Craven County Divorce Records
Craven County divorce records are kept by the Clerk of Superior Court in New Bern. This historic county was first formed in 1705 as Archdale Precinct and renamed Craven County in 1712. The clerk handles all divorce case filings and stores court documents at the courthouse on Broad Street. Residents who need copies of divorce records in Craven County can visit the clerk in person or search online through the state court portal. The office also provides certified copies of divorce judgments and other civil case papers for Craven County residents and the public.
Craven County Quick Facts
Craven County Clerk of Superior Court
The Clerk of Superior Court in Craven County handles all divorce filings and court records. This office is led by Clerk Terri W. Sharp. Staff can help you find divorce cases, pull court files, and make copies of judgments. The courthouse sits at 302 Broad Street in New Bern, which has served as the Craven County seat for centuries.
You can reach the Craven County clerk by phone at (252) 639-3000. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Walk-ins are welcome during those hours. Bring a valid photo ID when you visit. The clerk can search by name or case number to locate divorce records in Craven County. For more details, visit the Craven County court page on the NC Judicial Branch site.
The Craven County courthouse provides access to court calendars, local rules, and case search tools through the contact directory page. You can find phone numbers for each court department listed there.
| Court |
Craven County Clerk of Superior Court 302 Broad Street New Bern, NC 28560 Phone: (252) 639-3000 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | nccourts.gov/locations/craven-county |
Searching Craven County Divorce Cases
There are two main ways to search for divorce records in Craven County. You can go online or visit the courthouse in person. Online searches are good for basic case details like names, dates, and status. In-person visits let you see the full case file and get certified copies right away.
The North Carolina eCourts portal at nccourts.gov lets you search civil case records across all counties. You can look up Craven County divorce cases by party name or case number. The system is free for basic lookups. Full documents still require a visit to the clerk or a written request. Craven County also has public access terminals at the courthouse for searching records on site.
To search in person, go to 302 Broad Street in New Bern. You will need:
- Full name of one or both spouses
- Approximate year of the divorce filing
- Case number if you have it
- A valid photo ID
Staff at the Craven County clerk office will search their system and pull the file for you. Older records may take more time to find. You can also mail a written request to P.O. Box 1187, New Bern, NC 28560.
Note: Divorce certificates from 1958 to present can also be obtained through the NC Vital Records office in Raleigh.
Divorce Filing in Craven County
Filing for divorce in Craven County follows North Carolina state law. Under N.C.G.S. 50-6, you must live separate and apart for at least one year before filing. At least one spouse must be a North Carolina resident for six months under N.C.G.S. 50-8. If you live in Craven County, you file your case here at the courthouse in New Bern.
The process starts when you file a complaint for absolute divorce with the Craven County clerk. You pay the filing fee at that time. The clerk assigns a case number. Next, you serve the other spouse with the papers. You can use the Craven County Sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail. Proof of service goes into the court file. For uncontested cases, the judge can enter a final judgment fairly quickly after filing in Craven County.
The final judgment of divorce ends the marriage. It becomes part of the public record in Craven County. You can get certified copies from the clerk after the judgment is entered.
What Craven County Divorce Records Include
Divorce records in Craven County contain many types of documents. The complaint is the first paper filed. It states the grounds for divorce and what the plaintiff wants. The answer comes from the other spouse. A separation agreement may show what the parties agreed to on property, children, and support.
The final judgment is the key document most people need. It is the court order that ends the marriage. Certified copies of this judgment are often needed for name changes, property sales, or remarriage. The Craven County clerk can provide certified copies of any document in the case file. Each divorce record in Craven County will typically show the names and addresses of both parties, the date of marriage and separation, the grounds for the divorce, and the date the judgment was entered.
Craven County divorce records are public under the North Carolina Public Records Act, N.C.G.S. Chapter 132. Anyone can ask to view them. You do not need to be a party to the case.
Note: Some details about children or finances may be sealed or redacted in Craven County divorce files.
Divorce Verification for Craven County
The North Carolina Division of Public Health issues divorce verification letters. These are shorter than full court records. A verification letter confirms a divorce took place. It shows the names, date, and county. It does not include the full terms of any settlement or agreement.
You can get a verification letter by mailing a request to the NC Vital Records Section at 1903 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1903. The state office at vitalrecords.nc.gov has divorce certificates from 1958 to the present. Pre-1958 divorce records for Craven County must come from the Clerk of Superior Court in New Bern. For the full divorce judgment with all terms, you must go through the Craven County clerk office.
Craven County Court Contact Information
The contact directory for the Craven County courthouse provides phone numbers for different court departments. You can reach the clerk at the main line or call specific divisions for your needs.
The Craven County contact directory lists numbers for Superior Court judges, District Court judges, and various departments. If you are not sure who to call about divorce records in Craven County, start with the main clerk number at (252) 639-3000. Staff will direct your call to the right place.
Craven County is part of Judicial District 3B. The courthouse also handles other civil matters, probate, and family court cases.
Legal Help in Craven County
Several resources exist for people going through a divorce in Craven County. Legal Aid of North Carolina serves the New Bern area. They offer free legal help to people with low income. Call (866) 219-5262 to ask about assistance. The NC State Bar also runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-662-7660.
The NC Judicial Branch website has court forms and guides for people filing on their own. These include the Pro Se Absolute Divorce packet. This helps self-represented people complete the steps needed to file in Craven County. The courthouse also offers payment options for court fees.
Nearby Counties
These counties are near Craven County. Make sure you file your divorce in the correct county based on where you live. The court must have proper jurisdiction over your case.