Find Tyrrell County Divorce Records
Tyrrell County divorce records are kept at the Clerk of Superior Court in Columbia. As the smallest county in North Carolina by population, Tyrrell County handles all divorce filings at its courthouse on Main Street. You can search for Tyrrell County divorce records online or in person. The clerk staff can help you find cases by name or case number. The Inner Banks location makes this a quiet but well-run court for all divorce matters.
Tyrrell County Quick Facts
Tyrrell County Clerk of Superior Court
The Clerk of Superior Court handles all divorce records in Tyrrell County. The courthouse is at 407 Main Street in Columbia. Staff file new cases, store court documents, and give out copies of divorce judgments. Call (252) 796-2901 for help with records.
Tyrrell County was formed in 1729 from Chowan County. It is one of the oldest counties in North Carolina. The county seat was once called Elizabeth Town. The Tyrrell County Clerk of Superior Court serves the entire county from this one location. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Public access terminals at the courthouse let you look up case records on site. The contact directory has all division phone numbers for the Tyrrell County court.
| Court |
Tyrrell County Clerk of Superior Court 407 Main Street Columbia, NC 27925 Phone: (252) 796-2901 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | nccourts.gov/locations/tyrrell-county |
How to Search Tyrrell County Divorce Cases
There are two ways to look up divorce records in Tyrrell County. The NC eCourts portal lets you search online for free. You can find basic case details by name or number. For full documents or certified copies, contact the clerk in Columbia or send a written request to P.O. Box 65, Columbia, NC 27925.
In person, bring your photo ID. The records search fee is $2.00 per name. Copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies are $5.00 per document. Tyrrell County accepts cash, check, or money order.
Due to small staff, response times at the Tyrrell County courthouse may vary. Call ahead to check on your request.
Note: Written requests for Tyrrell County divorce records should include the full names of both spouses and the approximate year of divorce.
Tyrrell County Divorce Fees
Tyrrell County uses the state fee schedule for all court filings. The main cost is $225 to file a divorce complaint. Other fees apply for motions, service, and copies of court documents. Call (252) 796-2901 to confirm rates before you file in Tyrrell County.
- Divorce complaint filing: $225.00
- Motion filing fee: $30.00
- Certified copy: $5.00 per document
- Regular copy: $0.25 per page
- Records search: $2.00 per name
Service fees are separate in Tyrrell County. You must serve the other spouse with divorce papers. Options include the sheriff, a process server, or certified mail. If you cannot pay the fees, ask the court about filing a Petition to Proceed as an Indigent.
Tyrrell County Divorce Filing Process
To file for divorce in Tyrrell County, you follow North Carolina state law. Under N.C.G.S. 50-8, one spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months. Under N.C.G.S. 50-6, you must live separate and apart for one year before filing for an absolute divorce.
File your complaint at the Tyrrell County courthouse. Pay $225. Get your case number. Then serve the other spouse by sheriff, process server, or certified mail. After all steps are done, the court enters the judgment. This ends the marriage. It becomes a public record in Tyrrell County. Property and alimony claims must be filed before the judgment is entered, or they are waived.
Divorce Record Contents in Tyrrell County
A divorce file in Tyrrell County includes the complaint, answer, and final judgment. It may also have a separation agreement. The judgment is the document that ends the marriage. Most people need a certified copy of this paper for legal purposes like changing their name or selling property.
Tyrrell County divorce records are public under N.C.G.S. Chapter 132. Anyone can ask to view them. You do not need to be named in the case. Some parts about children may be sealed, but most of the file is open in Tyrrell County. The county is in the Inner Banks region of eastern North Carolina, and its courthouse has served the area since the early days of the state.
Tyrrell County Divorce Verification
NC Vital Records provides verification letters for divorces from 1958 to the present. The fee is $24. Mail requests to 1903 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699. It takes 5 to 7 business days to process.
Pre-1958 Tyrrell County divorce records are at the NC State Archives. For the full judgment from Tyrrell County, contact the clerk in Columbia.
Note: A verification letter confirms a divorce took place but does not contain the full terms of the settlement from Tyrrell County.
Legal Help for Divorce in Tyrrell County
Legal Aid of North Carolina serves Tyrrell County and provides free legal help to people with low income. Call the helpline at (866) 219-5262. The North Carolina State Bar runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-662-7660 that can match you with a family law attorney who handles divorce cases.
The NC Judicial Branch website has all court forms and filing instructions for self-represented litigants. You can download what you need for a Tyrrell County divorce. The courthouse staff in Columbia can help with form selection. For child support questions, call North Carolina Child Support Services at 1-800-992-9457.
Nearby Counties
These counties are near Tyrrell County in eastern North Carolina. Confirm which county you live in before filing for divorce.