public divorce records nc: a beginner’s guide

What these records include

In North Carolina, divorce records document the dissolution of a marriage, listing the parties, case number, county, and final judgment. A certified decree is held by the county Clerk of Superior Court, while statewide indexes summarize divorces from the late 1950s onward.

Where to search

Start in the county where the divorce was granted. Many clerks provide in-person terminals; some offer mail or limited online lookups. For a statewide check, the Vital Records division can verify whether a divorce was recorded, but the full decree comes from the county file.

What you need

• Names of both spouses and any prior names
• Approximate date or year range
• County of filing if known
• Government ID for certified copies
• Fees for searches and copies

Tips and limitations

Clerks can provide plain copies for general research; certified copies are typically limited to parties or legal agents. Sensitive details may be redacted. If the county is uncertain, search multiple likely counties, or request a statewide verification first. Bring exact spellings and be flexible with dates.