Search Durham County Divorce Records
Durham County divorce records are managed by the Clerk of Superior Court at the Durham County Courthouse. Formed in 1881 from Orange and Wake Counties, Durham County is home to Duke University and has a population of over 300,000. The clerk office handles all divorce filings and stores court documents at 510 South Dillard Street. Whether you need a certified copy of a judgment, want to look up a case, or need to check on a filing, the Durham County clerk office is the main source for divorce records in this area.
Durham County Quick Facts
Durham County Clerk of Superior Court
The Durham County Clerk of Superior Court is Archie Smith. This office keeps all divorce records and court documents. The courthouse is at 510 South Dillard Street in Durham. The clerk office is organized across multiple floors, with each floor handling different types of cases. Family Court is on the 6th floor in Room 6500. The Civil Division is on the 1st floor in Room 1500.
Durham County is in Judicial District 14. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The main phone number is (919) 808-3000. For divorce cases less than 10 years old, call the Civil Division at (919) 808-3003. For older divorce decrees, contact the Judgments Division at (919) 808-3008. The Durham County court page has more details on all available services.
The Durham County Clerk website also lists each division with floor locations and direct phone numbers for quick access to the right department.
| Court |
Durham County Clerk of Superior Court 510 South Dillard Street Durham, NC 27701 Phone: (919) 808-3000 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | nccourts.gov/locations/durham-county |
How to Search Durham Divorce Records
Searching for divorce records in Durham County can be done online or in person. The method you choose depends on what type of information or documents you need.
The NC eCourts portal at nccourts.gov allows you to search court records by name or case number. Durham County cases appear in the statewide system. Basic case information is free online. Full documents and certified copies require a trip to the courthouse or a written request by mail to 510 S. Dillard St., Durham, NC 27701. Include names, dates, a case number if known, payment by check or money order, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
For in-person visits, go to the Durham County Courthouse. Bring a valid photo ID. Provide the full names of both parties and the approximate date of the divorce. Recent cases under 10 years old are in the Civil Division on the 1st floor. Older cases are in the Judgments Division, also on the 1st floor. Staff can search and pull files for you. Ramp access is available from the Mangum Street side of the building for those who need it.
Copies of divorce records in Durham County cost the following:
- Uncertified copies: $0.25 per page in person
- Certified copies: $5.00 per document
- Mail copies: $1.00 per page
- Record search fee: $2.00 per name
Note: Language interpreters are available at the Durham County Courthouse for many languages, including sign language, through Trial Court Administration at (919) 808-3217.
Durham County Divorce Filing Process
Filing for divorce in Durham County follows the same process as all North Carolina counties. Under N.C.G.S. 50-6, you must have lived separate and apart for one full year. One spouse needs six months of North Carolina residency under N.C.G.S. 50-8. Durham County provides a Pro Se Absolute Divorce Packet for people who want to file without a lawyer.
You file a complaint at the Durham County courthouse. The clerk assigns a case number. Then you serve the other spouse through the sheriff, a private server, or certified mail. Proof of service goes in the file. After all legal steps are done, the court enters a final judgment of divorce. This becomes a permanent public record in Durham County. Family Court Administration at (919) 808-3075 can help with the process of family law matters.
Related Records in Durham County
Other offices in Durham County keep records that may connect to divorce cases. The Durham County Register of Deeds, led by Sharon A. Davis, handles marriage licenses and property records. That office is at 201 East Main Street. The phone number is (919) 560-0480. You may need a marriage record before the divorce or property records that changed after the divorce.
The Durham County government portal provides access to various county departments and services. Custody mediation in Durham County is available through the courthouse at (919) 808-3025. The Durham County Library at 300 N. Roxboro Street also has genealogical resources for historical records research.
State Divorce Certificates for Durham County
The NC Vital Records office at vitalrecords.nc.gov has divorce certificates from 1958 to the present. Durham County divorces are included. The fee is $24 for the first copy. Additional copies ordered at the same time cost $15 each.
Pre-1958 divorce records for Durham County are held at the clerk office. Durham County was formed in 1881, so its records go back to that year. For the full divorce judgment with all terms and conditions, contact the Durham County Clerk of Superior Court. The Durham County contact directory lists every court department and phone number.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Durham County. Check your address to confirm which county has jurisdiction over your divorce case.