhavemadetothemarriageandyourstandardofliving,youragesandphysicalandmentalconditions,propertythatyouown,andtheneedsofeachspouse.Therearemanyotherfactorsthatthecourtmayconsider.OnceanAbsoluteDivorceJudgmenthasbeengranted,neitheryounoryourex-spousecanaskthecourtforspousalsupport.Topreserveaclaimtospousalsupport,youmustfilewiththeClerkofCourtaclaimforspousalsupportpriortohavingyourAbsoluteDivorceJudgmentsignedbyaJudgeandfiled.YoushouldseektheadviceofaprivateattorneyinfilingforyourAbsoluteDivorceandAlimonyorPostseparationSupport.


STEPS FOR GETTING AN ABSOLUTE DIVORCE

Beforebeginningthisprocess,readthiscompletepacketandmakesureyouunderstandthisprocess.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsorarenotsureifthisisthebestrouteforyoursituation,talktoanattorney.

STEP ONE

CompletetheCourtForms(seepage8)

STEP TWO

FileCourtPapersintheClerkofCourt'soffice

(seepage12)

STEP THREE

ServethePapersontheDefendant(yourSpouse)

(seepage13)

STEP FOUR

Wait30days,thensetdateforHearing(seepage15)

STEP FIVE

GotoCourtwithpreparedJudgmentforJudge'sreview(seepage16)


STEP ONE – COMPLETING THE COURT FORMS AND PREPARING TO FILE

TobeginacaseforAbsoluteDivorce,youwillneedthecompletefollowingforms:

1. ComplaintforAbsoluteDivorce2. DomesticCivilActionCoverSheet(AOC-CV-750)3. CivilSummons(AOC-CV-100)4. ServicemembersCivilReliefActAffidavit(AOC-G-250)

Note:YoumightneedaPetitiontoProceedasanIndigent(usedifyoucannotaffordthecourtfees)(AOC-G106)(optional).

OtherformsyoumayneedasyougothroughtheprocesstofinishyourAbsoluteDivorceare:

1. NoticeofHearing2. JudgmentofAbsoluteDivorce3. WaiverandAnswer(optional)4. AffidavitofServiceofProcessbyRegisteredorCertifiedMail(optional)5. CertificateofAbsoluteDivorce(DHHS2089/VitalRecords)(Youwillgetthisformfromthe

courtroomclerkonthedayyoucometocourtforyourdivorcehearing.)

Note:Youraddressisrequestedonmanycourtformsthroughoutthefilingprocess.Ifyouhavebeenthevictimofphysicaloremotionalabuseduringyourmarriageanddecidetouseanaddressotherthanyourresidence,youmustbeawarethatallcourt-relatedinformationwillbesenttotheaddressyouincludeonyourdocuments.Youwillberesponsibleforallinformationandcourtdocumentssenttotheaddressyoulist.

1. COMPLAINT FOR ABSOLUTE DIVORCE

ThisComplaintwascreatedtobeself-explanatory.Youshouldfillineveryblankunlessyouaresurethatitdoesnotapplytoyourcase.

TheComplaintisthepaperworkyoufilewiththeClerkofCourtthatasksthecourtforanAbsoluteDivorce.TheComplaintconsistsofstatementsandfactsabouttheparties’marriageandseparation,andarequestthattheJudgegrantanAbsoluteDivorcebasedonthestatementsandfacts.OnthelastpageoftheincludedComplaintisaVerification,whereyoustateunderpenaltyofperjurythateverythingintheComplaintistruetothebestofyourknowledge.YoumustsigntheVerificationinfrontofaNotaryPublicandhavetheformnotarized.Youshouldmaketwoextracopies(inadditiontotheoriginal)ofthecompletedComplaint.

2. DOMESTIC CIVIL ACTION COVER SHEET (FORM AOC-CV-750)

TheDomesticCivilActionCoverSheetallowsthecourtstoproperlyfilethecaseanddetermineifservicehasbeenrequestedandifeitherpartyisbeingrepresentedbyanattorney.Fillouttheappropriateblanksandcheckthecorrectboxesforyourcase.

A. Fillinthenameofthecountywhereyouwillbefilingthecase.B. Fillinyournameandaddressintheboxlabeled“Plaintiff1.”C. FillinthenameoftheDefendant(yourspouse)intheboxlabeled“Defendant1,”and

checktheboxlabeled“Defendant1,”andcheck“yes”fortheboxthatasks,“SummonsSubmitted”beneaththatbox.


D. Checktheboxthatsays:“InitialFiling”belowthetitleofthecoversheet,nearthetopright.

E. Fillinyourmailingaddressintheboxmarked“NameandAddressofAttorneyorParty.”Includeyourtelephonenumber,ifyouhaveone.

F. Intheboxthatsays“JuryDemandedinPleading,”check“No.”G. Checktheboxfortypeofpleading:“Complaint.”H. Checktheboxforclaimforrelief:“Divorce.”(Claimforreliefreferstowhatyouare

askingthecourttograntyou.)I. Signanddatethebottomoftheform.J. Maketwoextracopies(inadditiontotheoriginal)ofthecompletedDomesticCivil

ActionCoverSheet.

3. CIVIL SUMMONS (FORM AOC-CV-100)

TheCivilSummonsistheformwhichnotifiestheDefendantthatalawsuithasbeenfiledagainsthim/her.TheClerkofCourtmust“issue”theCivilSummonsafteryouprepareit.TheformletstheDefendantknowthathe/shehasthirty(30)daystorespondtotheComplaintbyfilinganAnswerwiththeClerkofCourt.

A. Fillinthenameofthecountywhereyouwillbefilingthecase.Checktheboxmarked“District”forCourtDivision.

B. FillinyournameandaddressandthenameoftheDefendantinthetopleft-handpartoftheform.Note–thismustbeareliableaddressfortheDefendantinorderforthelawsuittobeservedsuccessfully.

C. YoushouldfillintheDefendant’saddressintheboxmarked“NameandaddressofDefendant1.”Usethestreetaddressunlessyouaremakingservicebyregisteredmail.

D. Fillinyourmailingaddressintheboxthatsays“NameandAddressofPlaintiff’sAttorney(ifnone,AddressofPlaintiff).”Includeyourtelephonenumberifyouhaveone.

Leavetherestoftheformblankandmakethree(3)copiesinadditiontotheoriginal,onyellowpaper,leavingtheoriginalonwhitepaper.ThisisdonetodistinguishbetweentheoriginalSummonsandthecopies.Ifyoudonothaveyellowpaper,usewhitepaperinsteadandmarkthecopies“COPY”onthetop.

4. SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT AFFIDAVIT (FORM AOC-G-250)

ThisformhelpstheJudgebesurethatyourspouse,theDefendant,isnotinactiveserviceinthemilitary,andsoprotectedfromcivillawsuits.

A. Fillinthenameofthecountywhereyouwillbefilingthecase.B. FillinyournameandaddressandthenameoftheDefendantinthetopleft-handpartof

theform.C. ChecktheboxunderItem#1thataccuratelydescribesyourknowledgeaboutyour

spouse’smilitaryservice.Yourchoicesarethatyouknowtheyareinmilitaryservice;youknowtheyarenotinmilitaryservice;oryoudonotknowwhethertheyareinmilitaryservice.

D. Youmustalsoeither:


a. GototheServicemembersCivilReliefActwebsite(https://scra.dmdc.osd.mil/)andsearchforyourspouse’sname.PrinttheresultsfromthatsearchandattachittotheAffidavit.Checkthetwoboxesbeside(a)underItem#2.OR

b. Checktheboxbeside(b)underItem#2,andexplainwhyyouthinkyourspouseisorisnotinactiveserviceinthemilitary.

E. SigntheAffidavitinthepresenceofaNotaryPublicandhavetheformnotarized.F. Maketwoextracopies(inadditiontotheoriginal)ofthecompletedServicemembers

CivilReliefActAffidavit.

5. PETITION TO PROCEED AS AN INDIGENT (FORM AOC-G-106) (OPTIONAL FORM)

IfyoucannotaffordthefeesforfilingyourComplaintforDivorce,youcanasktheCourttoletyoufileforfree.Inordertomakethatrequest,youmustfilea“PetitiontoProceedasanIndigent.”Ifapproved,youwillnothavetopaythefilingfeetotheClerkorserviceofprocessfeetothesheriff.

