NC Court Forms

NC family Court Forms,

The following are links to example NC Court forms for Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Name Change, and Paternity Forms. Many counties require you to use their specific forms. You should seek assistance from an attorney before filing anything.

 

How to Use North Carolina Family Court Forms

Almost every form used in a North Carolina family law case is published by the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) and is free to download from the Judicial Branch website. The AOC number in the top corner (for example AOC-CV-750 for the domestic civil action cover sheet) identifies the form; clerks and judges refer to forms by that number. A few things to know before you file:

  • Use the current version. Forms are revised frequently. The Judicial Branch site always serves the latest version; a form saved to your computer two years ago may be rejected.
  • Check local rules. Each judicial district has local rules and some have their own required forms, especially for financial affidavits, equitable distribution inventories and scheduling. Mecklenburg, Gaston and Wake each publish theirs on the Judicial Branch site under the county's page.
  • Every filing needs a cover sheet. A domestic civil action cover sheet (AOC-CV-750) accompanies any custody, support, alimony, equitable distribution or divorce filing. Estates and special proceedings have their own.
  • Complaints must be verified. Custody, support and divorce complaints are signed before a notary. Motions generally are not.
  • Serve, then prove service. The other party must receive the complaint and summons by sheriff, certified mail or acceptance of service, and you file proof of that service. Nothing moves until this is done.

Filing fees as of 2026: $225 for a new civil action (custody, support, alimony, equitable distribution or divorce), $20 for most motions in an existing case, $30 for sheriff's service of each defendant, and no fee for a domestic violence protective order. Fee waivers are available for filers who cannot afford the costs. Confirm current amounts with the clerk.

The forms below are grouped by claim. Where a pro se packet exists, it contains the complaint, summons, cover sheet and instructions together and is the best place to start. Where no AOC form exists (equitable distribution and alimony complaints, for example), the pleading must be drafted, which is one reason those claims are rarely filed without an attorney.

AOC NC Court Forms for Family Court:

Child Custody Forms

Child Support Forms

Domestic Violence Forms

Name Change Forms

Paternity Forms

Pro Se Forms

Cover Sheets for Filing

Other Necessary Forms

Common Questions About NC Court Forms

Can I file family court forms online in North Carolina?

Electronic filing through eCourts is available in a growing number of counties, including Wake and Mecklenburg, and attorneys are required to e-file there. Self-represented parties may e-file through the Judicial Branch's Guide & File system or file paper forms at the clerk's office. Check your county's status on the Judicial Branch website before relying on paper filing.

Do I have to use the AOC form or can I write my own?

Where an AOC form exists you should use it; clerks may reject a substitute. Where none exists, such as a complaint for equitable distribution or alimony, you must draft the pleading yourself or have an attorney do it.

Where do I file?

With the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where you or the other party lives. For custody, the child must generally have lived in North Carolina for six months. For divorce, one spouse must have lived in the state for six months. Domestic violence complaints may also be filed where the abuse occurred.

What is a financial affidavit and is there a form?

A sworn statement of your income, expenses, assets and debts required in support, alimony and equitable distribution cases. There is no statewide AOC form; each district has its own, published in its local rules. Filing the wrong county's form is a common cause of delay.

I need help completing the forms. Who can help?

Clerks can tell you which form to use but cannot give legal advice or fill it out for you. Legal Aid of North Carolina and the self-help centers in larger courthouses assist eligible self-represented parties. For anything involving property, support or contested custody, a consultation with an attorney before filing is inexpensive relative to the cost of a mistake; see our consultation FAQ.

These links go to third-party government websites. McIlveen Family Law Firm does not control their content and the forms may change without notice. This page is general information, not legal advice.