Find Forsyth County Family Court Records

Forsyth County family court records are housed at the Clerk of Superior Court in Winston-Salem. The county has about 382,000 people, making it one of the most populated in North Carolina. The clerk handles a large volume of family law filings every year. Cases include divorce, custody, child support, alimony, equitable distribution, and domestic violence orders. Forsyth County is part of Judicial District 21. The courthouse on North Main Street in Winston-Salem is where all family court records are filed and stored.

Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court

The Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court is the official keeper of all family court records. This office processes new filings, maintains case files, and issues certified copies. The staff can help with record searches and explain what documents you need.

The courthouse in Winston-Salem serves the entire county. Residents of Kernersville, Clemmons, Lewisville, and all other towns in Forsyth County file family law cases at this location. The clerk office sees a steady flow of filings due to the size of the county. Wait times can vary. Call ahead to plan your visit. The Forsyth County court page lists hours and directions.

Searching Family Court Records in Forsyth County

You have options for searching Forsyth County family court records. Online tools give quick results. In-person visits provide full file access.

The NC eCourts portal is the main online search tool for court records in North Carolina. Enter a name or case number to find family law cases from Forsyth County. The portal shows basic case information for free. It is part of the statewide eCourts system that North Carolina launched to improve public access to court data. For certified copies or documents not yet online, contact the Forsyth County clerk.

At the courthouse, staff can search records going back many years. Bring a valid ID. You can ask for copies of any public document in a family court file. The clerk charges a small fee for each copy. Certified copies cost a bit more. Most family court records in Forsyth County are ready the same day you ask.

Note: Very old Forsyth County family court records may be stored off-site and can take a few days to retrieve.

Divorce Records in Forsyth County

Forsyth County processes many divorce cases each year due to its large population. North Carolina law under N.C.G.S. 50-6 requires one full year of living apart before a divorce can be filed. One spouse must be a state resident for six months per N.C.G.S. 50-8. If you live in Forsyth County, you file at the Winston-Salem courthouse.

Divorce records include the complaint, answer, service proof, and the final judgment. The judgment dissolves the marriage. It is a public record. You can get certified copies from the Forsyth County clerk office. Most people need this document for legal reasons like changing a name or updating property records.

Equitable distribution claims under N.C.G.S. 50-20 must be filed before the divorce is final. The same goes for alimony. These filings become part of the family court record in Forsyth County. Missing the deadline means losing those claims for good.

Forsyth County Child Custody and Support

Child custody and child support are among the most common family court case types in Forsyth County. Custody orders set out living arrangements and parenting time. Support orders require one parent to make payments for the child.

The NC Child Support Services program works with the Forsyth County court system to enforce orders. They can help locate a parent, establish paternity, and collect payments that are past due. Contact their office if you need help with a support case in Forsyth County.

All custody and support filings are part of the family court record. You can search them at the clerk office or through the online portal. Modifications require a new filing and a court hearing. Each change is added to the case file.

• Initial custody petitions
• Temporary and permanent custody orders
• Child support calculations
• Modification requests
• Contempt filings for non-compliance

Protective Orders and Legal Help

Forsyth County handles domestic violence protective orders under Chapter 50B of North Carolina law. A person can file for an order to get protection from a household member or family member. Temporary orders can be granted the same day. A hearing follows within ten days.

If you need help with a family court case in Forsyth County, several resources are available. Legal Aid of North Carolina provides free legal help to those who qualify. The NC Courts divorce help page has forms and instructions for people who file on their own. The North Carolina family courts page covers all types of family law cases handled in Forsyth County.

Note: You can file for a protective order at the Forsyth County courthouse during business hours or through a magistrate after hours.

Public Access to Forsyth County Court Files

Family court records in Forsyth County are public under N.C.G.S. Chapter 132. Anyone can request to view or copy these records. You do not need to be a party in the case. The Forsyth County clerk office handles all records requests during business hours.

Some parts of family court files that involve minor children may be restricted. But the bulk of each case file is open to the public. The clerk can tell you what is available. Forsyth County sees a high volume of family law cases, so files are well organized and easy to locate. Bring identification and any case details you have to speed up the search process at the Winston-Salem courthouse.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Forsyth County. Family court cases must be filed in the county where you reside. Check your address to confirm the right county.