Washington County Divorce Records
Washington County divorce records are kept at the Clerk of Superior Court in Plymouth. This Inner Banks county in eastern North Carolina handles all divorce filings at its courthouse on Adams Street. You can search Washington County divorce records online or visit the clerk office in person. Staff help with record lookups and copies. Washington County is named for George Washington and has served its residents from Plymouth since 1799.
Washington County Quick Facts
Washington County Clerk of Superior Court
The Clerk of Superior Court handles all divorce records in Washington County. The courthouse is at 120 Adams Street in Plymouth. Call (252) 793-3023 for help with records. Staff file new cases, store documents, and provide copies of divorce judgments.
Washington County was formed in 1799 from Tyrrell County. The Washington County Clerk of Superior Court serves the entire county from one location. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Public access terminals are available at the courthouse. The court has a Clerk Mediation Program and Family Financial Settlement Program to help families going through divorce in Washington County. The contact directory lists all court divisions.
The Washington County government website has more details about local services.
| Court |
Washington County Clerk of Superior Court 120 Adams Street Plymouth, NC 27962 Phone: (252) 793-3023 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | nccourts.gov/locations/washington-county |
Searching Washington County Divorce Cases
There are two main ways to search for divorce records in Washington County. The NC eCourts portal gives you free online access to basic case information. Search by name or case number. For full documents, visit the courthouse in Plymouth or send a written request to P.O. Box 1017, Plymouth, NC 27962.
At the courthouse, bring your photo ID. The search fee is $2.00 per name. Copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies are $5.00 per document. Washington County accepts cash, check, or money order for payment.
Note: Written requests for Washington County divorce records should include both spouse names and the approximate year of the divorce.
Washington County Divorce Fees
Washington County follows the standard North Carolina fee schedule. The cost to file a new divorce complaint is $225. Other fees apply for motions, copies, and service. Call (252) 793-3023 to confirm current rates before filing in Washington 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
You also pay service fees. The other spouse must be served with the divorce papers in Washington County. You can use the sheriff, a private server, or certified mail. If you have low income, ask the court about a fee waiver by filing a Petition to Proceed as an Indigent.
Washington County Divorce Filing Process
Filing for divorce in Washington County follows North Carolina state law. Under N.C.G.S. 50-8, one spouse must have lived in North Carolina for at least six months. Under N.C.G.S. 50-6, both spouses must live separate and apart for one full year before filing for absolute divorce.
File your complaint at the Washington County courthouse. Pay the $225 fee. Get your case number from the clerk. 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 and becomes a public record in Washington County. Property and alimony claims must be filed before the judgment is entered, or they are waived.
What Washington County Divorce Records Include
A divorce file in Washington County holds the complaint, answer, separation agreement, and final judgment. The judgment is the court order that dissolves the marriage. Most people need a certified copy of this document for legal purposes.
Washington County divorce records are public under N.C.G.S. Chapter 132, the North Carolina Public Records Act. Anyone can request to view a divorce file. You do not need to be a party to the case. Some details about children or finances may be restricted in public copies, but the majority of each file is open in Washington County.
Divorce Verification for Washington County
NC Vital Records provides verification letters for divorces from 1958 to now. The fee is $24. Mail requests to 1903 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699. Processing takes 5 to 7 business days. A verification letter confirms a divorce but does not include settlement terms.
Pre-1958 Washington County divorce records are at the NC State Archives. For the full judgment, contact the Washington County Clerk of Superior Court in Plymouth.
Note: A verification letter from NC Vital Records confirms a divorce took place in Washington County but does not show the full court orders or settlement details.
Legal Help for Divorce in Washington County
Legal Aid of North Carolina serves Washington County with free legal help for low income residents. Call the helpline at (866) 219-5262. The North Carolina State Bar has a lawyer referral service at 1-800-662-7660 that can connect you with a family law attorney near Washington County.
The NC Judicial Branch website has all the court forms and guides for self-represented litigants. The Plymouth courthouse staff can help with form selection but cannot give legal advice. Washington County also has a Clerk Mediation Program and Family Financial Settlement Program that help families work out disputes during the divorce process. For child support questions, call North Carolina Child Support Services at 1-800-992-9457.
Nearby Counties
These counties are near Washington County in eastern North Carolina. Check your address to confirm which county handles your divorce case.