Wilmington Divorce Records
Wilmington divorce records are filed at the New Hanover County Clerk of Superior Court. Wilmington is the county seat and a historic port city on the southeastern coast of North Carolina. All divorce cases for Wilmington go through the New Hanover County Courthouse on Princess Street in the downtown area. The clerk office stores active and closed divorce files for the entire county. You can search these records online or visit the courthouse during business hours. Copies of all divorce documents are available with proper identification.
Wilmington Quick Facts
Wilmington Divorce Records at the Courthouse
Wilmington residents file for divorce at the New Hanover County Clerk of Superior Court. Clerk Jan Kennedy leads the office under Judicial District 6. The courthouse is at 316 Princess Street in downtown Wilmington. It is a historic building that has served the county for many years. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
| Court | New Hanover County Clerk of Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 316 Princess Street Wilmington, NC 28401 |
| Phone | (910) 772-6600 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | nccourts.gov - New Hanover County Courthouse |
The courthouse is in the heart of historic downtown Wilmington. All visitors pass through security screening. Bring a valid photo ID when you visit to request Wilmington divorce records. The building is the only location for divorce filings in New Hanover County.
How to Search Divorce Records in Wilmington
The NC eCourts portal covers all of New Hanover County. Search by party name or case number for free. The system shows filing dates, case status, and party names. For full documents, visit the courthouse in Wilmington.
At the clerk office, staff search by name or case number and pull the file. A staff search costs $2.00 per name. Uncertified copies are $0.25 per page. Certified copies run $5.00 per document. You need the full name of at least one spouse and the approximate year of filing.
The New Hanover County contact directory lists direct phone numbers for each division. Family Court is at (910) 772-6612. Custody mediation is at (910) 772-7114. Court-ordered arbitration can be reached at (910) 772-6612.
The New Hanover County Courthouse is the primary location for all Wilmington divorce records.
The historic New Hanover County Courthouse in downtown Wilmington handles all divorce filings for the county.
Note: New Hanover County was formed in 1729 from Craven County, making it one of the oldest counties in North Carolina.
Wilmington Divorce Filing Steps
Divorce in Wilmington follows North Carolina state law. Under G.S. 50-6, you must live separate and apart for one full year before filing. At least one spouse must intend the separation to be permanent. Under G.S. 50-8, at least one spouse must have been a North Carolina resident for six months before filing.
You file the complaint at the New Hanover County courthouse. The fee is $225. After filing, you serve your spouse through the county sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail with return receipt. Proof of service goes in the court file. If both parties agree on the divorce, you schedule a hearing. The judge enters the final judgment, which dissolves the marriage. The judgment becomes a public divorce record in Wilmington.
Under G.S. 50-11, claims for alimony and equitable distribution must be filed before the final judgment. If you miss that deadline, those claims are gone. G.S. 50-20 presumes equal property division. G.S. 50-16.3A covers alimony and lists 16 factors the court weighs. The NC Judicial Branch has all required forms for Wilmington residents who want to file without a lawyer.
Wilmington Divorce Record Resources
Divorce verification letters are available from the NC Vital Records office for Wilmington divorces from 1958 to the present. The fee is $24 for the first copy and $15 for each additional one. Pre-1958 records must be obtained from the New Hanover County clerk or the NC State Archives.
The The New Hanover County Public Library at 201 Chestnut Street in Wilmington has a North Carolina Room with local historical records and genealogical resources. The New Hanover County government portal links to county services and public records. Marriage records are kept by the Register of Deeds, separate from divorce records at the courthouse.
Wilmington's history as a major port city means the county has a deep archive of legal records. Some historical divorce cases may involve unique coastal property or maritime matters. The civil and criminal court calendars for New Hanover County are posted online for scheduling. Call (910) 772-6600 to confirm any fees or procedures before visiting the courthouse in Wilmington.
The New Hanover County Clerk of Superior Court manages all divorce records for Wilmington.
Filing Without a Lawyer in Wilmington
Some Wilmington residents file for divorce on their own without an attorney. This is called filing pro se. It works best when both spouses agree and there are no complex issues with property or children. The New Hanover County court does not provide legal advice, but resources exist to help you through the process.
The NC Judicial Branch website has all the forms you need to file in Wilmington. Complaint forms, answer forms, and service of process papers are free to download. If your case involves children, you will need custody and child support worksheets as well. The clerk staff at the New Hanover County courthouse can tell you which forms apply to your situation. Under G.S. 50-12, you can request a maiden name change as part of your Wilmington divorce filing.
Legal Aid of North Carolina serves Wilmington and all of New Hanover County. They provide free legal help to people who qualify based on income. Call (866) 219-5262 for more details. The North Carolina State Bar runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-662-7660. The New Hanover County Public Library at 201 Chestnut Street has a North Carolina Room with research materials that may help with historical Wilmington divorce records and family history.
New Hanover County Divorce Records
Wilmington is the county seat of New Hanover County. All divorce filings go through the New Hanover County Clerk of Superior Court at 316 Princess Street. The court handles cases for Wilmington and all other communities in the county. For the complete guide to county resources and records, visit our New Hanover County page.