Search Wayne County Divorce Records

Wayne County divorce records are held by the Clerk of Superior Court in Goldsboro. This eastern North Carolina county processes all divorce filings at its courthouse on East Walnut Street. You can search Wayne County divorce records through the state court system online or visit the clerk office in person. The Family Court Administration in Wayne County helps with family law cases including divorce. Staff can look up records by name or case number.

Wayne County Clerk of Superior Court

The Clerk of Superior Court manages all divorce records in Wayne County. The courthouse is at 224 East Walnut Street in Goldsboro. Staff handle filings, store case files, and provide copies. The main number is (919) 731-7900. The Family Court division is at (919) 731-7925 for questions about divorce cases in Wayne County.

Wayne County was formed in 1779 from Dobbs County. It is named for Anthony Wayne, a Revolutionary War general. The Wayne County Clerk of Superior Court serves all areas from the Goldsboro courthouse. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Public access terminals are available for record searches. The contact directory lists all divisions including civil, estates, and family court for Wayne County.

How to Find Wayne County Divorce Cases

You can find Wayne County divorce records two ways. The NC eCourts portal lets you search online for free. Look up cases by name or number. For full documents or certified copies, visit the courthouse in Goldsboro or send a written request to P.O. Box 267, Goldsboro, NC 27533.

At the courthouse, bring your photo ID. Copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies are $5.00 per document. Wayne County accepts cash, check, money order, or credit card. The civil division at (919) 731-7902 can help with your divorce records request.

• Full name of one or both spouses
• Year the divorce was filed
• Case number if available
• Photo ID for in-person visits

Wayne County Divorce Filing Process

Filing for divorce in Wayne County follows North Carolina law. Under N.C.G.S. 50-6, spouses must live separate and apart for one year. Under N.C.G.S. 50-8, one spouse must be a state resident for six months. File in the county where either spouse lives.

Start with a complaint for absolute divorce at the Wayne County courthouse. Pay the $225 filing fee. The clerk gives you a case number. Serve the other spouse through the sheriff, a process server, or certified mail. After service is completed, the proof goes in the file. When all requirements are met, the court enters the divorce judgment. This becomes a public record at the Wayne County courthouse in Goldsboro.

The Wayne County government website provides additional details about local services and county departments.

Note: Property and alimony claims must be filed before the divorce judgment is entered in Wayne County, or those claims are waived.

Wayne County Divorce Filing Fees

Wayne County follows the standard North Carolina fee schedule for divorce cases. The filing fee for a new complaint is $225. Other fees apply for motions, service, and copies. Call the clerk at (919) 731-7900 to confirm current rates before filing in Wayne County.

• Divorce complaint filing: $225.00
• Motion filing fee: $30.00
• Certified copy: $5.00 per document
• Regular copy: $0.25 per page

Service fees are extra in Wayne County. The other spouse must be served with the papers. You can use the sheriff, a process server, or certified mail with return receipt. If you have low income, you may ask the Wayne County court about a fee waiver.

What Wayne County Divorce Records Contain

A divorce file in Wayne County holds the complaint, answer, separation agreement, and final judgment. The judgment is the court order that ends the marriage. Certified copies are required for name changes, property sales, and remarriage.

Wayne 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 in public copies. But the bulk of each file is open to the public in Wayne County.

Wayne County Divorce Verification Letters

NC Vital Records issues verification letters for divorces from 1958 to now. The fee is $24 for the first copy. Mail requests to 1903 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699. Processing takes 5 to 7 business days.

Pre-1958 Wayne County divorce records are held at the NC State Archives. The For the full judgment with all terms, contact the Wayne County Clerk of Superior Court in Goldsboro.

Legal Help for Divorce in Wayne County

Legal Aid of North Carolina provides free legal assistance to people with low income in Wayne County. Call the helpline at (866) 219-5262 to ask about help with your divorce. The North Carolina State Bar has a lawyer referral service at 1-800-662-7660 that can connect you with a family law attorney in the Wayne County area.

The NC Judicial Branch website has court forms and guides for filing without a lawyer. Staff at the Goldsboro courthouse can help you pick the right forms but cannot give legal advice. The Wayne County Family Court at (919) 731-7925 can answer questions about custody and support. For child support enforcement, call North Carolina Child Support Services at 1-800-992-9457.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Wayne County in eastern North Carolina. Make sure you file in the county where you live for your divorce case.