Legal Services Costs in North Carolina
Verified cost ranges across cities in North Carolina
Legal Services Cost Comparison — North Carolina
Compare verified cost ranges across cities in North Carolina
Cost Comparison — Contested Divorce
Low
$1,150
Typical
$2,819
High
$4,488
Low
$1,097
Typical
$2,689
High
$4,282
Low
$1,151
Typical
$2,822
High
$4,493
Low
$1,193
Typical
$2,924
High
$4,655
Low
$1,161
Typical
$2,846
High
$4,532
Low
$1,098
Typical
$2,691
High
$4,284
Low
$1,107
Typical
$2,715
High
$4,323
Low
$1,171
Typical
$2,870
High
$4,569
Low
$1,055
Typical
$2,587
High
$4,119
Low
$1,107
Typical
$2,715
High
$4,323
Low
$1,055
Typical
$2,586
High
$4,118
Low
$1,164
Typical
$2,853
High
$4,542
Low
$1,073
Typical
$2,630
High
$4,187
Low
$1,050
Typical
$2,573
High
$4,097
Low
$1,111
Typical
$2,725
High
$4,338
Low
$1,098
Typical
$2,692
High
$4,286
Cost Comparison — Child Custody Agreement
Low
$2,114
Typical
$3,783
High
$5,453
Low
$2,017
Typical
$3,609
High
$5,201
Low
$2,116
Typical
$3,787
High
$5,458
Low
$2,193
Typical
$3,924
High
$5,655
Low
$2,134
Typical
$3,820
High
$5,505
Low
$2,018
Typical
$3,611
High
$5,205
Low
$2,036
Typical
$3,644
High
$5,251
Low
$2,152
Typical
$3,852
High
$5,551
Low
$1,940
Typical
$3,472
High
$5,004
Low
$2,036
Typical
$3,644
High
$5,251
Low
$1,939
Typical
$3,471
High
$5,002
Low
$2,139
Typical
$3,828
High
$5,518
Low
$1,972
Typical
$3,529
High
$5,086
Low
$1,930
Typical
$3,453
High
$4,977
Low
$2,043
Typical
$3,657
High
$5,270
Low
$2,019
Typical
$3,613
High
$5,207
Cost Comparison — Child Support Order
Low
$803
Typical
$2,472
High
$4,141
Low
$766
Typical
$2,358
High
$3,951
Low
$803
Typical
$2,474
High
$4,145
Low
$833
Typical
$2,564
High
$4,295
Low
$810
Typical
$2,496
High
$4,181
Low
$766
Typical
$2,360
High
$3,953
Low
$773
Typical
$2,381
High
$3,988
Low
$737
Typical
$2,269
High
$3,801
Low
$773
Typical
$2,381
High
$3,988
Low
$736
Typical
$2,268
High
$3,799
Low
$812
Typical
$2,501
High
$4,191
Low
$749
Typical
$2,306
High
$3,863
Low
$733
Typical
$2,256
High
$3,780
Low
$817
Typical
$2,517
High
$4,216
Low
$776
Typical
$2,389
High
$4,003
Low
$767
Typical
$2,361
High
$3,955
Cost Comparison — Prenuptial Agreement
Low
$692
Typical
$14,402
High
$28,111
Low
$660
Typical
$13,738
High
$26,817
Low
$692
Typical
$14,415
High
$28,137
Low
$718
Typical
$14,936
High
$29,155
Low
$698
Typical
$14,540
High
$28,382
Low
$660
Typical
$13,747
High
$26,834
Low
$666
Typical
$13,870
High
$27,073
Low
$635
Typical
$13,217
High
$25,799
Low
$666
Typical
$13,870
High
$27,073
Low
$635
Typical
$13,213
High
$25,791
Low
$700
Typical
$14,573
High
$28,447
Low
$645
Typical
$13,434
High
$26,222
Low
$631
Typical
$13,145
High
$25,659
Low
$704
Typical
$14,661
High
$28,619
Low
$669
Typical
$13,921
High
$27,172
Low
$661
Typical
$13,753
High
$26,846
Cost Comparison — DUI/DWI Defense
Low
$642
Typical
$1,777
High
$2,912
Low
$612
Typical
$1,695
High
$2,778
Low
$642
Typical
$1,778
High
$2,915
Low
$666
Typical
$1,843
High
$3,020
Low
$618
Typical
