Brunswick County Family Court Records

Brunswick County family court records are managed by the Clerk of Superior Court in Bolivia. One of the fastest growing counties in North Carolina, Brunswick County has about 143,000 residents along the southern coast. The clerk office processes all family law filings, including divorce, child custody, support, alimony, and domestic violence protective orders. You can search Brunswick County records through the state eCourts portal or visit the courthouse at the Government Center. The clerk staff assist with finding cases and providing copies of court documents.

Brunswick County Clerk of Superior Court

The Clerk of Superior Court keeps all family court records for Brunswick County. The office sits at 310 Government Center Dr in Bolivia. Staff here handle new filings, store court documents, and issue copies of orders and judgments.

Brunswick County is part of Judicial District 13. This is the same district as Bladen County and Columbus County. District Court judges rotate through the district to hear family law cases. The NC Judicial Branch sets the statewide rules, while District 13 adds local rules that apply to all cases filed in Brunswick County. Given the county's fast growth, the court handles a high volume of family cases each year.

The clerk accepts filings during regular business hours. Fees are due at filing time. The office accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Public access terminals in the office let you search the eCourts system for free. The Government Center is accessible for people with disabilities and has security screening at the entrance.

Searching Brunswick County Family Records

You can search family court records in Brunswick County two ways. The online method uses the state eCourts portal. The in-person method takes you to the Government Center in Bolivia.

The eCourts portal is free and runs day and night. Search Brunswick County cases by party name, case number, attorney name, or case type. Family law case codes include ABS for absolute divorce, CUST for custody, CS for child support, ALIM for alimony, ED for equitable distribution, and 50B for domestic violence. The portal shows current case status, hearing dates, docket entries, and filed documents. All data comes straight from the Brunswick County clerk system and updates in real time. The portal works on computers, phones, and tablets.

For in-person searches, go to 310 Government Center Dr in Bolivia and bring a photo ID. Staff can pull up cases by name or number. Standard copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies are $5.00 per document plus the copy fee. Most Brunswick County requests are done within three to five business days.

The image below shows the Brunswick County eCourts portal used for family court records searches.

Note: The eCourts portal does not provide certified copies, so visit or call the clerk office in Bolivia for those.

Brunswick County Divorce Filings

Divorce cases form a major part of family court records in Brunswick County. The county's large and growing population means a steady number of new filings each year. Under N.C.G.S. 50-6, spouses must live apart for a full year before filing. One spouse must have been a North Carolina resident for six months per N.C.G.S. 50-8.

You start by filing a complaint at the Brunswick County clerk office. The fee is $225. The clerk gives you a case number. You must serve the other spouse using the Brunswick County Sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail with return receipt. Proof of service goes in the court file. After the one-year separation and all requirements are met, the judge enters the final judgment. That judgment ends the marriage and becomes a permanent part of the Brunswick County family court records.

Claims for property division under N.C.G.S. 50-20 and alimony must be filed before the divorce is granted. Miss that deadline and you lose those claims under North Carolina law.

Family Case Types in Brunswick County

The clerk office in Brunswick County handles a wide range of family court cases. With 143,000 residents and more moving in each year, the caseload is substantial. Brunswick County family court records cover these case types:

• Absolute divorce and divorce from bed and board
• Child custody and visitation orders
• Child support establishment, enforcement, and modifications
• Alimony and post-separation support
• Equitable distribution of marital property
• Domestic violence protective orders under Chapter 50B

These records are public under N.C.G.S. Chapter 132. Anyone can view them. Sealed cases and juvenile matters need a court order for access in Brunswick County.

Support and Protection in Brunswick County

Child support cases account for a big part of the family court records in Brunswick County. The NC Child Support Services has a local office that serves Brunswick County residents. Custodial parents apply with a $25 fee. Those on public assistance pay nothing.

The office helps set up new support orders, enforce them, and collect payments. Enforcement includes wage withholding, tax intercepts, liens, and license holds. All support orders go in the Brunswick County court file. Payments run through the state centralized system.

Domestic violence protective orders in Brunswick County are filed under Chapter 50B at no cost. File at the Government Center during business hours. After hours, reach a magistrate through law enforcement. Temporary orders last up to 10 days. After a hearing, orders can last one year and be renewed for two more. The Brunswick County Sheriff serves them free of charge. Orders may include temporary custody, home use, and support.

Note: The Brunswick County Sheriff handles firearm surrender when ordered by the court in protective order cases.

Legal Help in Brunswick County

Legal Aid of North Carolina helps low-income people in Brunswick County with family court matters. They cover divorce, custody, support, and protective orders. Call (866) 219-5262 to see if you qualify.

The NC courts website has all the forms and instructions for family law filings. The Brunswick County clerk has self-help materials for people who represent themselves. Staff explain filing procedures but do not give legal advice. District 13 may require mediation for contested custody cases. Parent education classes may also be needed in divorce and custody matters.

Below is the North Carolina court records help page, which explains how to obtain family court records in Brunswick County and across the state.

A Guardian ad Litem may be appointed in complex Brunswick County custody cases to protect the child's interests in court.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Brunswick County. Make sure your home address falls in Brunswick County before you file a family court case here. The right county must handle your case.