Access Asheville Family Court Records
Asheville family court records are maintained at the Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, Asheville has about 94,000 residents and is the Buncombe County seat. The clerk office stores all family court records including divorce cases, child custody orders, support filings, and protective order cases. Residents can search these records online through the state portal or visit the courthouse in person. Asheville family court records are public and available to anyone who requests them.
Asheville Quick Facts
Asheville Family Court Filing Location
Asheville residents file all family court cases at the Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court. The courthouse is on Court Plaza in downtown Asheville. This court handles divorce, custody, child support, alimony, equitable distribution, and domestic violence cases for the entire county. Since Asheville is the county seat, the courthouse is right in the city.
| Court | Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 60 Court Plaza Asheville, NC 28801 |
| Phone | (828) 259-3400 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | nccourts.gov/locations/buncombe-county |
The courthouse is easy to reach from most parts of Asheville. Street parking and garages are close by. Bring a photo ID. Security checks all visitors at the door. Leave large bags at home when you visit to get family court records in Asheville.
How to Search Asheville Records
There are two main ways to search family court records in Asheville. You can use the online portal or go to the courthouse. Each method has its own strengths.
The NC eCourts portal lets you search Buncombe County family court records from any device. Type in a name or case number. The system shows case details, filing dates, and outcomes. It is free for basic searches. You will not find full documents online. For those, contact the clerk or visit in person. The eCourts information page explains what is available through the portal.
At the courthouse, staff can pull up any family court record in Asheville by name or case number. You can review the full file and ask for copies. Certified copies carry the court seal. Plain copies cost less. Call (828) 259-3400 before your visit to confirm what you need to bring.
The obtaining court records guide from the NC Judicial Branch walks you through each step. It covers online, mail, and in-person requests for family court records across North Carolina, including Asheville.
Asheville Divorce Case Records
Divorce is the most common type of family court case in Asheville. The records include everything filed in the case from start to finish. North Carolina law requires one year of living apart before you can file for absolute divorce under N.C.G.S. § 50-6. The residency rule under N.C.G.S. § 50-8 requires at least one spouse to have lived in the state for six months.
A divorce file in Asheville includes the complaint, proof of service, any motions, and the final judgment. If the couple divided property, the equitable distribution order under N.C.G.S. § 50-20 is part of the record too. Alimony orders are filed in the same case. All of these documents are public records under Chapter 132 of North Carolina law.
Asheville divorce records go back many years at the clerk office. Older cases may be stored off-site. Ask the clerk about older records when you call or visit. The filing fee for a new divorce case is $225.
Custody and Support Records
Child custody and child support cases make up a large share of family court records in Asheville. Parents file custody cases when they need a court order for who the child lives with and when. Support cases set the amount one parent pays the other. Both types of records are kept at the Buncombe County courthouse.
Custody orders in Asheville include the parenting plan, visitation schedule, and any changes made over time. Modifications are common as children grow. Each change is a new filing in the same case. Support records show the order amount, payment history, and any enforcement actions. The NC Child Support Services office also tracks support payments statewide.
Domestic violence protective orders under Chapter 50B are a separate type of family court record in Asheville. A victim can file for a protective order at the Buncombe County courthouse. The court can grant a temporary order on the same day. A full hearing follows within ten days.
Note: Juvenile custody cases in Asheville are not open to the public and have different access rules than standard family court records.
Family Court Help in Asheville
Legal Aid of North Carolina serves Asheville and all of Buncombe County. They provide free help to people who qualify based on income. Call (866) 219-5262 to check. Their team handles divorce, custody, support, and protective order cases.
The NC Courts family law page has forms and guides for all family court matters. You can download complaint forms, custody forms, and support worksheets at no cost. The divorce help page walks you through every step if you plan to handle your own case in Asheville.
The North Carolina State Bar referral line at 1-800-662-7660 can connect you with a family law attorney in Asheville. Many local lawyers offer an initial consultation at a reduced rate so you can learn your options before you commit.
Buncombe County Family Court Records
Asheville is the county seat of Buncombe County. All family court filings for the city go through the Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court. For full details on the county court, fees, and additional resources, visit the Buncombe County family court records page.