Guilford County Divorce Records Lookup
Guilford County divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court in Greensboro. As one of the largest counties in North Carolina, Guilford County falls under Judicial District 18 and processes a high volume of divorce cases each year. The clerk office handles all filings and document storage for divorce cases. You can search Guilford County divorce records online through the eCourts portal or visit the courthouse at 201 South Eugene Street in Greensboro to look up cases in person.
Guilford County Quick Facts
Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court
The Clerk of Superior Court in Guilford County manages all divorce records. This office files new cases, stores documents, and issues certified copies. Guilford County was formed in 1771 from Orange and Rowan Counties. It was named for Francis North, Earl of Guilford.
The main courthouse is at 201 South Eugene Street in Greensboro. Guilford County also has a courthouse in High Point that handles some court matters. Visit the NC Courts page for Guilford County for court calendars and links to the eCourts portal. The Guilford County contact directory provides phone numbers for all court departments. Because Guilford County is large, the clerk office handles many divorce filings. Wait times may be longer than in smaller counties, so plan ahead when you visit.
The image above shows the Guilford County court listing on the NC Courts website. You can find schedules, local rules, and case search links for Guilford County divorce records here.
| Court |
Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court 201 South Eugene Street Greensboro, NC 27401 Phone: (336) 412-7300 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | nccourts.gov/locations/guilford-county |
How to Search Guilford County Divorce Records
You can search for divorce records in Guilford County online or at the courthouse. The North Carolina eCourts portal covers all counties, including Guilford County. Search by party name or case number. Basic case data is free to view online.
For a visit in person, go to 201 South Eugene Street in Greensboro. Bring a photo ID. The staff at the Guilford County clerk office can search by name or case number for you. Provide the full name of at least one spouse. The year the divorce was filed helps narrow the search. Guilford County has public access terminals at the courthouse for self-service case lookups.
To search divorce records in Guilford County, it helps to have:
- Full name of one or both spouses
- Year the divorce was filed or granted
- Case number if known
- A valid photo ID for in-person requests
You can also file a public records request with the Guilford County clerk. The Guilford County government website has general county information and links to services.
The Guilford County government site shown above links to county departments and public services.
Guilford County Divorce Filing Process
Filing for divorce in Guilford County follows North Carolina state law. First, file a complaint for absolute divorce at the clerk office. The fee is $225. The clerk assigns a case number right away.
Under N.C.G.S. 50-8, at least one spouse must have been a North Carolina resident for six months. Under N.C.G.S. 50-6, the spouses must have been living apart for at least one year. You file in the county where you or your spouse lives. If you live in Guilford County, you file in Greensboro. Serve your spouse after filing. Use the Guilford County Sheriff, a process server, or certified mail with return receipt. Once the judge signs the final judgment, the divorce is complete. That judgment becomes part of the public court record in Guilford County.
Note: Claims for property division and alimony must be filed before the judgment is entered in Guilford County or they are waived under state law.
What Guilford County Divorce Records Include
A Guilford County divorce case file contains many documents. The complaint states the grounds. The answer is the other spouse's response. A separation agreement may address property, custody, and support.
The final judgment is the most requested document from Guilford County divorce records. This court order dissolves the marriage. Certified copies are needed for name changes, property transactions, and remarriage. The Guilford County clerk provides certified copies for a fee. The full case file may also include motions, temporary custody orders, financial affidavits, and proof of service. All these papers are part of the court record in Guilford County.
Guilford County divorce records are public under N.C.G.S. Chapter 132, the North Carolina Public Records Act. Anyone can request to view them. You do not need to be a party to the divorce. Some details about minor children may be restricted, but the bulk of the file is open to the public in Guilford County.
The Guilford County court contact directory above lists phone numbers for departments that handle divorce records and filings.
Guilford County Divorce Verification
The NC Division of Public Health issues verification letters for Guilford County divorces from 1958 to the present. A verification letter confirms the divorce took place. It includes names, date, and county.
Send your request to NC Vital Records at 1903 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1903. The fee is $24 for one copy. Additional copies at the same time cost $15 each. For Guilford County divorces before 1958, contact the Clerk of Superior Court in Greensboro. The clerk has those older records on file at the courthouse.
Note: For the full divorce judgment with all terms, you need to go to the Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court, not the state Vital Records office.
Legal Help for Divorce in Guilford County
Legal Aid of North Carolina has an office in Greensboro that serves Guilford County. They provide free legal help to low income residents. Call (866) 219-5262 for information.
The North Carolina State Bar runs a referral service at 1-800-662-7660 to connect you with a family law attorney in Guilford County. The NC Courts divorce page offers forms and instructions for self-represented litigants. The Guilford County courthouse may also have a self-help center to guide you through filing for divorce.
Cities in Guilford County
Guilford County has several cities and towns. All divorce cases for Guilford County residents are filed at the Clerk of Superior Court. The main courthouse in Greensboro serves most of the county, and a second courthouse in High Point handles some matters.
Other communities in Guilford County include Burlington (partly), Jamestown, Pleasant Garden, Summerfield, Oak Ridge, Sedalia, and Whitsett. All file divorce cases through the Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Guilford County. Confirm which county you reside in before filing for divorce. The court must have proper jurisdiction over your case.