Access New Hanover County Court Records

New Hanover County family court records are filed at the Clerk of Superior Court in Wilmington. With about 232,000 residents, New Hanover County is one of the most populated coastal counties in North Carolina. The courthouse on Princess Street handles all family law cases. You can search for divorce filings, child custody orders, support cases, and domestic violence records here. New Hanover County court staff assist with records access and copies during regular business hours in downtown Wilmington.

New Hanover County Family Court Clerk

The Clerk of Superior Court in New Hanover County manages all family court records. The office sits at 316 Princess St in downtown Wilmington. This is where all divorce complaints, custody petitions, child support orders, and protective order filings are processed and stored. The staff handles a high volume of cases due to the size of the county.

New Hanover County is in Judicial District 5. The district court hears family law cases for the entire county. Residents of Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Leland all file their family court cases at this courthouse. The clerk keeps current files on-site and older records in storage. If you need old family court records from New Hanover County, call ahead so staff can locate them for you.

Search Family Court Records Online

The NC eCourts portal is the best way to search New Hanover County family court records from home. This free state tool covers all 100 North Carolina counties. You can search by party name or case number. The portal shows case type, parties, and key dates.

The portal does not display full documents. For actual court papers, contact the New Hanover County clerk's office. You can also visit the eCourts page for details on what the system offers and how to use it for New Hanover County records searches.

In-person searches are also an option. Go to 316 Princess St in Wilmington with a valid ID. The clerk can look up cases and pull files. You can view documents on-site and request copies. Fees apply for copies of New Hanover County family court records.

Divorce Records in New Hanover County

New Hanover County processes a large number of divorce cases each year. Under N.C.G.S. 50-6, couples must live apart for one year before filing. The residency rule under N.C.G.S. 50-8 requires at least one spouse to have lived in North Carolina for six months. Divorce cases filed in New Hanover County go through the Wilmington courthouse.

A divorce file in New Hanover County holds the complaint, service papers, any motions, and the final judgment. Separation agreements and consent orders may also be in the file. These are public records under the NC Public Records Act. Anyone can request to see them at the clerk's office in Wilmington.

Note: Claims for property division and alimony must be filed before the divorce judgment in New Hanover County, or they are waived.

Child Custody Cases in New Hanover County

Custody cases are a large part of the family court workload in New Hanover County. Parents can file for custody as part of a divorce or on its own. The court bases its decision on the best interest of the child. Orders set out where the child lives, the visitation plan, and who makes major decisions.

New Hanover County custody records include the petition, temporary orders, mediation results, and the final order. Modifications to custody create new filings in the case. A parent who wants to change an existing order files a motion with the clerk. All of these documents become part of the family court record stored in Wilmington. The NC Family Court page has forms and guides for custody matters.

Support and Protective Order Records

Child support records in New Hanover County are filed through the family court. The amount of support is based on both parents' income. The NC Child Support Services office helps enforce orders when a parent stops paying. All support orders and changes are on file at the New Hanover County clerk's office.

Domestic violence protective orders are also handled in family court. Under Chapter 50B, a victim can file for protection at the Wilmington courthouse. The court may issue a temporary order the same day the petition is filed. A hearing follows within ten days. These records are part of the family court system in New Hanover County, though some details may be restricted to protect victims.

Alimony claims are another type of family court record. A dependent spouse can ask for financial support. The order goes into the case file at the clerk's office. For free legal help with any family matter in New Hanover County, contact Legal Aid of North Carolina.

Requesting New Hanover County Records

You can get copies of family court records from the New Hanover County clerk's office at 316 Princess St in Wilmington. Bring a photo ID. Give the clerk the name or case number.

• Plain copies and certified copies are available
• Fees depend on page count and copy type
• Mail requests are accepted with payment
• The NC Courts records page has more details
• Sealed records are not open to the public

Nearby Counties

These counties border New Hanover County. File your family court case in the county where you live. Check your address to confirm jurisdiction.