Find Raleigh Family Court Records

Raleigh family court records include divorce filings, child custody orders, support cases, and domestic violence petitions handled by the Wake County court system. Raleigh is the state capital and the second largest city in North Carolina with about 475,000 people. The Wake County Clerk of Superior Court in downtown Raleigh stores all family court records for the city. Residents can search these records online through the state portal or visit the courthouse to review case files and get copies.

Raleigh Family Court Filing Location

Raleigh residents file all family court cases at the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court. The courthouse is on Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh. This is the same court that handles family cases for all cities and towns in Wake County. Raleigh is the county seat, so the main courthouse is right in the city.

The courthouse is in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Several city bus routes stop close by. Parking garages and metered spots are nearby. Plan extra time for security screening at the entrance. Bring a photo ID when you visit to request family court records in Raleigh.

How to Search Raleigh Family Court Records

There are two main ways to search family court records in Raleigh. You can use the online portal or go to the courthouse in person. Each method has its own strengths. Online works best for quick lookups. In-person visits let you see the full file.

The NC eCourts portal lets you search all Wake County cases from any device. Type in a party name or case number. The system shows basic case data at no cost. You can see names, filing dates, hearing dates, and case status. The portal does not show the full documents. For those, you must contact the Wake County clerk or visit the courthouse in Raleigh. The eCourts information page has tips on how to use the system.

At the courthouse, clerk staff can search family court records in Raleigh by name or case number. They pull the file and let you review it. You can request plain or certified copies on the spot. Certified copies carry the court seal and cost more. Call (919) 792-4000 before you visit to confirm what you need to bring.

Family Court Cases in Raleigh

The district court in Wake County handles all family law matters for Raleigh. These cases produce records that are stored at the courthouse. Most are public and available to anyone who asks.

Divorce is the most common family court case in Raleigh. North Carolina law under N.C.G.S. 50-6 requires one full year of separation before a spouse can file. The residency rule under N.C.G.S. 50-8 says at least one spouse must have lived in North Carolina for six months. The complaint, service records, and final judgment all become part of the court file in Raleigh. Child custody records show parenting plans and visitation schedules. Courts in Raleigh set custody based on the best interest of the child. Modifications to custody orders also create new records in the case file.

Child support records track payment amounts and enforcement actions. The NC Department of Health and Human Services helps enforce support orders statewide. Alimony records cover spousal support payments ordered by the court. Equitable distribution records under N.C.G.S. 50-20 deal with how marital property is split. Domestic violence cases filed under Chapter 50B produce protective order records at the Wake County courthouse in Raleigh.

Filing Pro Se in Raleigh

Some Raleigh residents handle their own family court cases. This is called filing pro se. It can work well for simple divorces where both sides agree and there are no children or property disputes.

The NC Courts website has all the forms you need to file family court cases in Raleigh. You can download complaint forms, answer forms, and other required papers for free. The site groups family law forms together for easy access. You fill out the forms, file them at the Wake County clerk office, and pay the $225 filing fee. The clerk stamps your papers and opens the case. You then serve the other party and wait for a hearing date.

Note: If children are part of your case, you will need extra forms for custody and child support worksheets at the Wake County courthouse.

Raleigh Family Court Legal Resources

Legal Aid of North Carolina serves Raleigh and all of Wake County. They give free legal help to people who meet income rules. Services include advice, form help, and full case work for those who qualify. Call their helpline to ask about help with family court cases in Raleigh.

The Wake County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. They can match you with a family law attorney in Raleigh for a low-cost first meeting. The NC Courts records page explains how to get copies of any court record. For domestic violence help, the NC Hotline is available at 1-888-232-5308 around the clock. InterAct of Wake County provides shelter and legal advocacy for domestic violence victims in Raleigh.

Accessing Court Records in Raleigh

Family court records in Raleigh are public under N.C.G.S. Chapter 132. Most records are open to anyone. Some records may be sealed by court order. Cases involving minors often have restricted access to protect children.

To get copies, visit the Wake County clerk office or call (919) 792-4000. Give the clerk a case number or party names. They locate the file and make copies. Plain copies cost less. Certified copies cost more but include the court seal. You can also mail a written request with a check for the fees. Include a stamped return envelope. The clerk sends copies by mail within a few business days. Raleigh residents can also use the NC Courts services page to learn about other ways to get family court records.

Wake County Family Court Records

Raleigh is the county seat of Wake County. All family court filings for Raleigh go through the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court. The county court handles cases for every city and town in Wake County. For the full county court guide, fee lists, and more resources, visit the Wake County family court records page.

View Wake County Family Court Records