A. Fillinthenameofthecountywhereyouwillbefilingthepapers.Checktheboxmarked“District”forcourtdivision.

B. FillinyournameasPlaintiffandyourspouse’snameasDefendant,intheappropriateplaces.

C. Checktheboxmarked“PetitiontoAssertClaims.”D. IfyouarearecipientofpublicbenefitssuchasWorkFirst,SNAP(foodstamps),orSSI,

thenchecktheappropriateboxorboxes.Ifyoureceivenoneofthese,butstillwishtorequestadeterminationofindigence,checkthelastbox,“AlthoughIamnotarecipient….”TheClerkofCourtmayrequireyoutoshowapaystuborotherprooftoshowthatyoucannotaffordthefee,buttheClerkissupposedtowaivethefeeuponareasonableshowing.

E. MakesureyousignthepetitioninthepresenceofaNotaryPublicandhavetheformnotarized.

F. Importantnote–YouMUSTbeawarethatyoucouldbeincontemptofcourtifyougivefalseinformationonthisform.

Aftercompletingthisform,youwillfileitwiththeClerkatthesametimethatyoufiletheComplaint,DomesticCivilActionCoverSheet,andCivilSummons.TheClerkwillthendecideifyouneedtopaythefilingfee(s).IfyoudonotreceiveSNAP(foodstamps),WorkFirst(TANF),orSSI,theClerkmayaskyoutocompletea CivilAffidavitofIndigencyformtofurtherexplainyourfinancialsituation.

6. JUDGMENT OF ABSOLUTE DIVORCE

Atyourcourthearing,youmustpresenttheJudgewithyourproposedJudgmentofAbsoluteDivorce.ThisformisfortheJudgetousetomakehis/herfinalorder(decision)inyourcase.Toprepareforcourt,youshouldfilloutthefollowing:

A. Fillinthenameofthecountywhereyouwillbefilingthepapers.B. Fillinthefilenumberofyourcase.(Youcanfindthefilenumberonyourcopyofthe

filedComplaint.)C. FillinyournameasPlaintiffandyourspouse’snameasDefendant,intheappropriate

places.


D. Leavetherestoftheformblank.

Afterthehearing,andiftheJudgeissatisfiedwiththeevidencepresented,he/shewillsigntheJudgmentofAbsoluteDivorce.ThisJudgmentwouldthenbecomeafinalcourtorder.

7. CERTIFICATE OF ABSOLUTE DIVORCE

TheCertificateofAbsoluteDivorcestatestherelevantinformationabouttheparties’marriageandseparation.TheClerkofCourtsignsthisformaftertheJudgesignstheJudgmentofAbsoluteDivorceatthecourthearing.TheClerkofCourtkeepsthisinformationinthecourtfileuntilsentbytheCourttotheNorthCarolinaCenterforHealthStatistics,NCVitalRecords.Topreparethisformbeforeyourcourtdate:

A. Fillinthefilenumberofyourcase.(YoucanfindthefilenumberonyourcopyofthefiledComplaint.)

B. Fillinthenameofthecountywhereyouwillbefilingthepapers.C. Fillinyournameinbox#1,andchecktheappropriateboxindicatingwhetheryouarea

husbandorwife.D. Fillinthestateandcountywhereyouliveinboxes#2aand#2b.E. Fillinyourspouse’snameinbox#3,andchecktheappropriateboxindicatingwhether

yourspouseisahusbandorwife.F. Fillinthestateandcountywhereyourspouselivesinboxes#4aand#4b.G. Fillintheappropriateinformationinboxes#5through#8.H. Donotcompleteanyinformationunder“Certification.”


STEP TWO – HOW TO FILE THE CASE FOR DIVORCE

TobeginStepTwo,youshouldhavecompletedatleasttheComplaintforAbsoluteDivorce,theDomesticCivilActionCoverSheet,theCivilSummons,andtheServicemembersCivilReliefActAffidavit,asinstructedaboveatpages8through10.

1. Takeallthree(3)copiesoftheComplaint,theDomesticCivilActionCoverSheet,andthe ServicemembersCivilReliefActAffidavit,andallfour(4)copiesoftheSummonstothe officeoftheClerkofCourtinthecountywhereyouwillbefiling.Thefeeforfilingacasefordivorceiscurrently$225.00.Ifyouareincludingaclaimfor ResumptionofMaidenName,theremaybeanadditional$10.00fee.Thesefeesare subjecttochange.Ifyoucannotaffordthefilingfee,alsotakethePetitiontoProceedasanIndigentandaskto speakwithaClerk.TellthemthatyouneedtohavethePetitiontoProceedapproved.Show theClerktheComplaintandthePetitiontoProceed,andansweranyquestionshe/shemay haveforyouaboutyourfinances.TheClerkmayalsoaskfortheCivil AffidavitofIndigency and/orproofofyourfinancialsituation.

2. Onceyouhavepaidthefeeorhaditwaived,submittheoriginalComplaintandSummonsto theCourt,whereitwillbeassignedafilenumberandplacedinthepublicrecords.Askfor allthree(3)extracopiesoftheSummonstobeissued(orsigned)bytheClerk.Alsoaskfor theClerkto“file-stamp”thetwoextracopiesoftheComplaint,andtheyellowcopiesofthe Summons.TheoriginalpacketwillbeplacedintheCourtfile,onecopyisforyou,andthethirdcopy willbeservedontheDefendant.(Seepages13-14belowformoreinformationabouthowto properlyservetheDefendant.)Note:TheClerk’sofficewillacceptcreditcardsanddebitcards,cash,moneyorder,or cashier’scheck.Makethemoneyorderorcashier’scheckpayableto“ClerkofSuperior Court.”Personalchecksarenotaccepted.


STEP THREE – SERVING THE DEFENDANT

YouwillthenbereadytohavetheSummonsandComplaintforAbsoluteDivorcedeliveredtotheDefendant.Youcannotdeliverthelawsuityourself.Youmustuseoneofthefollowingmethodsofpersonalservice:(1)servicebySheriff;(2)servicebycertifiedmail,returnreceiptrequested;(3)AcceptanceofService;or(4)Publication.

CHOOSEONEMETHOD:

1. SERVICE BY SHERIFF

Thisistheeasiestmethodofservice.Thecostis$30.00(feesmaybesubjecttochange).IftheClerkwillaccepttheSummonsandComplaintfordeliverytotheSheriff’soffice,the$30.00feeispaidattheClerk’soffice.Insomecountiesyoumustdeliverthedefendant’scopyoftheSummonsandComplaint,alongwiththeoriginalSummons,totheSheriff’sofficeyourself.Inthatcase,youwillpaythe$30.00feeattheSheriff’soffice.

TheSheriffwilldelivertheSummonsandComplainttotheDefendant(ortosomeoneofsuitableage)whoisfoundathis/herresidence,usingtheaddressyouhaveincludedontheSummons.Aftersuccessfuldelivery,theSheriffwillmakeanotationonthebackoftheoriginalSummonsandreturntheoriginalSummonstotheClerkforplacementintheCourtfile.

YoucanalsoinstructtheSheriff’sofficetoservetheDefendantattheirplaceofemployment.

IftheDefendantdoesnotliveinyourcounty,youmusthavetheSheriffinthecountyinwhichtheDefendantlivesdelivertheSummonsandComplaint.Youcaneitherhand-deliverormailthepaperstotheSheriff’sofficeinthatcounty.Ifyoumailthepapers,youCANNOTpaytheservicefeebycashorpersonalcheck.Instead,youmustsendamoneyorderorcashier’scheckpayabletothatcounty’sSheriff’soffice.Inaddition,youmustsendacoverletterexplainingthatyouwanttheservicepacketdeliveredtotheDefendant.

Note:IfyouhavefiledandbeenapprovedtosueasanIndigent,youmustincludeacertifiedcopyofthePetitiontoProceedasanIndigentinyourpackettotheSheriff,sothattheycanwaivetheservicefee.

2. SERVICE BY CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED

Youmayalsoservethepapersbycertifiedmail,returnreceiptrequested.AfterthePostOfficedeliverstheservicepackettotheDefendant,he/shewillsigna“greencard”showingthatthepacketwasdelivered.ThePostOfficewillsendyouthe“greencard,”whichmustbesubmittedtotheCourtalongwithanAffidavitofService.

