Search Raleigh Divorce Records
Raleigh divorce records are maintained by the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court. As the state capital and county seat of Wake County, Raleigh is home to the Wake County Justice Center where all divorce cases are filed. The clerk office stores active and closed divorce files for the entire county. You can search these records online or visit the courthouse in downtown Raleigh. Wake County also offers self-help divorce packets for people who want to file on their own. Copies of all divorce documents are available with proper identification.
Raleigh Quick Facts
Where to Get Raleigh Divorce Records
Raleigh residents file for divorce at the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court. Clerk Jennifer R. Knorr heads the office under Judicial District 10. The main location is the Wake County Justice Center at 300 South Salisbury Street in downtown Raleigh. Wake County also uses the historic courthouse at 316 Fayetteville Street Mall for some proceedings. Both buildings serve as part of the judicial complex.
| Court | Wake County Clerk of Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 300 S. Salisbury Street Raleigh, NC 27601 |
| Phone | (919) 792-4000 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | nccourts.gov - Wake County Justice Center |
The Justice Center is a modern, multi-story building with advanced court technology. It houses Superior Court, District Court, and Family Court. Public parking is in nearby decks and lots. Public access terminals inside let you search Raleigh divorce records on your own. Bring a valid photo ID when you visit.
Note: The historic Wake County Courthouse at 316 Fayetteville Street also hosts some court proceedings for Raleigh cases.
Searching Raleigh Divorce Records Online
The NC eCourts portal is the fastest way to search Raleigh divorce records. It covers all of Wake County. You can look up cases by name or case number at no charge. The portal shows filing dates, case status, and party names. It does not show the full documents. For actual copies, you need to contact the clerk or visit the courthouse in Raleigh.
In-person searches at the Wake County Justice Center give you access to the complete case file. Staff can pull records and make copies while you wait. A staff search costs $2.00 per name. Uncertified copies run $0.25 per page. Certified copies cost $5.00 per document. You need the full name of at least one spouse and the approximate year of filing to search for Raleigh divorce records.
The Wake County Justice Center is where most Raleigh divorce records are processed and stored. Below is an image of the facility.
The Wake County Justice Center in downtown Raleigh handles all divorce filings for the county.
Raleigh Divorce Filing Requirements
Filing for divorce in Raleigh follows the same state law that applies everywhere in North Carolina. Under G.S. 50-6, you must live separate and apart for one full year before you can file. At least one spouse must intend for the separation to be permanent. This is the only ground for absolute divorce in the state.
You also need to meet the residency rule under G.S. 50-8. At least one spouse must have lived in North Carolina for six months before filing. If you live in Raleigh now and meet this threshold, you file at the Wake County courthouse. The complaint must list the names and ages of any minor children. The filing fee is $225 in Raleigh.
After filing, you must serve your spouse with the divorce papers. Service can happen through the Wake County Sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail. Once your spouse is served and the waiting period passes, you can schedule a hearing. The judge enters the final judgment, which becomes part of the public divorce records in Raleigh. Under G.S. 50-11, claims for equitable distribution and alimony must be filed before the judgment or they are lost forever.
Note: Wake County provides File It Yourself domestic packets to help Raleigh residents handle their own divorce filings without an attorney.
Raleigh Divorce Record Resources
Raleigh has a unique advantage as the state capital. The NC Vital Records office, the State Archives, and the Administrative Office of the Courts are all in Raleigh. This makes it easier for Raleigh residents to access divorce records from multiple sources without leaving the city.
The NC Vital Records office at 225 North McDowell Street issues divorce verification letters for cases from 1958 to the present. The fee is $24 for the first copy and $15 for each additional one. Walk-in hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The State Archives at 109 East Jones Street holds historical Wake County records from before 1958. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, and Saturday 9 AM to 1 PM.
The Wake County government portal also gives access to various county records and services. The Register of Deeds maintains marriage records separately from divorce records. For historical research on Raleigh divorce records, the Wake County was formed in 1771 from Orange and Johnston Counties, and records go back to that era.
Below you can see the Wake County court system that serves Raleigh residents.
The Wake County Clerk of Superior Court office processes all divorce record requests for Raleigh.
Raleigh Divorce Fees and Copies
Standard fees apply to all Raleigh divorce record requests at the Wake County courthouse.
Uncertified copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies are $5.00 per document plus copy fees. A name search by staff costs $2.00 per name. Expedited processing is available for an extra $15 fee. If you cannot afford the filing fee of $225, you may apply for a fee waiver by filing a Petition to Proceed as an Indigent with proof of financial need. The court reviews each petition and makes a decision based on your situation.
For divorce verification letters from NC Vital Records in Raleigh, the first copy is $24 and extras are $15 each. Processing time is normally 5 to 7 business days plus mail time. However, current wait times may be 110 to 115 business days due to high demand. Call the clerk at (919) 792-4000 to confirm current rates before requesting Raleigh divorce records.
Wake County Divorce Records
Raleigh is the county seat of Wake County. All divorce filings for the county go through the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court at the Justice Center. The county court handles cases for Raleigh, Cary, and all other Wake County towns. For a complete guide to Wake County court resources and records, visit our county page.