Divorce Records in Martin County
Martin County divorce records are stored at the Clerk of Superior Court in Williamston. The county is in Judicial District 2 in the eastern part of North Carolina. You can look up divorce cases online or go to the courthouse in person. Martin County was created in 1774 from Halifax and Tyrrell Counties. The clerk office manages all filings and keeps court documents safe. Staff help the public find divorce records and make copies. The county has about 24,625 residents and the courthouse in Williamston serves all of them.
Martin County Quick Facts
Martin County Clerk of Superior Court
The Clerk of Superior Court holds all divorce records in Martin County. The office is at 305 East Main Street in Williamston. You can ask for copies of complaints, judgments, and other court papers. Staff assist with record lookups daily.
Martin County was named for Josiah Martin, the last Royal Governor of North Carolina. The courthouse has handled civil and criminal cases for over two centuries. The clerk keeps divorce and court records from the 1800s. The Martin County court page shows hours, contact details, and links to forms. Public access terminals at the courthouse let you search divorce records on your own.
Below is the Martin County Clerk of Superior Court website.
Use this page to learn about the Martin County court and divorce record access.
| Court |
Martin County Clerk of Superior Court 305 East Main Street Williamston, NC 27892 Phone: (252) 809-5100 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | nccourts.gov/locations/martin-county |
How to Search Martin County Divorce Records
Search for Martin County divorce records online or in person. The NC eCourts system at nccourts.gov covers all counties. Look up cases by name or number. Basic data is free. For full documents, ask the Martin County clerk.
To visit in person, go to 305 East Main Street in Williamston. Staff can search for divorce records by name or case number. Bring your ID. Under N.C.G.S. Chapter 132, these records are public in Martin County. You do not need to be part of the case to see them. Copy fees are $0.25 per page for uncertified and $5.00 for certified copies.
The Martin County contact directory has phone numbers for all court departments.
Call (252) 809-5100 for help with your Martin County divorce record request.
Filing for Divorce in Martin County
To file for divorce in Martin County, start with a complaint for absolute divorce. Pay $225 at the clerk office. Under N.C.G.S. 50-8, one spouse must have lived in North Carolina for six months. File in the county where one spouse lives.
After you file, serve your spouse. Use the Martin County Sheriff, a private server, or certified mail. Under N.C.G.S. 50-6, both spouses must have lived apart for one year. The court then enters a final judgment. This ends the marriage and becomes part of the Martin County public record. Property and alimony claims must be raised before the judgment.
Note: Written requests for Martin County divorce records can be mailed to P.O. Box 807, Williamston, NC 27892.
What Martin County Divorce Records Show
A divorce record in Martin County holds several documents. The complaint states the grounds. The answer is the response from the other spouse. Separation agreements outline terms. The final judgment ends the marriage.
Most people need the final judgment from Martin County. This is the document that proves the divorce. You may need it to change your name, sell property, or remarry. Certified copies from the clerk carry an official seal. The clerk can also provide uncertified copies for a lower fee.
A Martin County divorce record typically shows:
- Names of both spouses
- Dates of marriage and separation
- Filing date and judgment date
- Grounds for divorce
- Name restoration if requested
Martin County Government and Records
The Martin County government website connects you to local offices. The Register of Deeds handles marriage and property records that may tie to a divorce case.
Here is the Martin County government website.
Visit this site for links to other Martin County offices that hold related records.
Divorce Verification in Martin County
NC Vital Records issues verification letters for Martin County divorces from 1958 to the present. The fee is $24. Visit vitalrecords.nc.gov for details. For Martin County divorces before 1958, contact the clerk in Williamston.
Probate records go back to the 1700s. For the full divorce judgment, visit the Martin County clerk office rather than the state Vital Records office.
Legal Help for Martin County Divorce
Legal Aid of North Carolina serves Martin County through their eastern regional office. They offer free legal help to people with low income. Call (866) 219-5262 to ask about help with a divorce case. The NC State Bar lawyer referral line at 1-800-662-7660 can match you with a family law attorney near Williamston.
The NC Judicial Branch at nccourts.gov has court forms and instructions for people who want to file on their own. These forms work in Martin County and all other North Carolina counties. If you cannot afford the $225 filing fee, you may file a Petition to Proceed as an Indigent with the court. The Martin County clerk office in Williamston can help you with form selection and explain the steps to file. Written requests for records can be sent to P.O. Box 807, Williamston, NC 27892.
Note: The Martin County court handles custody and support matters that may be part of your divorce case as well.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Martin County. Check your address to make sure you file in the right place for your divorce case.