File-It -Yourself Clinic

The CDSS File-It -Yourself Legal Clinic

By Appointment Only
on most Thursdays 9-3

Carolina Dispute Settlement Services is pleased to offer the File It Yourself program for people who need an economical alternative to handle their serious legal issues.

CDSS contracts with attorneys who provide limited legal advice and document preparation to those seeking divorce or who are involved in child custody and visitation matters.

NC Child Custody & Visitation

What Kind of Cases Will The Attorneys Prepare?

CDSS offers unbundled legal services for North Carolina matters. Our attorneys provide document preparation for Child Custody, Answer and Counter Claim, Motion to Show Cause, Emergency Custody, Divorce, and Motion to Modify.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost is determined by family income on a sliding scale.
Bring your latest pay stub, disability check, recent W-2 or other proof of family income to determine your cost. (without proof of income, you will be charged at the highest rate)
The court filing fees and the service of process fees are additional and not included in the sliding scale amount.
Payment is due at appointment and may be made by cash or money order only. We do not accept credit/debit/bank cards.

What Information Should I Bring With Me?

Please bring with you:

print and complete the appropriate worksheet (below)

the full names and birth dates of each child
the full names and addresses of both parents and all parties
the child’s addresses for the past five years
a current pay stub or other proof of income
cash or money order for the appropriate amount on the sliding scale for the service you require.

DO NOT BRING CHILDREN
TO YOUR APPOINTMENT
service may be denied if you do

Worksheets

Divorce

Custody

Third Party Custody

   Unbundled Legal Services Price List
Available Services                                               Attorney Fee         Court Filing Fee
Divorce/Custody Consultation………………$80/per half hour.........n/a
Divorce(uncontested, no issues)......................... $200...................... $225
Custody...................................................................... Fee 1..................... $150
Third Party Custody ……………………………………....…Fee 2 ……….………..$150
Equitable Distribution…………………………………...….Fee 1……….…………$150
Emergency Custody ………….................... Fee 2 plus $40..................... $150
Motion to Modify...................................................... Fee 2........................ $20
Motion to Show Cause............................................. Fee 1........................ $20
Answer & Counterclaim........................................... Fee 2..................... $150
Consent Order (after filing)..................................... Fee 2 ………………….n/a
Consent Order + Complaint or Motion ……     Fee 1 or 2 + $100...... $150
                                                (Based on custody)
Motion to Intervene ………………………………….......……Fee 2………...….……. $20
Post Separation Support and Alimony ………………..Fee 2 ………..……….$150
Motion for Change of Venue ……………………….....…..Fee 1 ………....……….$20
Motions re: Breach of Contract …………………...……..Fee 1 …………....…….$20
Registration of Foreign Order ……………………..……...Fee 1………….....…. $150
Modification of Foreign Order ……………………....…….Fee 2………….....…..$150
Breach of Contract …………………………………........……. Fee 2 ……….....…….$150
Jurisdiction Change………………………………….......……. Fee 2 ………......…….$150

The cost is determined by FAMILY income on a sliding scale. Please bring proof of FAMILY income (pay stub, recent W-2) to determine your fee.
Without proof of FAMILY income, fees will be charged at the highest rate.

Annual FAMILY Income          Fee 1               Fee 2
$0- $25,000 $120                $160
$25,001- $35,000                     $140                $200
$35,001 - $40,000                    $200                $260
$40,001 - $50,000                    $300                $400
$50,001 and above $400                $500

Photos used under Creative Commons from US Department of Education, franchiseopportunitiesphotos