Divorce records in New Hanover County, North Carolina, are available through several channels. NewHanoverCourt.us allows quick access to publicly available information about divorce records in this county. Additionally, court records can be obtained directly from the office of the Clerk of the District Court where the divorce decree was issued. The North Carolina Vital Records Office also issues divorce certificates. Both online tools and in-person visits to the relevant institutions are available for searches.
New Hanover Divorce Records Search
In New Hanover County, divorce records are maintained by two main institutions. The Clerk of Superior Court's Office keeps complete court cases — divorce decrees, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and all related documents filed during the case. This is the primary source for those who need the full court case.
NC Vital Records — a division of the Department of Health and Human Services — has been maintaining divorce certificates since 1958. A certificate is a shortened document that confirms the fact of divorce but does not contain details of the court decision.
The court collection includes:
- Divorce decree/judgment
- Property settlement and alimony agreements
- Child custody orders
- Petitions, motions, and other procedural documents
New Hanover County Courthouse — Clerk of Superior Court
Paper cases can be viewed in person at the courthouse. For a preliminary search, use the public computers in the clerk's office or the online court records portal.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in New Hanover
In North Carolina, divorce cases are handled by the District Court Division of the General Court of Justice. After the final decision is made by a judge, the document is filed with the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the lawsuit was filed. Therefore, to obtain the full text of the decision, you need to contact the clerk in New Hanover County.
Simultaneously, the court notifies the state, and NC Vital Records creates a separate divorce certificate. This document confirms the fact of divorce but does not include property division or custody terms.
Where to Apply Depending on the Need
For a complete court case or a certified copy of the decision:
The clerk can provide copies of any documents from the case. You can also request a public record online or by mail.
For a divorce certificate (vital record):
Certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Note: under North Carolina law, vital records are not free public records — a fee is charged for each copy.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in New Hanover
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce certificate (NC Vital Records) | $24.00 | 3–4 weeks (by mail) |
| Copy of court document (Clerk of Superior Court) | $0.25 per page | During visit or several business days by mail |
| Certified copy of court decision (Clerk of Superior Court) | $3.00 for certification + $0.25 per page | During visit or several business days by mail |
| Expedited processing of certificate (NC Vital Records) | Additional $15.00 | 1–3 business days (plus delivery time) |