Whenyouhavethe“greencard,”fillouttheAffidavitofServiceofProcessbyCertifiedMail.(Seepage47forablankAffidavitofServicethatyoucanfillin.)AttachthegreencardtotheAffidavitandsigntheaffidavitinthepresenceofaNotaryPublic.MakeacopyforyourselfandfiletheoriginalwiththeClerkofCourtforplacementinyourCourtfile.


3. ACCEPTANCE OF SERVICE

IftheDefendant(yourspouse)iscooperative,youcanmailhim/herthepapersandanAcceptanceofService(seepage49forablankform),whichhe/shewillneedtosigninfrontofaNotaryPublic.Afteritissignedandnotarized,theformshouldbefiledwiththeClerkofCourt.

4. PUBLICATION

IfyoudonotknowwheretheDefendant(yourspouse)lives,thereisawaytoserveyourspousebypublishinginanewspaper.However,thismethodofserviceisexpensiveandtakestime,andshouldbeusedasalastresort.Youshouldconsultwithaprivateattorneyifyouneedtoserveyourspousebypublication.


STEP FOUR – GETTING A HEARING DATE AND NOTICE OF HEARING

AfteryouhavesuccessfullyservedtheDefendant,severalthingswillhappen:

1. TheDefendanthasthirty(30)daystofileanAnsweroramotionforextensionoftimetofileanAnswer.IftheDefendantfilesanAnswer,he/sheorhis/herattorneywillsendyouacopyofit.Ifitraisesanycounterclaimsorissuesotherthandivorce,youshouldconsultanattorneytogetlegaladvice.

2. AftertheDefendantfileshis/herAnswer,orifafterthirty(30)daysnoAnswerhasbeenfiled,thecasecanbescheduledforhearing.

3. Optional:IftheDefendantdoesnotcontestthedivorce(ifhe/sheagreestothedivorceandiscooperative),the30-dayperiodfortheDefendanttoanswercanbewaivedusingtheWaiverandAnswerformincludedinthispacket(seepage51).TheDefendantwouldhavetocompletethisformandfileitwiththeClerkofCourt,servingacopyonyou,thePlaintiff.

4. Settingahearingdate.Ifyourspouse(theDefendant)doesNOTsendyouacopyofhis/herAnswerandmorethanthirty(30)dayshasgonebyafterhe/shehasbeenserved,youshouldcontacttheClerk’sofficetosetyourcourtdate.IfaWaiverandAnswerisfiled,thecourtdatecanbesetwhentheWaiverandAnswerisfiledwiththeClerkofCourt.

Note:Thethirty(30)daycountingperiodbeginsonthedateyourspousewasservedwiththepapers,notwhenthepaperswerefiledwiththeClerkofCourt.

5. NoticeofHearing.AfteryouhavecontactedtheClerk’sofficeandreceivedacourtdate,youmustfilloutaNoticeofHearingformtosendtheDefendantthedateofyourdivorcehearing.TheNoticeofHearingformmustbedeliveredtotheDefendant(yourspouse)atleastten(10)daysbeforethecourtdate.CompletetheNoticeofHearingformincludedinthispacketandmaketwo(2)extracopies.GivetheoriginalandbothcopiestotheClerktofile.TheClerkwillstamptheoriginalandcopies“filed,”puttheoriginalinthecourtfile,andreturnthecopiestoyou.Onecopyisforyourrecords,andonecopymustbeservedontheDefendant.

6. Serviceafterthelawsuitisstarted.ForallpapersafterthepacketwiththeComplaintandSummons,youcanservetheDefendanthis/hercopybyfirst-classmail,tohis/herlastknownaddress.Documentsthatcanbeservedthroughfirst-classmailincludetheNoticeofHearingandtheJudgmentofAbsoluteDivorce.Whenyouservethesedocuments,youmustcompletethe“CertificateofService”attheendofthedocumentsbywritingthedateyoumailedthedocumentstotheDefendant,theaddressyouused,andsigning.


STEP FIVE – GOING TO COURT

Ifyoudonothaveanattorneytorepresentyou,youwillhavetopresentyourowncasetotheJudge.Onthedayofthecourthearing,youmustgototheCountyCourthouseandtakeaseatononeofthebenchesinthecorrectcourtroom.AtthebeginningoftheCourtsession,theJudgewillannouncethecasesonthecalendar.WhentheJudgecallsyourname,youshouldstandupandtelltheJudgeyouarepresent.TheJudgewillaskiftheDefendantispresent.Ifso,bothpartieswillbeinstructedtotakeaseatinfrontoftheJudge.IftheDefendantdoesnotappear,theJudgewillproceedwithouthim/her.

Whenyourcaseiscalled,theClerkwillswearyouin(askyoutoswearthatthetestimonyyouareabouttogiveisthetruth)andyouwillgoupandsitinthewitnessbox.TheJudgewillthenreviewthefile.Ifallformsarecorrectandfiledappropriately,theJudgewillproceedwiththehearing.Ifnot,theJudgemaydismissthelawsuit.

IftheJudgeproceedswiththehearing,he/shemayaskyouquestionsaboutyourmarriageandseparation.TheJudgemayalsotellyoutogoaheadandstateyourcase.YoucanreadthestatementsonyourComplaintforAbsoluteDivorce,andtelltheJudgethatyouwouldlikeadivorcefromyourspouse.BringacopyofyourComplaintwithyoutothewitnessstandsoyoucanrefertoit.IftheDefendantispresent,theJudgewillallowtheDefendanttoaskanyrelevantquestions.Atthattime,iftheJudgeissatisfiedwiththeevidence,he/shewillsigntheJudgmentofAbsoluteDivorceanddissolvethemarriage.YoushouldhavethepreparedJudgmentofAbsoluteDivorce(includedinthispacket)tooffertheJudge.BepreparedtooffertheJudgethreecopiesoftheJudgmentofAbsoluteDivorce.

Ifatanytimeduringthecourtproceedingyoudonotfeelthatyoucanhandletheproceedings,youshouldconsultanattorney.Intheeventyouareunabletoconsultanattorneyanddonotfeelthatyoucanproceedonyourown,youcanfileaVoluntaryDismissal(courtformAOC-CV-405).FilingaVoluntaryDismissalwithoutprejudicestopsthecase.YoucanfilethisatanytimebeforetheJudgeentershis/herdecision.However,ifyouvoluntarilydismissyourcaseandlaterdecideyouwanttotryagain,youmuststartalloveragain.Youshouldonlyusethevoluntarydismissalasalastresort.


TIPS FOR PRESENTING YOUR CASE IN COURT

Youwillbeexpectedtorespecttheproperrulesofcourtroometiquette.AlwaysremembertoberespectfultotheJudgeandallcourtpersonnel.

• Arrive10to15minutesearly.

• Dressappropriatelyandconservatively.Donotwearshorts,tanktops,straplesstops,skirtswithhighslits,ordressesorotherclothesthataretight,clingy,sheer,orlow-cut.Donotwearstrongly-scentedperfume,powder,orafter-shave.Wearyourhairinastylethatallowsyourfaceandeyestobeseen.Ifyouwearmakeup,applyitconservatively.Ifyouwearjewelry,avoiddanglingitemsthatclinkasitwilldistractfromyourtestimony.

• Donotusedrugsordrinkalcoholbeforeyourhearing.

• StandwhentheJudgeentersthecourtroom.

• Bequietinthecourtroom.WhentheJudgeannouncesyourcase,standandtellhim/herthatyouarethereforanabsolutedivorcehearing.AftertheJudgehasannouncedallthecases,he/shewillaskifanyone’scasehasnotbeenannounced.Ifyourcasewasnotlisted,youshouldstandupandlettheJudgecallonyou.Atthatpoint,youshouldlettheJudgeknowyournameandthatyouarethereforanabsolutedivorce.

• YoushouldalwaysstandwhenspeakingtotheJudge,whetherinthegallery(benchesinthecourtroom)oratthePlaintiff’stable.

• Duringyourhearingfordivorce,whentheJudgeisaskingyouquestions,youmustuseclearandunderstandablewords.Youmightsay,“Yes,yourHonor,”or“No,yourHonor.”Donotwhisperorspeaktoosoftly.TheJudgemustbeabletohearandunderstandwhatyouaresaying.

