Cary Family Court Records Lookup
Cary family court records are filed at the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court in Raleigh. Cary is in Wake County with about 175,000 residents. The town does not have its own courthouse for family law cases. All divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and domestic violence cases for Cary go through the Wake County courthouse in downtown Raleigh. You can search Cary family court records online through the state portal or visit the clerk office for copies.
Cary Quick Facts
Where Cary Residents File Court Cases
Cary residents file all family court cases at the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court in Raleigh. The courthouse is about 10 miles east of Cary on Fayetteville Street. Cary does not have a local family court. Wake County serves all cities and towns in the county, and Cary is the second largest behind Raleigh.
| Court | Wake County Clerk of Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 316 Fayetteville St Raleigh, NC 27601 |
| Phone | (919) 792-4000 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | nccourts.gov/locations/wake-county |
The courthouse is in downtown Raleigh. Parking garages and metered spots are nearby. Plan for the drive from Cary and leave extra time for security screening at the entrance. Bring a photo ID when you visit for family court records.
Search Cary Family Court Records
The easiest way to search Cary family court records is through the NC eCourts portal. This online system covers all Wake County cases. Type in a party name or case number. The system shows basic data like names, dates, and case status at no cost. It saves Cary residents a trip to Raleigh for simple lookups.
For copies of actual court documents, you must go to the Wake County clerk office or contact them by phone. Staff search by name or case number and make copies from the file. Certified copies carry the court seal and cost more than plain ones. You can also send a written request by mail with a check for the copy fees and a return envelope. Call (919) 792-4000 to ask about fees and what to include in your request for family court records from Cary.
The eCourts page explains what information is available online and how to use the search system for Cary family court records.
Family Court Cases for Cary Residents
All family law matters for Cary go through the Wake County district court. The court handles every type of family case. Each one creates records stored at the clerk office in Raleigh.
Divorce is the most common family court case involving Cary residents. North Carolina requires a full year of separation 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. The complaint, service records, and judgment all become part of the court file. Child custody cases set parenting time and living arrangements. Child support records track payment amounts based on both parents' income. The NC Child Support Services office helps enforce support orders.
Equitable distribution under N.C.G.S. 50-20 divides marital property. Alimony orders set spousal support. Domestic violence cases under Chapter 50B produce protective order records. All of these family court records for Cary residents are stored at the Wake County courthouse.
Note: Equitable distribution and alimony claims must be filed before the final divorce judgment, or those claims are waived permanently under North Carolina law.
Filing Steps for Cary Families
The filing process for Cary residents follows the same steps as everyone in Wake County. You file at the clerk office in Raleigh. Start with a complaint or petition and pay the $225 filing fee.
After filing, serve the other party. You can use the Wake County Sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail. Once served, the court sets a hearing. Both sides can file motions and responses. The judge hears the case and enters an order. That order becomes a public record under N.C.G.S. Chapter 132. If you need a fee waiver, ask the court for a Petition to Proceed as an Indigent form. The court decides if you qualify based on your income and circumstances.
Cary Family Court Legal Resources
Legal Aid of North Carolina serves Cary and all of Wake County. They offer free legal help to people who meet income guidelines. This includes advice, form help, and representation in family court cases.
The NC Courts divorce page has all the forms and guides Cary residents need to handle their own cases. Forms are free to download. The Wake County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. For domestic violence help in Cary, call the NC Hotline at 1-888-232-5308 any time. InterAct of Wake County provides shelter and legal support for domestic violence victims. The obtaining court records page has details on getting copies of family court records.
Wake County Family Court Records
Cary is in Wake County. All family court filings for Cary go through the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court in Raleigh. The county court handles cases for every town in Wake County. For the full county guide, fee lists, and additional resources, visit the Wake County family court records page.