$1,711
High
$2,804
Low
$648
Typical
$1,794
High
$2,940
Low
$613
Typical
$1,696
High
$2,780
Low
$589
Typical
$1,631
High
$2,672
Low
$618
Typical
$1,711
High
$2,804
Low
$589
Typical
$1,630
High
$2,671
Low
$649
Typical
$1,798
High
$2,947
Low
$599
Typical
$1,657
High
$2,716
Low
$586
Typical
$1,622
High
$2,658
Low
$653
Typical
$1,809
High
$2,964
Low
$620
Typical
$1,717
High
$2,815
Low
$613
Typical
$1,697
High
$2,781
Cost Comparison — Misdemeanor Defense
Low
$642
Typical
$1,777
High
$2,912
Low
$612
Typical
$1,695
High
$2,778
Low
$642
Typical
$1,778
High
$2,915
Low
$666
Typical
$1,843
High
$3,020
Low
$648
Typical
$1,794
High
$2,940
Low
$613
Typical
$1,696
High
$2,780
Low
$618
Typical
$1,711
High
$2,804
Low
$589
Typical
$1,631
High
$2,672
Low
$618
Typical
$1,711
High
$2,804
Low
$589
Typical
$1,630
High
$2,671
Low
$649
Typical
$1,798
High
$2,947
Low
$599
Typical
$1,657
High
$2,716
Low
$586
Typical
$1,622
High
$2,658
Low
$653
Typical
$1,809
High
$2,964
Low
$620
Typical
$1,717
High
$2,815
Low
$613
Typical
$1,697
High
$2,781
Cost Comparison — Felony Defense
Low
$642
Typical
$1,777
High
$2,912
Low
$612
Typical
$1,695
High
$2,778
Low
$642
Typical
$1,778
High
$2,915
Low
$666
Typical
$1,843
High
$3,020
Low
$648
Typical
$1,794
High
$2,940
Low
$613
Typical
$1,696
High
$2,780
Low
$618
Typical
$1,711
High
$2,804
Low
$589
Typical
$1,631
High
$2,672
Low
$618
Typical
$1,711
High
$2,804
Low
$589
Typical
$1,630
High
$2,671
Low
$649
Typical
$1,798
High
$2,947
Low
$599
Typical
$1,657
High
$2,716
Low
$586
Typical
$1,622
High
$2,658
Low
$653
Typical
$1,809
High
$2,964
Low
$620
Typical
$1,717
High
$2,815
Low
$613
Typical
$1,697
High
$2,781
Cost Comparison — Criminal Record Expungement
Low
$593
Typical
$1,729
High
$2,864
Low
$566
Typical
$1,649
High
$2,732
Low
$594
Typical
$1,730
High
$2,866
Low
$616
Typical
$1,793
High
$2,970
Low
$599
Typical
$1,745
High
$2,891
Low
$567
Typical
$1,650
High
$2,734
Low
$572
Typical
$1,665
High
$2,758
Low
$545
Typical
$1,586
High
$2,628
Low
$572
Typical
$1,665
High
$2,758
Low
$544
Typical
$1,586
High
$2,627
Low
$601
Typical
$1,749
High
$2,898
Low
$554
Typical
$1,612
High
$2,671
Low
$542
Typical
$1,578
High
$2,614
Low
$604
Typical
$1,760
High
$2,915
Low
$574
Typical
$1,671
High
$2,768
Low
$567
Typical
$1,651
High
$2,735
Cost Comparison — Landlord-Tenant Dispute
Low
$291
Typical
$3,706
High
$7,121
Low
$278
Typical
$3,535
High
$6,793
Low
$291
Typical
$3,709
High
$7,127
Low
$302
Typical
$3,844
High
$7,385
Low
$280
Typical
$3,569
High
$6,858
Low
$294
Typical
$3,742
High
$7,189
Low
$278
Typical
$3,538
High
$6,797
Low
$267
Typical
$3,401
High
$6,535
Low
$280
Typical
$3,569
High
$6,858
Low
$267
Typical
$3,400
High
$6,533
Low
$295
Typical
$3,750
High
$7,206
Low
$272
Typical
$3,457
High
$6,642
Low
$266
Typical
$3,383
High
$6,500
Low
$296
Typical
$3,773
High
$7,249
Low
$281
Typical
$3,582
High
$6,883
Low
$278
Typical
$3,539
High
$6,800
Cost Comparison — Simple Will Drafting
Low
$291
Typical
$97,100
High
