Moore County Family Court Lookup

Moore County family court records are managed by the Clerk of Superior Court in Carthage. The county has a population near 100,000 and includes the well-known Pinehurst area. All family law matters in Moore County go through the courthouse on Monroe Street. You can search for divorce records, custody orders, child support filings, and protective orders here. Moore County court staff can assist with finding records and providing copies of family court documents filed in the district.

Moore County Family Court Records Office

The Moore County Clerk of Superior Court handles all family court records. The office is at 102 Monroe St in Carthage. This is where divorce complaints, custody petitions, and support orders are filed and stored. Staff help people search for cases and get copies every day.

Moore County is in Judicial District 19C. The district court in Carthage hears family law cases for the entire county. Residents of Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Aberdeen, Whispering Pines, and all other towns in Moore County file their family cases at this one courthouse. The clerk keeps both current and old case files on hand. For records that go back many years, the clerk may need extra time to locate them.

Search Family Court Records in Moore County

You have two main options to search family court records in Moore County. Go online or visit the courthouse. Both work well, but each has its own strengths.

The NC eCourts portal is the main online search tool. It covers Moore County and every other county in the state. Type in a name or case number to find family court cases. The portal shows case type, parties, and filing dates. It is free to use for basic lookups. Full documents are not shown on the portal, so you need to contact the Moore County clerk for copies of the actual filings.

In-person searches at the Moore County courthouse let you view the full case file. Bring your ID and the name or case number you want to look up. The clerk can search the system and pull records. Copy fees apply. For large files, the clerk may ask you to come back while copies are made.

Note: Moore County family court records involving children may have restricted access to protect minors.

Moore County Divorce Filings

Divorce records make up a big part of the family court caseload in Moore County. To file for divorce here, you must meet the state rules. Under N.C.G.S. 50-6, the couple must be separated for at least one year. One spouse must have lived in North Carolina for six months under N.C.G.S. 50-8. All divorce documents are filed at the Moore County courthouse in Carthage.

The divorce case file in Moore County typically holds the complaint, the answer or response, proof of service, and the final judgment of divorce. Some files also include separation agreements, motions for temporary orders, and consent orders. These are public records under the NC Public Records Act. You can ask to see them at the clerk's office.

Child Custody Records in Moore County

Custody disputes are common in family court in Moore County. A parent can file for custody as part of a divorce or as a stand-alone case. The court makes its decision based on the best interest of the child. Custody orders set out where the child lives, the visitation plan, and decision-making rights.

Moore County custody records include the petition, any temporary orders, and the final custody order. Mediation reports may also be in the file. Changes to custody create new filings. If a parent wants to modify an order, they file a motion with the Moore County clerk. The court reviews the request and may hold a new hearing. All of these records become part of the family court case file.

The NC Family Court page has forms and guides for custody cases across the state, including Moore County.

Support Orders and Protective Filings

Child support cases in Moore County are filed through the family court system. The amount is based on both parents' income using state guidelines. The NC Child Support Services office helps with enforcement when payments are missed. Support orders and any changes to them are stored at the Moore County clerk's office.

Domestic violence protective orders are also part of the family court in Moore County. Under Chapter 50B, a person can seek protection from abuse by a family member, spouse, or partner. The court in Carthage can issue a temporary order the same day. A full hearing takes place within ten days. These records are on file at the clerk's office, though some details may be restricted to protect the victim. For free legal help, contact Legal Aid of North Carolina.

Getting Copies of Moore County Records

To get copies of family court records in Moore County, visit the clerk's office at 102 Monroe St in Carthage. You can also call (910) 947-6070 to ask about a case before you visit.

• Bring a photo ID for in-person visits
• Provide the case name or case number
• Plain copies and certified copies are both available
• Fees vary based on page count and type
• Written requests can be mailed to the clerk

The NC Courts records page explains how to request court documents across the state. Moore County follows the same rules as all other counties in North Carolina for public access to family court records.

Nearby Counties

These counties share a border with Moore County. You must file your family court case in the county where you live. Check your address to make sure you file in the right place.