Access Asheville Divorce Records
Asheville divorce records are filed at the Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court. Asheville is the county seat and the largest city in western North Carolina. The courthouse sits in downtown Asheville at 60 Court Plaza. All divorce cases for Asheville and the rest of Buncombe County go through this office. You can search for divorce records in Asheville online or by visiting the clerk in person. The staff can help you find case files and get copies of court documents. Both options give you access to records going back many years in Asheville.
Asheville Quick Facts
Where to File for Divorce in Asheville
Asheville residents file for divorce at the Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court. The courthouse is in downtown Asheville at 60 Court Plaza. This is where you file new cases and get copies of divorce records in Asheville.
| Court | Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 60 Court Plaza Asheville, NC 28801 |
| Phone | (828) 259-3400 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | nccourts.gov/locations/buncombe-county |
The Buncombe County courthouse has self-service terminals in the lobby. You can use these to search for divorce records in Asheville without waiting in line. Staff at the customer service desk can help with copy requests. Bring a valid photo ID and avoid large bags since security screens all visitors at the entrance.
Note: Buncombe County Judicial District 40 covers all Superior Court, District Court, and family court matters for Asheville residents.
How to Search Asheville Divorce Records
You can search for divorce records in Asheville online or at the courthouse. Online searches are good for basic case data like names, dates, and status. In-person visits let you see the full case file and get certified copies on the spot. The NC eCourts portal covers all of Buncombe County, including Asheville. Search by party name or case number for free.
For copies of actual divorce documents from Asheville, contact the clerk or visit the courthouse. The Buncombe County Clerk website has details on search options. Name-based and ID-based searches are both available. The clerk office can look up cases and make copies from the file while you wait.
Asheville divorce records are public under N.C.G.S. Chapter 132. Most case files are open for anyone to view. Some parts of family cases may be sealed, but the basic divorce judgment is always public. You can also check the Buncombe County government portal for links to other public records.
The Buncombe County Clerk charges $2.00 for the first page and $0.25 for each page after that for uncertified copies. Certified copies cost $3.00 per document. Exemplified copies are $10.00 each. Out-of-state payments must be by certified check or money order.
Divorce Filing Process in Asheville
Filing for divorce in Asheville follows North Carolina state law. You file at the Buncombe County courthouse in downtown Asheville. Each step creates records in your case file.
You must meet the residency rule first. Under N.C.G.S. § 50-8, at least one spouse must have lived in North Carolina for six months before filing. Next is the separation rule. Under N.C.G.S. § 50-6, you must live apart for one full year. One spouse must plan for the split to be for good. This is the only ground for absolute divorce in North Carolina.
You file the complaint at the Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court in Asheville. The fee is $225. Then you serve the other spouse. Options include the Buncombe County Sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail with return receipt. After service, the case moves to a hearing. If both sides agree, the judge can grant the divorce at that hearing. The final judgment becomes part of the public record in Asheville.
The Buncombe County Family Court office at (828) 259-3415 helps move family cases along. The court also has a Veterans Treatment Court and Adult Drug Treatment Court for cases that need those services.
A lead-in to the Buncombe County government resources for Asheville divorce cases can be found at the county website.
The Buncombe County government site links to many services that may help during the divorce process in Asheville.
Asheville Divorce Legal Resources
Several groups offer help with divorce in Asheville. Legal Aid of North Carolina serves the whole area. They help people who qualify based on income. Call (866) 219-5262 to ask about free help with divorce cases in Asheville.
The NC Judicial Branch has forms, guides, and instructions for people filing on their own. All court forms are free to download. The North Carolina State Bar runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-662-7660. Buncombe County also has a custody mediator at (828) 259-3400 and a Dispute Settlement Center for mediation.
The Asheville area is served by resources for public records at the city level as well.
The City of Asheville public records page at ashevillenc.gov can help with city-level records, though divorce case files come from the county clerk.
Divorce Certificates for Asheville
After a divorce is final, you may need a verification letter. This is a shorter document from the state that confirms the divorce. It is not the same as the full judgment from the Buncombe County courthouse in Asheville.
The NC Division of Public Health issues verification letters through the Vital Records office. Mail your request to 1903 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1903. The fee is $24 for the first copy and $15 for each extra. These letters cover divorces from 1958 to now. For older records, contact the Buncombe County clerk in Asheville. Historical records may also be found through the Western Regional Archives at 176 Riceville Road in Asheville.
The Buncombe County Public Library at 67 Haywood Street in Asheville has a North Carolina Collection with genealogy resources. This can help with older family record research in the Asheville area.
Note: Divorce verification letters from the state cover records from 1958 onward; for anything before that, you must contact the Buncombe County Clerk of Court in Asheville directly.
Buncombe County Divorce Records
Asheville is in Buncombe County, and all divorce filings go through the Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court. The county court handles cases for all towns in the county, with Asheville being the largest. For more on the county court system, full fee lists, and other resources, visit the Buncombe County divorce records page.