$193,908
Low
$278
Typical
$92,628
High
$184,979
Low
$291
Typical
$97,190
High
$194,089
Low
$302
Typical
$100,705
High
$201,108
Low
$294
Typical
$98,036
High
$195,779
Low
$278
Typical
$92,689
High
$185,100
Low
$280
Typical
$93,515
High
$186,749
Low
$267
Typical
$89,114
High
$177,960
Low
$280
Typical
$93,515
High
$186,749
Low
$267
Typical
$89,084
High
$177,900
Low
$295
Typical
$98,258
High
$196,221
Low
$272
Typical
$90,574
High
$180,877
Low
$266
Typical
$88,630
High
$176,995
Low
$296
Typical
$98,852
High
$197,408
Low
$281
Typical
$93,857
High
$187,433
Low
$278
Typical
$92,729
High
$185,180
Cost Comparison — Revocable Living Trust
Low
$332
Typical
$27,698
High
$55,064
Low
$317
Typical
$26,422
High
$52,528
Low
$332
Typical
$27,724
High
$55,115
Low
$345
Typical
$28,726
High
$57,108
Low
$335
Typical
$27,965
High
$55,595
Low
$317
Typical
$26,440
High
$52,562
Low
$320
Typical
$26,675
High
$53,030
Low
$305
Typical
$25,420
High
$50,535
Low
$320
Typical
$26,675
High
$53,030
Low
$305
Typical
$25,411
High
$50,518
Low
$336
Typical
$28,028
High
$55,720
Low
$310
Typical
$25,836
High
$51,363
Low
$303
Typical
$25,282
High
$50,261
Low
$338
Typical
$28,198
High
$56,057
Low
$321
Typical
$26,773
High
$53,225
Low
$317
Typical
$26,451
High
$52,585
Cost Comparison — Probate Filing
Low
$24,372
Typical
$24,773
High
$25,173
Low
$23,250
Typical
$23,632
High
$24,014
Low
$24,395
Typical
$24,796
High
$25,197
Low
$25,277
Typical
$25,693
High
$26,108
Low
$23,472
Typical
$23,858
High
$24,244
Low
$24,607
Typical
$25,012
High
$25,416
Low
$23,265
Typical
$23,647
High
$24,030
Low
$22,368
Typical
$22,735
High
$23,103
Low
$23,472
Typical
$23,858
High
$24,244
Low
$22,360
Typical
$22,728
High
$23,095
Low
$24,663
Typical
$25,068
High
$25,474
Low
$22,734
Typical
$23,108
High
$23,482
Low
$22,246
Typical
$22,612
High
$22,978
Low
$24,812
Typical
$25,220
High
$25,628
Low
$23,558
Typical
$23,945
High
$24,333
Low
$23,275
Typical
$23,658
High
$24,040
Cost Comparison — Estate Administration
Low
$653
Typical
$1,053
High
$1,454
Low
$623
Typical
$1,005
High
$1,387
Low
$653
Typical
$1,054
High
$1,455
Low
$677
Typical
$1,093
High
$1,508
Low
$659
Typical
$1,064
High
$1,468
Low
$623
Typical
$1,006
High
$1,388
Low
$629
Typical
$1,015
High
$1,400
Low
$599
Typical
$967
High
$1,334
Low
$629
Typical
$1,015
High
$1,400
Low
$599
Typical
$966
High
$1,334
Low
$661
Typical
$1,066
High
$1,471
Low
$609
Typical
$983
High
$1,356
Low
$596
Typical
$962
High
$1,327
Low
$665
Typical
$1,072
High
$1,480
Low
$631
Typical
$1,018
High
$1,405
Low
$623
Typical
$1,006
High
$1,389
Cost Comparison — Green Card Application
Low
$1,498
Typical
$2,567
High
$3,635
Low
$1,429
Typical
$2,449
High
$3,468
Low
$1,500
Typical
$2,569
High
$3,638
Low
$1,554
Typical
$2,662
High
$3,770
Low
$1,513
Typical
$2,591
High
$3,670
Low
$1,430
Typical
$2,450
High
$3,470
Low
$1,443
Typical
$2,472
High
$3,501
Low
$1,375
Typical
$2,356
High
$3,336
Low
$1,443
Typical
$2,472
High
$3,501
Low
$1,375
Typical
$2,355