• Otherimportantpointstoremember:

o Alwaystellthetruth!Answeranyquestionsthatyouareaskedhonestly,whetheritistheJudge,theDefendant,ortheDefendant’sattorneyaskingyouthequestions.

o Tellyourstory,butdonotexaggerateanyfacts.o Keepyourtemper.Becomingangrywillnothelpyou.o Keepyouranswersshortandtothepoint.o Trynottoanticipatewhatyouwillbeasked.Listencarefullytothequestionand

thinkaboutyouranswerbeforebeginningtoansweraquestion.o Donotinterruptthepersonwhoisaskingthequestion.o Ifyoudonotunderstandorhearaquestion,askthatitberepeated.o Ifyoudonotknowtheanswertothequestion,youcansaythatyoudonotknowor

youcannotremember.

• IfyoudonotunderstandsomethingtheJudgehassaidorasked,sayso.TheJudgewillusuallyexplainwhathe/shecan.Remember,though,theJudgecannotandwillnotgiveyoulegaladvice.Ifyoustillhavetroubleunderstanding,theJudgewilllikelytellyoutocontactanattorney.


SUMMARY

TofilefordivorceinNorthCarolina:

1. Youandyourspousemustbeseparated(livingseparateandapart,whereatleastonepersonmeanttheseparationtobepermanent)foratleastone(1)yearandone(1)day.

2. OneorbothspouseshaveresidedinNorthCarolinaforthesix(6)monthsbeforeyoufilethelawsuitfordivorce.

3. FillouttheComplaintforAbsoluteDivorce,CivilSummons,andDomesticCivilActionCoverSheet.

4. TakewithyoutotheClerkofCourtforFiling:

a. ComplaintforAbsoluteDivorce–originalandtwo(2)copies

b. CivilSummons–original(onwhitepaper)andthree(3)copies(onyellowpaper)

c. DomesticCivilActionCoverSheet–originalandtwo(2)copies

d. $225.00(feesubjecttochange)filingfeeintheformofcash,moneyorder,cashier’scheck,orcreditcard/debitcard;personalchecksareNOTaccepted(orthePetitiontoProceedasanIndigentifyouaregoingtoasktheClerktowaivethefilingfee)

e. $30.00(feesubjecttochange)fortheSheriff’sservicefee(unlessyouaregoingtoservethepapersbycertifiedmail)

5. ServetheDefendantwiththedocuments.

6. Withinabouttwo(2)weeksafterfilingyourdocumentswiththeClerk,checkbackwiththeClerktodetermineiftheDefendanthasbeenserved.Ifyouservedyourspousebycertifiedmail,thedateofservicewillbeonthereturnreceiptcard(“greencard”).Ifservedbycertifiedmail,don’tforgettocompleteandfileyourAffidavitofServicewiththeClerk.ThisistheproofofserviceofthepapersthatmustbeintheCourtfile.

7. Thirty(30)daysaftertheDefendanthasbeenserved,getacourtdatefromtheClerkofCourt’soffice.Or,iftheDefendantfilesaWaiverandAnswer,youmaygetacourtdatefromtheClerkwhentheDefendantfilestheWaiverandAnswer.

8. CompleteaNoticeofHearingform,filingtheoriginalwiththeClerkandservingacopyontheDefendant(whichcanbedonebyregularmail).MailtheNoticeofHearingatleastten(10)daysbeforethehearing.

9. Preparethree(3)copiesofaproposedJudgmentofAbsoluteDivorcethatyouwillhandtotheJudgeatyourhearingforentryifitisapproved.

10. KeepacopyofeverythingyoufilewiththeClerkofCourtandsend/serveontheDefendant.


REQUIREMENTS CHECKLIST

Document NotaryRequired?

CopiesNeeded

ImportantInformation FilewiththeClerkofCourt?

ComplaintforAbsoluteDivorce

YES Original+2copies

Filebeforeservingonotherparty

YES

DomesticCivilActionCoverSheet

NO Original+2copies

TobefiledwiththeSummonsandComplaint

YES

CivilSummons NO Original+3copies

FilewithCoverSheetandComplaint

YES

ServicemembersCivilReliefActAffidavit


TobefiledwiththeSummonsandComplaint

YES

AffidavitofCertificateofServicebyRegisteredorCertifiedMail


UseONLYIFyoucompletedserviceofprocessthroughregisteredmail;submitwiththe“greencard”attachedonaseparatesheetofpaper

YES


NO Original+2copies

PreparebeforeyourhearingtopresenttotheJudge

YES(onlyafteryourhearingandJudgehassignedit)

PetitiontoProceedasanIndigent(thisformisoptionalifyoufeelyoucannotaffordthefilingfee)


Completethisformtoapplyforthefilingfeetobewaived.FileatthesametimeastheComplaint,CoverSheet,andCivilSummons

YES


GLOSSARY OF LEGAL TERMS

AbsoluteDivorce Acourtorderdissolvingamarriagerelationship.

Affidavit Awrittenstatementoffacts,madevoluntarilyunderoathbeforeapersonhavingauthoritytoadministersuchoathoraffirmationsuchasaNotaryPublic.

Alimony Moneypaidtoaspouseorex-spouseforhisorhersupport.

Answer ThewrittenresponsetoaComplaint,PetitionorMotion.

CalendarDate Dateofcourthearing.

CertifiedMail Formofmailsimilartoregisteredmailbywhichsendermayrequireareturnreceiptwhentherecipienthasreceivedthedocument.

Child Thechildofaparent,includingbiologicalchildren,adoptedchildren,illegitimatechildren,andstep-children.

CivilSummons Documentusedtonotifythedefendantthat(1)acasehasbeenstartedagainsthim/her;and(2)thathe/sheistoanswerthelawsuit.

ClerkofCourt Filesyourcourtpapersandkeepstheofficialrecordsofyourcase.Theclerkcannotgiveyoulegaladvice,butcanhelpexplainthesystemandtheprocedurestobefollowed.Theclerkalsohasthepowertoacceptorrejectyourpapers.


Awrittenrequestforthejudgetograntyouanabsolutedivorce.Thisdocumentstartsyourcase.

CourtDate ThedatethatyoureceivefromtheClerk'soffice.Thisisthedayyourcasewillbeheardandyourdivorceeithergrantedordenied.

CrossExamination Questionsyoucanaskthedefendantandhe/shecanaskyou.

Default Aparty'sfailuretoansweraComplaint,Motion,orPetition.

Defendant ThepersonwhoreceivestheComplaintforAbsoluteDivorce.

DirectExamination Thetestimonyyougive,orthequestionswhichyouaskofyourwitnessesinordertohavethemtelltheirstory.

Divorce SeeAbsoluteDivorce,above.


DomesticCivilActionCoverSheet

Aformthattellsthecourtwhatkindofcaseyouarefiling.

DomesticViolence Anyactoractsbyyourspouseoramemberofyourhouseholdthatcaused(ortriedtocause)injury,orbehaviorthatputyouinfearofinjuryorharassment.

EquitableDistribution

Thedivisionofmaritalpropertyordebtacquiredbyhusbandand/orwifeduringthemarriage.Themaritalpropertymusthavebeenacquiredduringthemarriageandcanbeinthehusband'sname,thewife'sname,orinbothnames.

Evidence Testimonyofwitnessesanddocumentswhicharepresentedtothecourtandconsideredbythecourtinmakingadecision.

Fees Therearefeesinvolvedwhenyoufilealawsuitwiththecourt.ThesefeesarepayabletotheClerkofSuperiorCourtandaresubjecttochangefromtimetotime.YoushouldcontacttheClerkofCourttodeterminetheappropriatefilingfees.

FileNumber Identificationnumbergiventoyourcase.

Filing ProvidingtheClerkofCourtwiththepapersforyourcourtfile.

Grounds Yourreasonsforfilingthecomplaint.

Hearing Trialinfrontofthejudge.

Judge Thelegalofficialwhohasthepowertodecidewhetheryoureceiveadivorce.

Judgment Thejudge'sdecision.

Notarize ToacknowledgeormakelegallyauthenticbyaNotaryPublic.

NotaryPublic Apersonwhoisauthorizedbythestateorfederalgovernmenttoadministeroaths,andtoattesttotheauthenticityofsignatures.

NoticeofHearing Documentthatnotifiesthedefendantandthecourtofyourhearingdate.

