Wake County Divorce Records

Wake County divorce records are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court in Raleigh, the state capital. Wake County is the second most populous county in North Carolina. The courthouse on Fayetteville Street handles all divorce filings for the county. You can search Wake County divorce records online through the state court system or visit the clerk office in person. Staff can help you find both old and recent divorce case files in Wake County.

Wake County Clerk of Superior Court

The Clerk of Superior Court maintains all divorce records in Wake County. This office handles case filings, stores court documents, and provides copies of divorce judgments. The courthouse is at 316 Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh. Multiple courtrooms serve the high volume of cases that come through Wake County each year.

Wake County was formed in 1771 from Cumberland and Orange Counties. It is named for Margaret Wake, wife of Governor William Tryon. The Wake County Clerk of Superior Court serves all cities and towns in the county, including Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, and Wake Forest. All divorce cases for Wake County residents are filed at this courthouse. The Family Court division at (919) 792-4025 handles family law matters. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

The Wake County government website has more details about county services and departments available to residents.

How to Search Wake County Divorce Records

You can search for divorce records in Wake County online or in person. The NC eCourts portal provides free access to basic case information. Search by party name or case number to find Wake County divorce cases. For full documents or certified copies, contact the clerk or visit the courthouse in Raleigh.

The Wake County contact directory lists all divisions. The civil division at (919) 792-4002 handles divorce records. Copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies are $5.00 per document. Wake County accepts cash, check, money order, or credit card. You can also send a written request to P.O. Box 351, Raleigh, NC 27602.

To search for a divorce record in Wake County, you need:

• Full name of one or both spouses
• Year the divorce was filed or finalized
• Case number if available

You can also search in person at the Wake County courthouse. Go to 316 Fayetteville Street in Raleigh. Staff can look up cases and make copies for you. Bring your photo ID. Older records in Wake County may take more time to find.

Divorce Filing Process in Wake County

Filing for divorce in Wake County follows the process set by North Carolina law. Each step creates records that go into your case file. The Clerk of Superior Court keeps all these documents at the courthouse. You can get copies of any filed paper in your Wake County case.

First, file a complaint for absolute divorce with the clerk in Wake County. Pay the $225 filing fee. The clerk assigns a case number. Under N.C.G.S. 50-8, at least one spouse must have been a North Carolina resident for six months before filing. You file in the county where either spouse lives. If you live in Wake County, you file at the Raleigh courthouse.

Next, serve your spouse with the divorce papers. You can use the Wake County Sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail with return receipt. Proof of service goes in the court file. Under N.C.G.S. 50-6, you must have lived separate and apart for at least one year before filing. After all requirements are met, the court enters the final judgment of divorce. This ends the marriage and becomes part of the public record in Wake County.

Note: Claims for property division and alimony must be filed before the divorce judgment is entered in Wake County, or those claims are waived under North Carolina law.

What Wake County Divorce Records Contain

Divorce records in Wake County include many types of documents. The complaint for absolute divorce is filed first. It states the grounds for divorce under N.C.G.S. 50-6 and what the plaintiff seeks. The answer is the response from the other spouse. A separation agreement shows what the parties agreed to about property, children, and support. All these go in the court file in Wake County.

The final judgment of divorce is the main document most people need. This court order dissolves the marriage. Certified copies are often required for name changes, property sales, or remarriage. You can get certified copies from the Clerk of Superior Court in Wake County.

Wake County divorce records are public under the North Carolina Public Records Act, N.C.G.S. Chapter 132. Anyone can request to view them. You do not need to be a party to the case. Some details about children or finances may be sealed, but most of the file is open to the public in Wake County.

Divorce Verification in Wake County

The North Carolina Vital Records Section issues divorce verification letters. A verification letter confirms a divorce took place. It shows names, date, and county. It does not include the full terms of the settlement. Many people need a verification letter for name changes or getting remarried.

You can get a verification letter from NC Vital Records for divorces from 1958 to now. The fee is $24 for one copy. The NC Vital Records office is at 1903 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699. You can also visit the office in person at 225 North McDowell Street in Raleigh. Processing takes 5 to 7 business days. The State Library of North Carolina is also in Raleigh and may have additional historical records.

For the full divorce judgment with all terms, go to the Clerk of Superior Court in Wake County. The The NC State Archives holds pre-1958 Wake County divorce records.

Note: Most legal matters require the full judgment from Wake County, not just a state verification letter.

Legal Help for Divorce in Wake County

Several groups offer help with divorce cases in Wake County. Legal Aid of North Carolina serves the Raleigh area. They provide free legal help to people with low income. Call their helpline at (866) 219-5262 to ask about divorce help in Wake County.

The North Carolina State Bar runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-662-7660. They can match you with a family law attorney who handles divorce cases in Wake County. The NC Judicial Branch website has court forms and guides for people who file without a lawyer. The Wake County courthouse also has a self-help center for form selection and filing help.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Wake County. If you are not sure which county handles your divorce case, check the address where you live. You must file in the right county for the court to have jurisdiction.