High
$3,335
Low
$1,516
Typical
$2,597
High
$3,678
Low
$1,398
Typical
$2,394
High
$3,391
Low
$1,368
Typical
$2,343
High
$3,318
Low
$1,525
Typical
$2,613
High
$3,701
Low
$1,448
Typical
$2,481
High
$3,514
Low
$1,431
Typical
$2,451
High
$3,471
Cost Comparison — Citizenship & Naturalization
Low
$1,498
Typical
$2,567
High
$3,635
Low
$1,429
Typical
$2,449
High
$3,468
Low
$1,500
Typical
$2,569
High
$3,638
Low
$1,554
Typical
$2,662
High
$3,770
Low
$1,513
Typical
$2,591
High
$3,670
Low
$1,430
Typical
$2,450
High
$3,470
Low
$1,443
Typical
$2,472
High
$3,501
Low
$1,375
Typical
$2,356
High
$3,336
Low
$1,443
Typical
$2,472
High
$3,501
Low
$1,375
Typical
$2,355
High
$3,335
Low
$1,516
Typical
$2,597
High
$3,678
Low
$1,398
Typical
$2,394
High
$3,391
Low
$1,368
Typical
$2,343
High
$3,318
Low
$1,525
Typical
$2,613
High
$3,701
Low
$1,448
Typical
$2,481
High
$3,514
Low
$1,431
Typical
$2,451
High
$3,471
Cost Comparison — Work Visa Application
Low
$1,498
Typical
$2,567
High
$3,635
Low
$1,429
Typical
$2,449
High
$3,468
Low
$1,500
Typical
$2,569
High
$3,638
Low
$1,554
Typical
$2,662
High
$3,770
Low
$1,513
Typical
$2,591
High
$3,670
Low
$1,430
Typical
$2,450
High
$3,470
Low
$1,443
Typical
$2,472
High
$3,501
Low
$1,375
Typical
$2,356
High
$3,336
Low
$1,443
Typical
$2,472
High
$3,501
Low
$1,375
Typical
$2,355
High
$3,335
Low
$1,516
Typical
$2,597
High
$3,678
Low
$1,398
Typical
$2,394
High
$3,391
Low
$1,368
Typical
$2,343
High
$3,318
Low
$1,525
Typical
$2,613
High
$3,701
Low
$1,448
Typical
$2,481
High
$3,514
Low
$1,431
Typical
$2,451
High
$3,471
Cost Comparison — Deportation Defense
Low
$1,498
Typical
$2,567
High
$3,635
Low
$1,429
Typical
$2,449
High
$3,468
Low
$1,500
Typical
$2,569
High
$3,638
Low
$1,554
Typical
$2,662
High
$3,770
Low
$1,513
Typical
$2,591
High
$3,670
Low
$1,430
Typical
$2,450
High
$3,470
Low
$1,443
Typical
$2,472
High
$3,501
Low
$1,375
Typical
$2,356
High
$3,336
Low
$1,443
Typical
$2,472
High
$3,501
Low
$1,375
Typical
$2,355
High
$3,335
Low
$1,516
Typical
$2,597
High
$3,678
Low
$1,398
Typical
$2,394
High
$3,391
Low
$1,368
Typical
$2,343
High
$3,318
Low
$1,525
Typical
$2,613
High
$3,701
Low
$1,431
Typical
$2,451
High
$3,471
Low
$1,448
Typical
$2,481
High
$3,514
Cost Comparison — Asylum Application
Low
$1,498
Typical
$2,567
High
$3,635
Low
$1,429
Typical
$2,449
High
$3,468
Low
$1,500
Typical
$2,569
High
$3,638
Low
$1,554
Typical
$2,662
High
$3,770
Low
$1,513
Typical
$2,591
High
$3,670
Low
$1,430
Typical
$2,450
High
$3,470
Low
$1,443
Typical
$2,472
High
$3,501
Low
$1,375
Typical
$2,356
High
$3,336
Low
$1,443
Typical
$2,472
High
$3,501
Low
$1,375
Typical
$2,355
High
$3,335
Low
$1,516
Typical
$2,597
High
$3,678
Low
$1,398
Typical
$2,394
High
$3,391
Low
$1,368
Typical
$2,343
High
$3,318
Low
$1,525
Typical
$2,613
High
$3,701
Low
$1,448
Typical
$2,481
High
$3,514
Low
$1,431
Typical
$2,451
High
$3,471
Browse Legal Services Costs by City in North Carolina
Select a city to see local pricing adjusted for cost of living.