Motion Arequesttothecourt,typicallywrittenandfiledwiththecourt.

Parties Inanycourtcasetherearetwoopposingparties:theplaintiff(you)becauseyoustartedthecase,andthedefendant.


Perjury Tellingaliewhenyouareunderoathinacourtroomoronanaffidavit.Perjuryisacrime.

PetitiontoProceedasanIndigent

Formyoumustcompleteandfileifyoucannotaffordtopaythefilingfeesandothercostsassociatedwiththedivorcesuit.

PostseparationSupport

Moneypaidtoaspouseforaspecificperiodoftime,usuallytemporary,untilthecourtordersordeniesanawardofalimony

Property Anythingownedbyaperson,canincludepersonalproperty(personalbelongingssuchasfurniture,clothing,tools,cars,trailer),realproperty(landorotherrealestate),andintangibleproperty(financialassets,suchasbankaccounts,retirementaccounts,andlifeinsurance

ProSe Alsocalledself-representation.Yourcaseisaprosecaseifyoudonothaveanattorneyrepresentingyou.Youarerepresentingyourself,actingasyourownlawyerincourt.Youspeakandactonyourownbehalf.

SeparationofSpouses

Theendofcohabitation(livingtogether)ofhusbandandwifebymutualagreement,orunderacourtdecree.ThisisastatutoryrequirementforadivorceinNorthCarolina.

Serve/Service Tonotifysomeoneofsomething,orprovidingacopyofthepapersbeingfiledtotheotherside.Youcanservesomeonethroughthesheriff,certifiedmail,orbypublication.

Statutes LawsorrulescreatedbythelegislatureinNorthCarolina.

Subpoena Aformissuedbythecourtrequiringsomeonetoappearincourtand/orbringdocuments.

Testimony Factsgivenbyacompetentwitnessunderoathoraffirmation.

TrueCopy AcopyofadocumentthatissignedandcertifiedbytheClerkofCourtasanofficialcopy.

Verify Toconfirmorsubstantiatebyoathoraffidavit.


NEED MORE INFORMATION?

LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE

Ifyouwanttoconsultalawyeratanypointintheprocess,youmayfindithelpfultousetheNorthCarolinaBarAssociation’sLawyerReferralService.Thisservicematchesmembersofthepublicwithattorneyswhoagreetoofferaone-time,30-minuteconsultationfor$50(feesubjecttochange).TheLawyerReferralServiceisavailableat1-800-662-7660orwww.NCFindALawyer.org.

Remember,youshouldtalkwithalawyerifyouhavequestionsabouttheinformationinthispacket.

LEGAL AID OF NORTH CAROLINA DIVORCE CLINICS

LegalAidofNorthCarolina,anot-for-profitlawfirm,offersfreeclinicswithinformationabouthowtogetasimpledivorce.Ifyouwishtofindoutaboutdatesandlocationsoftheseclinics,youcangoonlineatwww.legalaidnc.org/get-help/self-help-clinics/simple-divorce,orcalltheirHelplineat1-866-219-5262.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE

IfyouhaveexperiencedDomesticViolenceinyourmarriage(seedefinitiononpage21),youmayfindithelpfultospeakwithaDomesticViolenceAdvocacyagencybeforeorwhileyouareintheprocessofobtainingaDivorce.YoucanfindtheDomesticViolenceServiceProviderinyourcountyatnccadv.org/get-helporbycallingtheNationalDomesticViolenceHotlineat1-800-799-7233.

NORTH CAROLINA COURT SYSTEM

TheNorthCarolinaCourtSystemhasahelpfulwebsite(nccourts.gov),whereyoucanfindmanyoftheformsincludedinthispacketaswellasaddressesandphonenumbersforeachcounty’sclerk’soffice.


FORMS YOU WILL NEED

FormsincludedinthissectionwillbeneededoverthecourseoffilingforanAbsoluteDivorce.Pleaseremembertokeepatleastonecopyofalltheformsyoufileforyourownrecords.

Formsincludedinthissection:


Verification

Domestic CivilActionCoverSheet

CivilSummons

ServicemembersCivilReliefAct

NoticeofHearing


CertificateofService

CertificateofAbsoluteDivorceorAnnulment


STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

COUNTY OF

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE

CIVIL DISTRICT DIVISION --------

FILE NO. __ - CVD

(Type or print your name here)

Plaintiff

Vs. COMPLAINT FOR

ABSOLUTE DIVORCE

(Type or print your spouse's name here)

Defendant

The Plaintiff, complaining of the Defendant, alleges and says:

1. Plaintiff is a citizen and resident of---------------

(insert county and state here)

2. Plaintiff has been a resident at the above location since

(list length of residency)

3. The Defendant is a citizen of-----------------

(insert county and state here)

4. The Defendant has been a resident at the above location since

(list length of residency)

5. The Plaintiff and Defendant were married on-----------

(insert date of marriage)

6. The parties separated on or about ______________ _(insert day, month, and year of separation)

7. The parties have lived continuously separate and apart for at least one (1) yearprior to the filing of this complaint.

8. The Plaintiff intended for the separation to be permanent.

9. That there were (check and complete appropriate information about any MINOR children(children who are now under the age of 18):

D There are no minor children who were born of the marriage of the parties. D __ (number of minor child(ren) who were born to the marriage/parties, namely:

COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING ONLY IF THERE ARE MINOR CHILDREN

Full Name of Child Date of Birth Full Name of Child Date of Birth

Full Name of Child Date of Birth Full Name of Child Date of Birth


STATE OF ------------

VERIFICATION

COUNTY OF ________ _

I, _____________ being duly sworn, deposes and says that s/he is the Plaintiff in the above entitled action, that s/he has read the foregoing Complaint and knows the contents thereof. That the same is true of his/her own knowledge except as to those matters and things stated upon information and belief, and as to those things, he/she believes them to be true.

(Sign in the presence of a Notary Public)

Sworn to and subscribed before me this the ___ day of _______ � 20 _

Notary Public

(Printed Name of Notary Public)

My Commission Expires:


jared

Cross-Out

This Page Intentionally Left Blank to Preserve Proper Form Printing Layout.


STATE OF NORTH CAROLINAFile No.

Name And Address Of Plaintiff 1

Amended Answer/Reply (AMND-Response) Amended Complaint (AMND) Answer/Reply (ANSW-Response) Complaint (COMP) Confession Of Judgment (CNFJ) Contempt (CNTP) Continue (CNTN) Compel (CMPL) Counterclaim vs. (CTCL) Assess Counterclaim Costs Extend Time For An Answer (MEOT-Response) Modification Of Alimony (MALI) Modification Of Custody (MCUS) Modification Of Support in non-IV-D cases (MSUP) Modification Of Visitation (MVIS) Rule 12 Motion In Lieu Of Answer (MDLA) Sanctions (SANC) Show Cause (SHOW) Transfer (TRFR) Vacate/Modify Judgment or Order (VCMD) Other (OTHR):

Jury Demanded In Pleading? No Yes

Summons Submitted

DOMESTICCIVIL ACTION COVER SHEET

All filings in civil actions shall include as the first page of the filing a cover sheet summarizing the critical elements of the filing in a format prescribed by the Administrative Office of the Courts and the Clerk of Superior Court shall require a party to refile a filing which does not include the required cover sheet. For subsequent filings in civil actions, the filing party must include a Domestic (AOC-CV-750), Motions (AOC-CV-752), or Court Action (AOC-CV-753) cover sheet.

Alimony (ALIM) Annulment (ANUL) Child Support (CSUP) Custody (CUST) Divorce (DIVR) Divorce From Bed And Board (DIVB) Domestic Violence (DOME) Equitable Distribution (EQUD) Medical Coverage (MEDC) Paternity (PATR) Possession Of Personal Property (POPP) Post Separation Support (PSSU) Reimbursement For Public Assistance (RPPA) Visitation (VIST) Other: (specify and list separately)

Telephone No. Cellular Telephone No.

Name Of Firm

NC Attorney Bar No.

Change of Address Initial Appearance in Case

Name And Address Of Attorney Or Party, If Not Represented (complete for initial appearance or change of address)

FAX No.

