North Carolina Filed Divorce Reform Legislation

Senate Bill 626 proposed cutting the state's mandatory one-year separation requirement to six months.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Divorce

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing two minimalist hourglasses, symbolizing the shift in North Carolina's legal separation timelines. — North Carolina legislators introduced Senate Bill 626, which would reduce the mandatory divorce separation period from one year to six months. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should states reduce the mandatory waiting period required to obtain a divorce?

North Carolina lawmakers filed Senate Bill 626 on March 25, 2026, aimed at modernizing the state's divorce proceedings. The legislation seeks to reduce the mandatory separation period for couples from one year to six months.

Why it matters

The proposal addresses long-standing requirements that currently keep residents in a year-long waiting period before they can finalize a divorce. By allowing for a shorter timeframe, the bill could significantly accelerate the legal resolution process for many couples.

Current law requires a one-year separation period to obtain a divorce, a timeframe Senate Bill 626 proposes cutting to six months. Basic divorce filing costs $225, with an additional fee of $235 if a maiden name reversion is requested.

The players

Committee on Rules and Operations of the Senate

This legislative body is responsible for reviewing and determining the progression of Senate Bill 626.

The details

Senate Bill 626 also seeks to abolish civil lawsuits for alienation of affection and criminal conversation. Additionally, the legislation provides pathways for domestic violence victims to bypass separation requirements, while couples without minor children could waive the six-month wait through mutual consent.

Senate Bill 626 was filed in the legislature on March 25, 2026.
The bill passed its first reading on March 26, 2026.

Culture Shift

The proposed changes represent a shift in how North Carolina approaches marital dissolution and traditional legal torts. This legislation attempts to move the state away from its long-standing mandatory separation period toward a process more aligned with modern legal practices.

Residents currently navigating a divorce face at least a one-year wait and potential litigation for civil torts, which this bill would shorten and simplify. Couples could see reduced legal timelines and new exemptions for domestic violence victims if the measure becomes law.

The takeaway

Divorce reform remains a critical issue for families looking to minimize the legal and financial burdens of separation. Residents should monitor committee proceedings to see how these potential changes might affect future filing requirements.