Edgecombe County Divorce Records
Edgecombe County divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court at the courthouse in Tarboro. This county was created in 1741 from Bertie County and named for Baron Edgecombe. The clerk office stores all divorce case filings, judgments, and related court papers. You can search for divorce records in Edgecombe County at the courthouse in person, by sending a written request, or by using the North Carolina online court portal for basic case details and status information.
Edgecombe County Quick Facts
Edgecombe County Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Superior Court in Edgecombe County is Shirley S. Pugh-Finch. This office handles all divorce filings and keeps court records. The Edgecombe County Courthouse is at 301 Saint Andrews Street in Tarboro. Staff can search for divorce cases, pull files, and make copies of court documents for you.
Edgecombe County is in Judicial District 7. The clerk office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Call (252) 823-2100 for questions about divorce records or to check on a case. The Edgecombe County court page provides details on court calendars, forms, and payment options. Public access terminals at the courthouse allow you to look up case information on your own.
The Edgecombe County courthouse serves the entire county from its Tarboro location, including the city of Rocky Mount (which also extends into Nash County).
| Court |
Edgecombe County Clerk of Superior Court 301 Saint Andrews Street Tarboro, NC 27886 Phone: (252) 823-2100 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | nccourts.gov/locations/edgecombe-county |
Searching Edgecombe Divorce Records
There are two main ways to search for divorce records in Edgecombe County. You can visit the courthouse in Tarboro or use the state online court portal.
The NC eCourts portal at nccourts.gov lets you look up civil cases by party name or case number. Edgecombe County cases are included in this statewide database. Basic case information is free. For complete documents, you must go to the clerk or send a written request by mail to PO Box 530, Tarboro, NC 27886. Include names of both parties, approximate dates, and payment.
When visiting the Edgecombe County clerk office in person, bring a valid photo ID. Provide the names of the spouses and the approximate date of the divorce. Staff will search the system and pull the case file. Copies can be made on the spot. Written mail requests are also accepted and should include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Divorce Filing in Edgecombe County
The divorce process in Edgecombe County follows North Carolina law. Under N.C.G.S. 50-6, the spouses must live apart for one year. At least one spouse must be a state resident for six months under N.C.G.S. 50-8. If you reside in Edgecombe County, your case is filed at the courthouse in Tarboro.
You file a complaint for absolute divorce to start the process. The clerk gives you a case number. Then you serve the other spouse. The Edgecombe County Sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail are all options. After service and all other requirements are met, the judge enters a final judgment of divorce. This order ends the marriage and becomes a public record in Edgecombe County. Certified copies of the judgment are available from the clerk right after it is entered.
Note: Property and alimony claims must be filed before the final divorce judgment is entered in Edgecombe County.
What Edgecombe Divorce Records Show
Divorce files in Edgecombe County contain the complaint, answer, separation agreements, and the final judgment. The complaint states the grounds and what the plaintiff wants. The judgment dissolves the marriage. Most people need a certified copy of the judgment for legal matters.
Edgecombe County divorce records are public under the North Carolina Public Records Act, N.C.G.S. Chapter 132. Anyone can ask to see them. You do not need to be a party to the case. Standard NC fees apply for copies. The Edgecombe County government website provides links to other county services and departments.
Edgecombe County Divorce Verification
The NC Vital Records office at vitalrecords.nc.gov issues divorce verification letters for all North Carolina counties, including Edgecombe. These letters confirm a divorce took place. They show names, the date, and the county but not the full judgment terms. Records from 1958 to present are available.
Pre-1958 divorce records for Edgecombe County must come from the Clerk of Superior Court in Tarboro. The Edgecombe County contact directory lists all court departments and their phone numbers. The state archives may also have older Edgecombe County court documents for research.
Legal Help in Edgecombe County
Legal Aid of North Carolina serves Edgecombe County and offers free help to people with low income. Call (866) 219-5262 to ask about help with your divorce. The NC State Bar lawyer referral service is at 1-800-662-7660.
The NC Judicial Branch has court forms and guides for self-represented people. These include the Pro Se Absolute Divorce packet for those filing without a lawyer in Edgecombe County.
Nearby Counties
These counties are near Edgecombe County. Confirm your address to ensure you file in the correct county for your divorce.