Attorney E-Mail Address

AOC-CV-750, Rev. 1/14 © 2014 Administrative Office of the Courts

In The General Court Of JusticeDistrict Court DivisionCounty

Rule 5(b), Rules of Practice For Superior and District Courts

INITIAL FILING SUBSEQUENT FILINGName And Address Of Plaintiff 2

Name Of Defendant 1

Yes NoName Of Defendant 2

Summons Submitted Yes NoCounsel for

All Plaintiffs Only (List party(ies) represented) All Defendants

(check all that apply)CLAIMS FOR RELIEFTYPE OF PLEADING

(check all that apply)

Date Signature Of Attorney/Party

NOTE:

VERSUS



County

File No.

Name Of Plaintiff

City, State, Zip

Address

Name Of Defendant(s)

Name And Address Of Defendant 1 Name And Address Of Defendant 2

Date(s) Subsequent Summons(es) Issued

Date Original Summons Issued

In The General Court Of Justice District Superior Court Division

CIVIL SUMMONS ALIAS AND PLURIES SUMMONS (ASSESS FEE)

G.S. 1A-1, Rules 3 and 4

To Each Of The Defendant(s) Named Below:

VERSUS

IMPORTANT! You have been sued! These papers are legal documents, DO NOT throw these papers out! You have to respond within 30 days. You may want to talk with a lawyer about your case as soon as possible, and, if needed, speak with someone who reads English and can translate these papers!¡IMPORTANTE! ¡Se ha entablado un proceso civil en su contra! Estos papeles son documentos legales. ¡NO TIRE estos papeles! Tiene que contestar a más tardar en 30 días. ¡Puede querer consultar con un abogado lo antes posible acerca de su caso y, de ser necesario, hablar con alguien que lea inglés y que pueda traducir estos documentos!

A Civil Action Has Been Commenced Against You!You are notified to appear and answer the complaint of the plaintiff as follows:

1. Serve a copy of your written answer to the complaint upon the plaintiff or plaintiff’s attorney within thirty (30) days after you have beenserved. You may serve your answer by delivering a copy to the plaintiff or by mailing it to the plaintiff’s last known address, and

2. File the original of the written answer with the Clerk of Superior Court of the county named above.

If you fail to answer the complaint, the plaintiff will apply to the Court for the relief demanded in the complaint.

NOTE TO PARTIES: Many counties have MANDATORY ARBITRATION programs in which most cases where the amount in controversy is $25,000 or less are heard by an arbitrator before a trial. The parties will be notified if this case is assigned for mandatory arbitration, and, if so, what procedure is to be followed.

(Over)

Name And Address Of Plaintiff’s Attorney (if none, Address Of Plaintiff) Date Issued

Date Of Endorsement

Signature

Signature

Time

Time

Deputy CSC Assistant CSC Clerk Of Superior Court

Deputy CSC Assistant CSC Clerk Of Superior Court

ENDORSEMENT (ASSESS FEE) This Summons was originally issued on the date indicated above and returned not served. At the request of the plaintiff, the time within which this Summons must be served is extended sixty (60) days.

AM PM

AM PM

AOC-CV-100, Rev. 4/18© 2018 Administrative Office of the Courts of 51

North Carolina Divorce Packet - September 2019

RETURN OF SERVICE

I certify that this Summons and a copy of the complaint were received and served as follows:

DEFENDANT 1Date Served Name Of DefendantTime Served

By delivering to the defendant named above a copy of the summons and complaint.

By leaving a copy of the summons and complaint at the dwelling house or usual place of abode of the defendant named above with a person of suitable age and discretion then residing therein.

As the defendant is a corporation, service was effected by delivering a copy of the summons and complaint to the person named below.

Other manner of service (specify)

Defendant WAS NOT served for the following reason:

Name And Address Of Person With Whom Copies Left (if corporation, give title of person copies left with)

By delivering to the defendant named above a copy of the summons and complaint.

By leaving a copy of the summons and complaint at the dwelling house or usual place of abode of the defendant named above with a person of suitable age and discretion then residing therein.

As the defendant is a corporation, service was effected by delivering a copy of the summons and complaint to the person named below.

Other manner of service (specify)

Defendant WAS NOT served for the following reason:

Name And Address Of Person With Whom Copies Left (if corporation, give title of person copies left with)

AM PM

DEFENDANT 2Date Served Name Of DefendantTime Served

AM PM

Service Fee Paid

Date Received

Date Of Return County Of Sheriff

Name Of Sheriff (type or print)

Signature Of Deputy Sheriff Making Return

$

AOC-CV-100, Side Two, Rev. 4/18© 2018 Administrative Office of the Courts of 51


File No.

Name And Address Of Plaintiff

Name And Address Of Defendant

50 U.S.C. 3901 to 4043

I, the undersigned Affiant, under penalty of perjury declare the following to be true:1. As of the current date: (check one of the following)

a. I have personal knowledge that the defendant named above is in military service.*b. I have personal knowledge that the defendant named above is not in military service.*c. I am unable to determine whether the defendant named above is in military service.*

2. (check one of the following)a. I used the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Website (https://scra.dmdc.osd.mil/) to determine the defendant’s military status.

The results from my use of that website are attached. (NOTE: The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Website is a website maintained by the Department of Defense (DoD). If DoD security certificates are not installed on your computer, you may experience security alerts from your internet browser when you attempt to access the website. DoD security certificates were automatically added to the computers of all Judicial Branch users, such that these users should not expect security alerts to appear with this website after July of 2015. As of June 22, 2016, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Website includes the following advice: “Most web browsers don’t come with the DoD certificates already installed. The best and most secure solution is for the user to install all of the DoD’s public certificates in their web browser.”)

b. I have not used the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Website and the following facts support my statement as to thedefendant’s military service: (State how you know the defendant is not in the military. Be specific.)

VERSUS


County In The General Court Of Justice

(Over)

SERVICEMEMBERS CIVIL RELIEF ACT AFFIDAVIT

AFFIDAVITNOTE: Though this form may be used in a Chapter 45 Foreclosure action, it is not a substitute for the certification that may be required by G.S. 45-21.12A.

NOTE TO COURT: Do not proceed to enter judgment in a non-criminal case in which the defendant has not made an appearance until a Servicemembers Civil Relief Act affidavit (whether on this form or not) has been filed, and if it appears that the defendant is in military service, do not proceed to enter judgment until such time that you have appointed an attorney to represent him or her.

*NOTE: The term “military service” includes the following: active duty service as a member of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, orCoast Guard; service as a member of the National Guard under a call to active service authorized by the President or the Secretary of Defense for a period of more than 30 consecutive days for purposes of responding to a national emergency; active service as a commissioned officer of the Public Health Service or of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; any period of service during which a servicemember is absent from duty on account of sickness, wounds, leave, or other lawful cause. 50 U.S.C. 3911(2).

Name Of Affiant (type or print)

Signature Of Affiant

Date

Date

Signature Of Person Authorized To Administer Oaths

SWORN/AFFIRMED AND SUBSCRIBED TO BEFORE ME

Date My Commission Expires Notary

Deputy CSC Assistant CSC Clerk Of Superior Court Magistrate

SEAL

AOC-G-250, Rev. 2/18© 2018 Administrative Office of the Courts of 51


Information About Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Affidavits

1. Plaintiff to file affidavit In any civil action or proceeding, including any child custody proceeding, in which the defendantdoes not make an appearance, the court, before entering judgment for the plaintiff, shall require theplaintiff to file with the court an affidavit—

(A) stating whether or not the defendant is in military service and showing necessary facts tosupport the affidavit; or

(B) if the plaintiff is unable to determine whether or not the defendant is in military service,stating that the plaintiff is unable to determine whether or not the defendant is in militaryservice.

50 U.S.C. 3931(b)(1).

2. Appointment of attorney to represent defendant in military service If in a civil action or proceeding in which the defendant does not make an appearance it appearsthat the defendant is in military service, the court may not enter a judgment until after the courtappoints an attorney to represent the defendant. If an attorney appointed to represent a servicemember cannot locate the service member, actions by the attorney in the case shall not waive anydefense of the service member or otherwise bind the service member. 50 U.S.C. 3931(b)(2).State funds are not available to pay attorneys appointed pursuant to the Servicemembers CivilRelief Act. To comply with the federal Violence Against Women Act and in consideration ofG.S. 50B-2(a), 50C-2(b), and 50D-2(b), plaintiffs in Chapter 50B, Chapter 50C, and Chapter50D proceedings should not be required to pay the costs of attorneys appointed pursuant to theServicemembers Civil Relief Act. Plaintiffs in other types of actions and proceedings may berequired to pay the costs of attorneys appointed pursuant to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.The allowance or disallowance of the ordering of costs will require a case-specific analysis.

