Divorce records in Dare County, North Carolina, can be accessed through several channels. DareCourt.us can help find publicly available divorce record information for Dare County. Beyond that, the court that issued the divorce decree, the Dare County Clerk of Superior Court, and the North Carolina Vital Records office each serve as access points. Whether you need a copy of a divorce decree, a divorce certificate, or related court filings, the right office depends on the type of document you are looking for.
Dare Divorce Records Search
Divorce records in Dare County are maintained by two separate offices, each holding different types of documents:
- The Dare County Clerk of Superior Court maintains the official court file for each divorce case. This includes the divorce judgment (decree), complaints, settlement agreements, equitable distribution orders, custody orders, and any other filings made during the case.
- The North Carolina Vital Records office (part of the NC Department of Health and Human Services) maintains divorce verification records and certificates for divorces granted statewide since 1958.
The court file is the most complete record. The vital records office issues a shorter divorce certificate that confirms the divorce occurred but does not include the full terms of the settlement or decree.
Dare County Clerk of Superior Court
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Dare
In North Carolina, divorce cases are handled by the District Court Division of the General Court of Justice. In Dare County, divorce complaints are filed with and processed through the Dare County Clerk of Superior Court at the Dare County Justice Center. Once a judge signs the divorce judgment, it becomes part of the permanent court record held by the Clerk's office.
Separately, the court reports the divorce to the state. The North Carolina Vital Records office then creates a divorce certificate for its statewide index. Here is how to decide which office to contact:
- For the full divorce decree, settlement terms, custody orders, or any court filing: Contact the Dare County Clerk of Superior Court. You can request a public court record in person, by mail, or through the North Carolina Judicial Branch's online request process.
- For a divorce certificate (verification that a divorce occurred): Contact the North Carolina Vital Records office. Divorce certificates are available for divorces granted since 1958.
North Carolina Vital Records
You can also review Dare County local rules and forms for guidance on filing procedures and required documents specific to this county.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Dare
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce decree (Clerk of Superior Court) | $0.25 per page plus $3.00 certification fee | Same day to several business days (in person or by mail) |
| Uncertified copy of court record (Clerk of Superior Court) | $0.25 per page | Same day if requested in person |
| Divorce certificate (NC Vital Records, standard mail) | $24.00 | Approximately 4–8 weeks |
| Divorce certificate (NC Vital Records, expedited) | $24.00 plus expedited shipping fee | Approximately 2–3 weeks |
| Online public records request (NC Judicial Branch) | Varies by document length | Varies; typically 5–10 business days |