Wilmington Family Court Records
Wilmington family court records are filed at the New Hanover County Clerk of Superior Court. Wilmington is the county seat with about 125,000 people. The port city on the Cape Fear River is the largest city in southeastern North Carolina. The courthouse on Princess Street in downtown Wilmington handles all family law cases for the city and county. You can search Wilmington family court records using the state online portal or visit the clerk office to review case files and get copies.
Wilmington Quick Facts
Where Wilmington Residents File
Wilmington residents file family court cases at the New Hanover County Clerk of Superior Court. The courthouse is on Princess Street in downtown Wilmington. This is the only court for family law matters in the county. All divorce, custody, support, and domestic violence cases go through this office.
| Court | New Hanover County Clerk of Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 316 Princess St Wilmington, NC 28401 |
| Phone | (910) 772-6500 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | nccourts.gov/locations/new-hanover-county |
The courthouse is near the riverfront in historic downtown Wilmington. Street parking and paid lots are available. Wave Transit bus routes serve the area. Bring a valid photo ID for security screening at the entrance when you visit to get family court records in Wilmington.
Search Wilmington Family Court Records
The NC eCourts portal lets you search all New Hanover County cases online. Enter a name or case number to find basic case data. The system is free and shows party names, filing dates, and case status. It does not display full documents.
For copies of documents, contact the clerk office or visit in person. Staff pull the file and make copies while you wait. Certified copies carry the court seal and cost more than plain ones. You can also mail a written request with a check for copy fees and a return envelope. Call (910) 772-6500 to ask about current copy rates before you visit for Wilmington family court records. The NC Courts services page lists tools available for court record searches.
Family Court Cases in Wilmington
New Hanover County district court handles all family law matters for Wilmington. Each case type creates records that the clerk office stores. Most records are public.
Divorce records are the most common family court records in Wilmington. Under N.C.G.S. 50-6, spouses must live apart for one year before filing. One spouse must have been a North Carolina resident for six months per N.C.G.S. 50-8. Child custody records show parenting plans and time-sharing schedules. Courts decide custody based on the child's best interest. Child support orders set payment amounts. The NC Child Support Services office enforces support orders statewide.
Equitable distribution cases under N.C.G.S. 50-20 split marital property. Alimony records track spousal support payments. Domestic violence cases filed under Chapter 50B create protective order records at the courthouse in Wilmington.
Note: Claims for equitable distribution and alimony must be filed before the divorce judgment, or those rights are permanently lost in North Carolina.
Wilmington Family Court Filing Process
Start by filing a complaint or petition at the clerk office. The filing fee is $225. The clerk opens your case and stamps your papers. Then you serve the other party using the New Hanover County Sheriff, a private server, or certified mail.
After service, the court schedules a hearing. Both sides may file motions. The judge reviews the case and enters an order. That order is a public record under N.C.G.S. Chapter 132. Every filing along the way becomes part of your family court file in Wilmington. People with low income can ask for a fee waiver by filing a Petition to Proceed as an Indigent. The court reviews the request and decides based on your financial situation.
Legal Resources in Wilmington
Legal Aid of North Carolina serves Wilmington and all of New Hanover County. They give free legal help to people who qualify by income. Services include advice, form completion, and case representation for family court matters.
The NC Courts divorce page has forms and guides for people filing on their own. All forms are free to download and print. The New Hanover County Bar Association has a lawyer referral service for Wilmington residents who need a family law attorney. For domestic violence, call the NC Hotline at 1-888-232-5308 at any time. Coastal Horizons in Wilmington offers crisis services and support for families in need. The obtaining records page has details on how to get copies of family court records.
New Hanover County Family Court Records
Wilmington is the county seat of New Hanover County. All family court filings for Wilmington go through the New Hanover County Clerk of Superior Court. For the full county guide with fee details and more resources, visit the New Hanover County family court records page.