3. Defendant’s military status not ascertained by affidavit If based upon the affidavits filed in such an action, the court is unable to determine whether thedefendant is in military service, the court, before entering judgment, may require the plaintiff to filea bond in an amount approved by the court. If the defendant is later found to be in military service,the bond shall be available to indemnify the defendant against any loss or damage the defendantmay suffer by reason of any judgment for the plaintiff against the defendant, should the judgment beset aside in whole or in part. The bond shall remain in effect until expiration of the time for appealand setting aside of a judgment under applicable Federal or State law or regulation or under anyapplicable ordinance of a political subdivision of a State. The court may issue such orders or entersuch judgments as the court determines necessary to protect the rights of the defendant under thisAct. 50 U.S.C. 3931(b)(3).

4. Satisfaction of requirement for affidavit The requirement for an affidavit above may be satisfied by a statement, declaration, verification, orcertificate, in writing, subscribed and certified or declared to be true under penalty of perjury.50 U.S.C. 3931(b)(4). The presiding judicial official will determine whether the submitted affidavit issufficient.

5. Penalty for making or using false affidavit A person who makes or uses an affidavit permitted under 50 U.S.C. 3931(b) (or a statement,declaration, verification, or certificate as authorized under 50 U.S.C. 3931(b)(4)) knowing it to befalse, shall be fined as provided in title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned for not more than oneyear, or both. 50 U.S.C. 3931(c).

AOC-G-250, Side Two, Rev. 2/18© 2018 Administrative Office of the Courts of 51



COUNTY OF ______ _

(Type or print your name here)

Plaintiff

Vs.

(Type or print your spouse's name here)

Defendant


CIVIL DISTRICT DIVISION

FILE NO. __ - CVD

JUDGMENT OF

ABSOLUTE DIVORCE

THIS CAUSE, coming on to be heard and being heard before the undersigned District Court Judge at the Civil Session of District Court of County, on Plaintiffs Complaint for an absolute divorce, and the Plaintiff, appearing pro se; the Defendant:

D Appearing in Court D Not appearing in Court D Represented by counsel, ____________ _ D Not represented by counsel

The Court having heard the evidence now finds the following:

FINDINGS OF FACT

1. Plaintiff is a citizen and resident of--------------

2. Defendant is a citizen and resident of-------------

3. That the __________ (Plaintiff/Defendant) has been a resident ofthe State of North Carolina for more than six (6) months preceding the commencement of this action.

4. The Defendant was properly served with a copy of the Summons and Complainton __________ (month/day/year) as required by Rule 4 of the North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure via:

D Sheriffs Service D Certified Mail, return receipt requested (affidavit in court file) D Other: __________ _

20


5. That the Plaintiff and Defendant were married to each other on or about_____________ and thereafter lived together as husband and wife until they separated on or about __________ _

6. Since their separation on or about --------� Plaintiff andDefendant have lived continuously separate and apart from each other and at no time have they resumed marital relations.

7. There are __ children born of the marriage.

8. There are no pending claims for alimony or equitable distribution of maritalproperty by either party, and Plaintiff understands he/she is forever discharging any claim against Defendant for alimony or equitable distribution or marital property by obtaining the divorce prayed for herein.

9. (If applicable, check box) D Plaintiffs maiden name is _________ and itis her desire to resume said name.

herein.

10. The parties hereto are properly before this Court.

Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact, the Court concludes as a matter of law:

CONCLUSIONS OF LAW

1. This Court has jurisdiction over the parties hereto and over the subject matter

2. Proper and sufficient service and notice was had on Defendant.

3. The Plaintiff is entitled to an absolute divorce on the grounds of one year'scontinuous separation.

Now therefore, it is hereby ORDERED, ADJUDGED and DECREED as follows:

A. Plaintiff, ---------� is hereby granted an absolute divorce fromDefendant, ____________ , based on one year's continuous separation and the bonds of matrimony heretofore existing between the Plaintiff and Defendant be and are hereby dissolved.

B. (Check if appropriate) D Plaintiff shall resume the use of her maiden name,

Entered in open Court in _______ County, North Carolina. This the_ day of

_____________ ,20_.

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE PRESIDING


CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I certify that a copy of this Judgment for Absolute Divorce has been served on thedefendant by forwarding a copy thereof by First Class Mail, Postage Prepaid, addressed as follows:

This the __ day of _______ _, 20 _

{signature of plainti.ff)


After printing form, please cut on dashed line to create a form with the dimensions of 8.5 inches by 7 inches.

N.C. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICESN.C. VITAL RECORDS

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINACERTIFICATE OF ABSOLUTE DIVORCE OR ANNULMENT

File Number: _____________________________ County: __________________________________

PLAINTIFF

q Husband/Spouse FIRST MIDDLE LAST

1. q Wife/Spouse

RESIDENCE – STATE2a.

COUNTY2b.

DEFENDANT

q Husband/Spouse FIRST MIDDLE LAST

3. q Wife/Spouse

RESIDENCE – STATE4a.

COUNTY4b.

MARRIAGEDATE OF THIS MARRIAGE 5.

PLACE OF THIS MARRIAGE 6.

NUMBER OF MINOR CHILDREN

7.

DATE OF SEPARATION

8.

CERTIFICATION

I hereby certify that the above information as abstracted from court documents is true and correct. The q divorce q annulment was rendered in the above

matter on the _________________________________________ day of __________________________Year_____________________________________.

______________________________________________ Signature __________________________________________________________________Date q Clerk of Superior Court q Assistant CSC q Deputy CSC

DHHS 2089 (Revised 11/18)N.C. Vital Records

Type

or p

rint i

n pe

rman

ent b

lack

ink.


FORMS YOU MIGHT NEED

FormsincludedinthissectionmightbeneededoverthecourseoffilingforanAbsoluteDivorce.Pleaseremembertokeepatleastonecopyofalltheformsyoufileforyourownrecords.

Formsincludedinthissection:

PetitiontoProceedasanIndigent

Civil AffidavitofIndigency

AffidavitofServiceofProcessbyRegisteredorCertifiedMail

AcceptanceofService

WaiverandAnswer


AFFIDAVIT

VERSUS

Name Of Plaintiff

Name Of Defendant

PETITION TO PROCEED AS AN INDIGENT

G.S. 1-110; 7A-228

(check one of the four boxes below) Petition To Assert Claims - As a party in the above entitled action, I affirm that I am financially unable to advance the required costs for the prosecution of the claims I have asserted. Therefore, I now petition the Court for an order allowing me to assert my claims as an indigent.

I am an inmate in the custody of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice. (NOTE TO CLERK: If this block is checked, this Petition must be submitted to a Superior Court Judge for disposition provided on the reverse.)

Petition To File Motions - As a party in the above entitled action, I affirm that I am financially unable to advance the required costs to file a notice of hearing on a motion. Therefore, I now petition the Court for an order allowing me to file my motion as an indigent.

Petition To Appeal - As the individual appellant in the above entitled small claims action, I affirm that I am financially unable to pay the cost for the appeal of this action from small claims to district court. Therefore, I now petition the Court for an order allowing me to appeal this action to district court as an indigent.

Petition To File Expunction Petition - As the petitioner in the above entitled action, I affirm that I am financially unable to advance the required costs to file an expunction petition. Therefore, I now petition the Court for an order allowing me to file my expunction petition as an indigent.

(check one or more of the boxes below as applicable) I am presently a recipient of

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/food stamps). Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

I am represented by a legal services organization that has as its primary purpose the furnishing of legal services to indigent persons, or I am represented by private counsel working on behalf of such a legal services organization. (Attach a letter from your legal services attorney or have your attorney sign the certificate below.)

Although I am not a recipient of SNAP/food stamps, TANF, or SSI, nor am I represented by legal services, I am financially unable to advance the costs of filing this action or appeal.

File No.STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

County In The General Court Of Justice District Superior Court Division

Name And Address Of Petitioner (type or print)

Date Commission Expires

Title Of Person Authorized To Administer Oaths

Date

Date Signature Of PetitionerSignature

SWORN/AFFIRMED AND SUBSCRIBED TO BEFORE ME

CERTIFICATE OF LEGAL SERVICES/PRO BONO REPRESENTATIONI certify that the above named petitioner is represented by a legal services organization that has as its primary purpose the furnishing of legal services to indigent persons or is represented by private counsel working on behalf of or under the auspices of such legal services organization.

