Jacksonville Divorce Records
Jacksonville divorce records are filed at the Onslow County Clerk of Superior Court. Jacksonville is the county seat of Onslow County and home to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. The courthouse is at 625 Court Street in Jacksonville. All divorce cases go through this office, including cases that involve military service members. You can search for divorce records in Jacksonville through the state court system online or by visiting the clerk in person. Both options give you access to divorce case details from Onslow County.
Jacksonville Quick Facts
Where Jacksonville Divorce Cases Are Filed
Jacksonville residents file for divorce at the Onslow County Clerk of Superior Court. The courthouse is at 625 Court Street. This is where you start new cases and get copies of divorce records in Jacksonville.
| Court | Onslow County Clerk of Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 625 Court Street Jacksonville, NC 28540 |
| Phone | (910) 478-3600 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | nccourts.gov/locations/onslow-county |
The Onslow County Courthouse handles all divorce cases for Jacksonville and the rest of the county. Bring a valid photo ID when visiting. Security screens all visitors at the door. Paid parking is available near the courthouse.
Note: Onslow County Judicial District 5 covers all Superior Court, District Court, and family court matters for Jacksonville.
Military Divorce Records in Jacksonville
Jacksonville is home to Camp Lejeune. Many divorce cases here involve active duty service members or their spouses. Military divorces follow the same North Carolina state law. But they may also involve federal rules like the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. This federal law gives service members certain rights when they are served with court papers during active duty.
Deployment can create issues for custody and service of process. If a spouse is deployed, the court may delay proceedings to protect their rights. The Onslow County court in Jacksonville handles many of these cases each year. The custody mediator at (910) 478-3614 can help parents reach agreements on custody during or after deployment. These cases still produce divorce records that go to the Onslow County clerk in Jacksonville, just like any other case.
Military legal assistance offices on Camp Lejeune can also help service members understand their rights in a divorce. They do not represent people in court but can give advice and help with forms. Active duty spouses may have access to free legal consultations on base. Retired military members and dependents may also qualify for certain services. Contact the Camp Lejeune legal assistance office for details on what help is available for Jacksonville divorce cases.
How to Search Jacksonville Divorce Records
The NC eCourts portal covers Onslow County. You can search by name or case number for free. The system shows filing dates, party names, and case status. For copies of actual divorce documents from Jacksonville, visit the clerk or send a written request.
To search divorce records in Jacksonville you need:
- Full name of at least one spouse
- Approximate year the case was filed
- Case number if available
- Valid photo ID for in-person requests
The Onslow County government portal has links to other public records. Jacksonville divorce records are public under N.C.G.S. Chapter 132. Copies cost $0.25 per page for plain copies and $5.00 per document for certified ones.
The Onslow County Courthouse is the main location for all divorce record requests in Jacksonville.
Divorce Filing Process in Jacksonville
Filing for divorce in Jacksonville follows North Carolina law. Under N.C.G.S. § 50-8, at least one spouse must have lived in North Carolina for six months before filing. Under N.C.G.S. § 50-6, spouses must live apart for one full year. This is the only ground for absolute divorce in the state.
You file the complaint at the Onslow County Clerk of Superior Court in Jacksonville. The fee is $225. Then you serve the other spouse with the papers. You can use the Onslow County Sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail. After service, the case moves to a hearing. The final judgment becomes a public record at the clerk office in Jacksonville.
The Onslow County Register of Deeds at 234 NW Corridor Blvd. in Jacksonville keeps marriage records. These are separate from divorce records. The Register of Deeds does not handle divorce cases.
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may apply for a fee waiver. Fill out a Petition to Proceed as an Indigent form at the clerk office. The court will review your finances and decide if you qualify. Call the clerk at (910) 478-3600 to ask about this option before filing for divorce in Jacksonville.
Note: Claims for equitable distribution and alimony must be filed before the divorce judgment is entered, or those claims are lost under North Carolina law.
Divorce Certificates for Jacksonville
The NC Division of Public Health issues divorce verification letters through Vital Records. The fee is $24 for the first copy and $15 for each extra. These cover divorces from 1958 to now. For older records, contact the Onslow County clerk in Jacksonville. Onslow County was formed in 1734, one of the oldest in the state.
The Onslow County Public Library at 58 Doris Avenue East in Jacksonville has genealogy resources for older family record research. For the full divorce judgment, get that from the clerk at the Onslow County courthouse in Jacksonville.
The Onslow County clerk office keeps all divorce court files and can provide certified copies for legal use.
Legal Aid of North Carolina serves Jacksonville and all of Onslow County. Call (866) 219-5262 to ask about free help with divorce. The NC Judicial Branch has forms and guides for people filing on their own. The North Carolina State Bar at 1-800-662-7660 offers a lawyer referral service for Jacksonville residents who need a family law attorney.
Onslow County Divorce Records
Jacksonville is in Onslow County, and all divorce filings go through the Onslow County Clerk of Superior Court. The county court handles cases for all towns in the county. For more on the county court system, fees, and other resources, visit the Onslow County divorce records page.