Access Durham Family Court Records
Durham family court records are filed and stored at the Durham County Clerk of Superior Court. Durham is the county seat with close to 295,000 residents. The courthouse on South Dillard Street handles all family law cases for the city and county. These records cover divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, equitable distribution, and domestic violence protective orders. You can look up Durham family court records online or visit the clerk office for copies of case files.
Durham Quick Facts
Durham Family Court Filing Location
Durham residents file all family court cases at the Durham County Clerk of Superior Court. The courthouse is on South Dillard Street in downtown Durham. This court serves the entire county. Durham is both the city name and the county name, so there is no confusion about where to file.
| Court | Durham County Clerk of Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 510 S. Dillard St Durham, NC 27701 |
| Phone | (919) 808-3100 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | nccourts.gov/locations/durham-county |
The courthouse has a parking lot for visitors. Security screens everyone at the front door. Bring a valid photo ID. The Durham County government also provides a records access page at dconc.gov with local details on how to request court records in Durham.
Search Durham Family Court Records Online
The NC eCourts portal lets you search Durham family court records from any device. Enter a party name or case number. The system shows basic details like names, dates, and case status at no charge. It covers all Durham County cases. For copies of the actual documents, you need to visit or call the clerk office.
Durham County also has its own approach to records access. The clerk office on South Dillard Street can pull any family court file by name or case number. Staff make copies while you wait. Certified copies cost more than plain ones. You can request copies by mail too. Send a written request with a check for copy fees and a return envelope. Call (919) 808-3100 to ask about current fees and what details you need to include in a mail request for family court records in Durham.
The eCourts information page explains how the online system works and what data is available for Durham family court records searches.
Types of Family Cases in Durham
The Durham County district court handles all family law matters. Each type of case creates records stored at the courthouse. Most are public and available to anyone.
Divorce cases are the most frequent family court filings in Durham. Under N.C.G.S. 50-6, spouses must live apart for one full year. At least one spouse must be a six-month North Carolina resident per N.C.G.S. 50-8. Child custody cases set parenting plans and time-sharing schedules. Courts in Durham decide custody based on what is best for the child. Support cases set payment amounts based on both parents' income.
Equitable distribution cases split marital property under N.C.G.S. 50-20. Alimony records show spousal support orders. Domestic violence cases under Chapter 50B produce protective orders. All of these are family court records in Durham.
Note: Equitable distribution and alimony claims in Durham must be filed before the divorce is final, or those claims are permanently waived.
Filing Family Court Cases in Durham
The process starts at the Durham County clerk office. You file a complaint or petition and pay the $225 filing fee. The clerk stamps your papers and opens the case. Next, you serve the other party. You can use the Durham County Sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail with return receipt.
After service, the court sets a hearing date. Both sides can file motions and responses. The judge hears the case and issues an order. That order becomes a public record under N.C.G.S. Chapter 132. If you cannot afford fees, you can file a Petition to Proceed as an Indigent at the Durham County courthouse. The court reviews your request and decides if you qualify for waived or reduced fees on your family court case in Durham.
Durham Legal Resources for Families
Legal Aid of North Carolina has offices serving Durham. They give free legal help to people who qualify by income. Services cover advice, forms, and full case work for family court matters.
The NC Courts divorce page has all the forms and guides you need. Duke Law School also runs clinics that sometimes help with family cases in Durham. The Durham County Bar Association has a lawyer referral service for those who need a private attorney. For child support questions, contact NC Child Support Services. For domestic violence help, call the NC Hotline at 1-888-232-5308 at any time. The Durham Crisis Response Center provides shelter and legal advocacy for victims in Durham.
Getting Copies of Durham Records
Family court records in Durham are public. Anyone can ask for copies at the clerk office. You need a case number or the names of the parties. The clerk locates the file and makes copies while you wait.
Certified copies carry the court seal and cost more than plain copies. You can also request copies by mail. The NC Courts records page has general guidance on getting court records. For Durham-specific procedures, call (919) 808-3100 or check the Durham County government website. Some family court records in Durham may be sealed by court order, especially those involving minors or safety concerns in domestic violence cases.
Durham County Family Court Records
Durham is in Durham County. All family court filings go through the Durham County Clerk of Superior Court. For the full county guide with detailed fee lists, related records, and extra resources, visit the Durham County family court records page.