Date Signature

Name And Address (type or print)

ORDERBased on the Affidavit appearing above, it is ORDERED that:

the petitioner is authorized to assert claims, to appeal, or file notices of hearing or petitions in this action as an indigent. the petition is denied.

NOTE TO CLERK: If the petitioner is NOT a recipient of SNAP/food stamps, TANF, SSI or is NOT represented by legal services or a private attorney on behalf of legal services, you may ask for additional financial information to determine whether the petitioner is unable to pay the costs.

SignatureDate Assistant CSC Clerk Of Superior Court Judge Magistrate (for appeal only)

SEAL

AOC-G-106, Rev. 2/18, © 2018 Administrative Office of the Courts(Over)


ORDER - DACJJ INMATES

CERTIFICATION

The undersigned superior court judge of this district finds that the petitioner is an inmate in the custody of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice and that the complaint

is not frivolous.is frivolous.

It is ORDERED that

the petitioner is authorized to sue in this action as an indigent.the petitioner is not authorized to sue as an indigent.the action is dismissed.

I certify that this Petition has been served on the party named by depositing a copy in a post-paid properly addressed envelope in a post office or official depository under the exclusive care and custody of the United States Postal Service.

Date Name Of Superior Court Judge (type or print) Signature Of Superior Court Judge

Date Signature Deputy CSC Assistant CSC Clerk Of Superior Court

NOTE: G.S. 1-110(b) provides: “The clerk of superior court shall serve a copy of the order of dismissal upon the prison inmate.”

AOC-G-106, Side Two, Rev. 2/18© 2018 Administrative Office of the Courts of 51


Total Monthly Income

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINAFile No.

$ $

$

Car Expenses(gas, insurance, etc.)

Shelter

Other: (specify)

Food (including Food Stamps)

Utilities(power, water, heating, phone, cable, etc.)

Health Care

Installment Payments

Support Payments

$

$

Total Monthly Expenses$

Full Social Security No.

(Fair Market Value)

(Fair Market Value)

$

$

$(Fair Market Value)

(Balance Due)

Total Assets And Liabilities

Money Owed To Or Held For Applicant

(Over)

Number Of Dependents

Personal Property

Real Estate

Motor Vehicles (List Make, Model, Year)

Cash On Hand And In Bank Accounts(List Name Of Bank & Account No.)

DESCRIPTION OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

(Balance Due)

(Balance Due)

ASSETS(things you own)

LIABILITIES(amounts you owe)

$

$

$

$Vehicle Other

$

$

Name And Address Of Applicant's Employer (If not employed, state reason; if self-employed, state trade)

Employment - Applicant

Other Income (Welfare, Food Stamps, S/S, Pensions, etc.)

Employment - Spouse

Buying Renting

Name And Address Of Spouse's Employer

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

MONTHLY EXPENSES (money you pay out)

Last Income Tax Filed 20

Other Debts

Other

Bond Type

AOC-CV-226, Rev. 10/13© 2013 Administrative Office of the Courts

By Whom Posted

$

$

$

Has No Social Security No.--

Plaintiff Defendant

MONTHLY INCOME (money you make)

Refund Owe $

$

Amount

NOTE: Read the notice on the reverse side before completing this form.

(TYPE OR PRINT IN BLACK INK)

CountyName Of Applicant

CIVIL AFFIDAVIT OF INDIGENCY

G.S. 7A-450 et seq.

Date Of BirthTelephone Number Of Applicant

Full Permanent Mailing Address Of Applicant (If Different Than Above)

$

$

In The General Court Of JusticeDistrict Superior Court Division

Street Number And Street Name, Including Apartment Or Unit Number If Applicable

City, State And Zip Code


County Where Notarized

Deputy CSC Assistant CSC Clerk Of Superior Court Magistrate

Notary

SEAL

SWORN/AFFIRMED AND SUBSCRIBED TO BEFORE MEDate

Plaintiff

The information you provide may be verified, and your signature below will serve as a release permitting theinterviewer to contact your creditors, employers, family members, and others concerning your eligibility for an indigency designation. A false or dishonest answer concerning your financial status could lead to prosecution for perjury. See G.S. 7A-456(a) ("A false material statement made by a person under oath or affirmation in regard to thequestion of his indigency constitutes a Class I felony.").

3.

Signature Signature Of Applicant

Date

Name Of Applicant (Type Or Print)

Date My Commission Expires

Governmental Agencies Or Other Entities Authorized To Be Contacted And/Or To Release Information

Under penalty of perjury, I declare that the information provided on this form is true and correct to the best of my knowledge, and that I am financially unable to pay all or part of the arbitration fees prior to the arbitration. I now request that I bedesignated indigent or partially indigent. I authorize the Court to contact my creditors, employers, or family members, anygovernment agencies or any other entities listed below concerning my eligibility for such designation.

AOC-CV-226, Side Two, Rev. 10/13© 2013 Administrative Office of the Courts

NOTICE TO PERSONS REQUESTING INDIGENCY OR PARTIAL INDIGENCY DESIGNATION

When answering the questions on the Affidavit Of Indigency (reverse side of this form), please do not discuss your case with the interviewer. The interviewer can be called as a witness to testify about any statements made in his/her presence. Do not ask the interviewer for any advice or opinion concerning your case.

1.

A designation of indigency relieves your obligation to pay all of the arbitration fee. A designation of partial indigency requires you to pay your appropriate percentage of your pro rata share of the arbitration fee prior to arbitration. Failure to pay the arbitration fee willresult in the entry of a civil judgment against you, which will accrue interest at the legal rateset out in G.S. 24-1 from the date of the entry of judgment. Your North Carolina Tax Refundand/or North Carolina Lottery winnings may be taken.

2.

I further authorize my creditors, employers, or family members, any governmental agencies or any other entities listedbelow to release financial information concerning my eligibility for such designation upon request of the Court.

Defendant


STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF

--------

(Type or print Plaintiff's name)

Plaintiff

Vs.

(Type or print Defendant's name)

Defendant

IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION

FILE NO -CVD-

AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE OF

PROCESS BY

CERTIFIED MAIL

I, ___________ _, did mail by O registered O certified mail, returnreceipt requested, a copy of in this case to:

Name: Address:

Further, that a copy of _____________ was in fact received by the above-named individual as evidenced by the attached receipt.

IN WITNESS whereof, I have unto set my hand this the_ day of ____ _ __ _,20_

(Signature of Movant - Sign in Presence of Notary)

Sworn and subscribed to me this the ___ day of __________ � 20_

Notary Public

Printed Name: -----------

My Commission Expires: ______ _


NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE COUNTY OF ____________ DISTRICT COURT DIVISION FILE NO: ___ CVD ___________ ______________________________ ) Plaintiff, ) ) vs. ) ACCEPTANCE OF SERVICE ) ______________________________, ) Defendant. ) I, _____________________________________________, the Defendant herein, on this date do hereby willingly and voluntarily accept service of the Summons and Complaint in the above captioned action and hereby submit to the jurisdiction of the North Carolina General Court of Justice for all purposes. This the ______ day of _______________________________________, 20____. _______________________________________ Signature of Defendant Sworn to and subscribed before me, This the _____ day of _____________________, 20____. _______________________________________________ Notary Public _______________________________________________ (Printed Name of Notary Public) My Commission Expires: ___________________________



COUNTY OF _______ _

Plaintiff

Vs.

Defendant


CIVIL DISTRICT DIVISION

FILE NO. �--C=V--'-D=--

- __

WAIVER AND ANSWER

NOW COMES the Defendant, waiving notice and answering the allegations contained in

Plaintiffs Complaint and says as follows:

1. The Defendant admits the allegations contained in the Plaintiffs Complaint.

2. The Defendant waives any further notice in this matter, and waives the right to ahearing.

WHEREFORE, the Defendant requests that the Court grant the Plaintiff an absolute

divorce.

This the __ day of _______ _, 20

Defendant

Sworn to and subscribed before me this the ____day of _______, 20__.

Notary Public

(Printed name of Notary Public)

My Commission Expires:
