Access Durham Divorce Records
Durham divorce records are stored at the Durham County Clerk of Superior Court. Durham is the county seat and home to Duke University. All divorce filings for Durham County go through the courthouse on South Dillard Street. The clerk office handles both active cases and archived files. You can search for Durham divorce records online using the eCourts portal or visit the courthouse in person. The clerk provides copies of judgments, complaints, and other case documents to anyone with valid identification and the right information.
Durham Quick Facts
Durham County Courthouse for Divorce
The Durham County Clerk of Superior Court handles all divorce records for Durham. Clerk Aminah M. Thompson leads the office under Judicial District 16. The courthouse is at 510 South Dillard Street in downtown Durham. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
| Court | Durham County Clerk of Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 510 S. Dillard Street Durham, NC 27701 |
| Phone | (919) 808-3000 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | nccourts.gov - Durham County Courthouse |
The main entrance is at 510 South Dillard Street. Ramp access is available from the Mangum Street side of the building. Handicapped parking is on each level of the adjacent deck, with courthouse access on the third level. Language interpreters are available for many languages including sign language. Contact Trial Court Administration at 919-808-3217 for interpreter needs.
Note: All entry is through the main entrance only; the Mangum Street ramp is for accessibility but leads to the same entry point.
Searching Durham Divorce Records
The NC eCourts portal lets you search Durham divorce records online for free. Enter a party name or case number to find basic details. The portal shows filing dates, case status, and party names. For actual copies of documents, you need to visit the courthouse or contact the clerk.
The Durham County clerk office is organized across multiple floors. The Civil Division is on the first floor in Room 1500, and that is where you go for most Durham divorce records. Recent divorce decrees from the last ten years are in the Civil Division. Older decrees are in the Judgments Division on the first floor in Room 1400. Family Court is on the sixth floor in Room 6500. You can call (919) 808-3003 for the Civil Division or (919) 808-3075 for Family Court directly.
The Durham County Clerk of Court page lists every division with its phone number and room number. This makes it easy to find the right office before you visit. Visit the courthouse page for parking and access details.
The Durham County Courthouse is the central location for all divorce records in Durham.
Durham Divorce Filing Process
Durham residents follow North Carolina state law for divorce. Under G.S. 50-6, you need one year of separation before filing. At least one spouse must intend the split to be permanent during that year. Under G.S. 50-8, at least one spouse must have lived in North Carolina for six months before filing the complaint.
The filing fee is $225 at the Durham County courthouse. After you file, you serve the other spouse through the Durham County Sheriff, a process server, or certified mail. The complaint must include the names and ages of any minor children. Once served, the case proceeds to a hearing. The judge enters the final divorce judgment. That judgment becomes a public record in Durham.
Durham County provides a Pro Se Absolute Divorce Packet for people who want to file without a lawyer. The packet includes all forms and instructions. The NC Judicial Branch also has downloadable forms. Under G.S. 50-11, alimony and property distribution claims must be filed before the divorce is final. G.S. 50-20 governs equitable distribution and presumes an equal split of marital property unless the court finds otherwise.
The Durham County government website also answers common questions about court records and divorce documents.
Durham County government provides online access to information about court services and records.
Note: Durham County formed in 1881 from Orange and Wake Counties, and the clerk has court records dating back to that year.
Durham Divorce Record Fees
Fees for Durham divorce records follow the state schedule.
Uncertified copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies are $5.00 per document. Exemplified copies run $10.00 per document. A staff name search costs $2.00. Divorce verification letters from NC Vital Records cost $24 for the first copy and $15 for each additional copy. These letters are available for Durham divorces from 1958 to the present.
For older Durham divorce records, the NC State Archives may have files from before 1958. The The Durham County Library at 300 North Roxboro Street also holds local historical records and research materials. Call the clerk at (919) 808-3000 to confirm current fees.
Filing Pro Se in Durham
Durham residents who want to file for divorce without a lawyer can use the Pro Se Absolute Divorce Packet. This packet is designed for people who represent themselves. It includes all the forms and step-by-step instructions you need. The process works best when both spouses agree on the divorce and there are no disputes over assets or children.
The NC Judicial Branch website has additional court forms free to download. The clerk staff at the Durham County courthouse can guide you on which forms are required for your specific case. If your case involves children, you may need custody and support worksheets in addition to the basic divorce forms. Under G.S. 50-12, you can request a name change back to your maiden name as part of the Durham divorce filing at no extra cost.
Legal Aid of North Carolina provides free legal assistance to Durham residents who meet income requirements. Call their helpline at (866) 219-5262 to ask about available services. The North Carolina State Bar also runs a referral service at 1-800-662-7660 for people who need a family law attorney in Durham. The Durham County courthouse has interpreter services available for many languages, making the filing process accessible to all residents.
Durham County Divorce Records
Durham is the county seat of Durham County. All divorce filings go through the Durham County Clerk of Superior Court on South Dillard Street. The court handles cases for Durham and all other towns in the county. For more about county resources, fees, and related records, visit our Durham County page.