All Legal Services Services
legal-services
Contested Divorce
Legal representation in a divorce where spouses disagree on one or more issues requiring court intervention or negotiation. Billed hourly with costs escalating based on number of disputed issues, discovery, depositions, and trial time required.
legal-services
Child Custody Agreement
Drafting and filing of a formal parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and decision-making authority. Can be completed as a standalone agreement or as part of divorce proceedings.
legal-services
Child Support Order
Legal process to establish, modify, or enforce a court order for child financial support. Calculation is based on state-specific guidelines factoring in parental income, custody time, and child expenses. Attorney fees vary by whether the matter is contested.
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Prenuptial Agreement
Drafting of a legally binding prenuptial agreement defining each spouse's property rights and financial obligations in the event of divorce or death. Each party should have independent legal counsel for enforceability. Complexity and assets involved drive cost.
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DUI/DWI Defense
Legal defense for driving under the influence charges including DMV hearing representation, motion to suppress evidence, negotiation for reduced charges, and trial defense if necessary. First offense vs. repeat offense and BAC level significantly affect strategy and cost.
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Misdemeanor Defense
Legal representation for misdemeanor criminal charges including disorderly conduct, petty theft, simple assault, or minor drug possession. Many cases are resolved through plea negotiations or diversion programs. Flat fees are common for straightforward misdemeanors.
legal-services
Felony Defense
Legal representation for serious felony charges including drug offenses, assault, theft, fraud, or violent crimes. Requires extensive investigation, discovery review, expert witnesses, and potentially jury trial. Hourly billing with substantial retainers is standard.
legal-services
Criminal Record Expungement
Legal process to have an eligible criminal conviction or arrest record sealed or expunged from public view. Eligibility requirements vary by state based on offense type, sentence completed, and time elapsed. Improves employment, housing, and licensing opportunities.
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Landlord-Tenant Dispute
Legal assistance for landlords or tenants in disputes over lease violations, security deposit disputes, habitability issues, illegal lockouts, or eviction proceedings. Local housing laws vary significantly, making local counsel important.
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Simple Will Drafting
Preparation of a basic last will and testament naming beneficiaries, executor, and guardian for minor children. A simple will is appropriate for straightforward estates. Must be properly executed with witnesses and notarization per state law to be valid.
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Revocable Living Trust
Drafting of a revocable living trust to hold assets during the grantor's lifetime and transfer them to beneficiaries outside of probate. Includes pour-over will and asset retitling guidance. Significantly reduces estate settlement time and costs for heirs.
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Probate Filing
Legal assistance initiating probate proceedings to validate a deceased person's will and authorize the executor to administer the estate. Includes court filings, creditor notification, and asset inventory. Probate timelines and costs vary by state.
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Estate Administration
Full legal representation of an executor or administrator through the entire estate settlement process including probate, asset marshaling, debt payment, tax filings, and distribution to beneficiaries. Typically billed as a percentage of estate value or hourly.
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Green Card Application
Legal assistance with permanent residency application through family sponsorship, employment, asylum, or diversity lottery. Includes I-485 adjustment of status or consular processing, supporting documents, and USCIS interview preparation. Multi-year timeline is common.
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Citizenship & Naturalization
Legal assistance with the N-400 naturalization application for eligible permanent residents seeking U.S. citizenship. Includes eligibility assessment, form preparation, biometrics, civics test preparation, and USCIS interview coaching.
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Work Visa Application
Legal assistance obtaining temporary work authorization including H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN, or E-3 visas. Requires employer sponsorship for most categories. Annual H-1B cap and lottery add complexity and cost. Attorney fees cover petition drafting and USCIS filing.
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Deportation Defense
Legal representation in immigration court removal proceedings including bond hearings, cancellation of removal applications, asylum claims, and appeals. One of the most complex immigration matters due to high stakes and procedural complexity.
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Asylum Application
Legal assistance with affirmative or defensive asylum applications for individuals fleeing persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group membership. Strong personal statement and corroborating evidence are critical to approval.