A Q&A guide to commencing an action in North Carolina. This Q&A addresses the requirements for drafting and filing initiating papers, serving process, and amending the complaint. Answers to questions can be compared across a number of jurisdictions (see Commencing an Action: State Q&A Tool).

Following the suspension or modification of nonessential judicial functions in 2020 due to COVID-19, North Carolina courts have resumed most operations, but local courts may impose special rules impacting some litigation (such as remote proceedings). Check the North Carolina Judicial Branch COVID-19 Updates for the latest developments in this jurisdiction.