Access Durham County Family Court Records

Durham County family court records are managed by the Clerk of Superior Court in Durham. With a population of about 324,000, Durham County is one of the largest in North Carolina. The clerk office processes thousands of family law cases each year. This includes divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and domestic violence filings. Durham County sits in Judicial District 14. The courthouse on South Dillard Street is the central location for all family court records in the county. Staff can help you search and request copies of filed documents.

Durham County Clerk of Superior Court

The Clerk of Superior Court keeps all family court records in Durham County. This office handles case filings, stores court files, and provides copies of orders and judgments. Staff are available to help with record searches during business hours.

The Durham County courthouse serves the city of Durham and all surrounding areas within the county. Every family law case for Durham County residents is filed at this location. The clerk can search records by party name or case number. You can also use the Durham County records access page for online information about getting court documents. Call the clerk to confirm what you need before you visit.

Searching Durham County Family Court Records

There are several ways to search family court records in Durham County. You can go online, visit the courthouse, or submit a written request. Each method works for different needs.

The NC eCourts portal gives you online access to case records from Durham County and all other North Carolina counties. Search by name or case number. Basic details show up for free. The portal is part of the statewide eCourts system that makes court data easier to find. For full documents or certified copies, visit the Durham County clerk in person.

To search in person, go to 510 S. Dillard St in Durham. Bring a valid ID. The clerk staff can look up family court records and print copies for you. Older records may take more time to pull. You can also file a public records request under N.C.G.S. Chapter 132 if you need records mailed to you.

Note: Some Durham County family court files with child information may have parts that are not open to the public.

Divorce Case Records in Durham County

Durham County processes a high number of divorce filings each year. The county seat of Durham is a major city, and the court stays busy with family law matters. Under N.C.G.S. 50-6, you must live apart for one year before filing. At least one spouse must have lived in North Carolina for six months per N.C.G.S. 50-8.

A divorce case file in Durham County typically contains the complaint, proof of service, any motions, and the final judgment. The judgment is the order that ends the marriage. Most people need a certified copy of this document. You can get one from the clerk office. Divorce records in Durham County are public. Anyone may request them.

Claims for equitable distribution under N.C.G.S. 50-20 must be filed before the divorce is final. The same applies to alimony claims. If you miss the deadline, those rights are lost.

Durham County Custody and Support Cases

Child custody and child support cases are a large part of the family court docket in Durham County. Custody orders decide where children live. They also set the schedule for parenting time. Support orders determine how much one parent pays.

The North Carolina Child Support Services program works with the Durham County court to set up and enforce support orders. You can contact their office if you need help with a case. The state can locate a parent, establish paternity, and collect payments. Durham County family court records include all motions, hearings, and orders related to custody and support.

Parents can ask the court to change an existing order. This requires a new filing. The modified order becomes part of the family court record in Durham County.

Family Court Protective Orders

Durham County handles domestic violence protective orders under Chapter 50B. These orders protect people from harm by a family or household member. The court can issue a temporary order right away. A full hearing follows within ten days.

The NC family law courts page explains how protective orders work. If you need help filing, Legal Aid of North Carolina serves Durham County. They offer free legal help to those who qualify. The Durham County clerk stores all protective order filings as part of the family court record.

Note: Emergency protective orders can be filed after hours through a magistrate in Durham County.

How to Get Copies of Durham County Records

You can get copies of family court records from the Durham County clerk office. Walk-in requests are handled during normal business hours. Bring the name of a party or the case number. The clerk will search the system and print what you need.

Fees apply for copies. Certified copies cost more than plain ones. The clerk can tell you the current rates. You can also access court records information through the NC Courts help page on obtaining records. Durham County family court records go back many years, though very old files may need extra time to locate.

• Plain copies for personal use
• Certified copies for legal matters
• Case file review at the courthouse
• Online search through the eCourts portal
• Written public records request by mail

Nearby Counties

These counties border Durham County. Make sure you file family court cases in the county where you live. The court must have jurisdiction over your case for it to move forward.