According to the United States Census Bureau, North Carolina has a divorce rate of 8.6 divorces per every 1,000 women aged 15 and older.
If you’re wondering whether divorce records in North Carolina are public and how you can access them, then it’s important to understand what these records include and what information they reveal.
Divorce records are official documents that not only confirm the legal end of a marriage, but often contain sensitive details such as custody arrangements, court orders, visitation rights, and other aspects of the divorce process.
Are divorce records public in NC? In this article we’ll explain that and walk you through the information these records contain and how you can access them if needed.
Are Divorce Records Public in NC? Understanding Divorce Records Accessibility in North Carolina
Divorce filings in North Carolina are considered public records, which means anyone can request access to them unless specific legal steps have been taken to seal or restrict the information.
All documents, files, or papers related to a divorce are regarded as property of the state. These records are created, maintained, and distributed by North Carolina’s government, and are generally available upon request.
Each U.S. state has its own approach to public record laws. In North Carolina, the Public Records Law allows individuals to access, review, inspect, or obtain copies of most divorce-related documents
As a result, the information disclosed in a divorce record usually includes:
- Full names of both individuals involved
- Names of any children related to the case
- Location where the marriage and divorce took place
- Dates of both the marriage and the divorce
- Residential addresses
- Dates of birth or ages of all parties involved
- Stated grounds for the divorce
- Terms and conditions outlined in the divorce settlement
That said, any information considered highly sensitive or potentially subject to misuse, such as Social Security numbers or detailed financial data, is generally redacted or omitted from copies provided to the public.
Who Can Obtain Divorce Records in North Carolina?
According to North Carolina’s Public Records Law, anyone can obtain uncertified copies of the divorce decree, certificate, or minutes. These records can be obtained through the Clerk of the Superior Court.
An uncertified copy is a document that has not been officially verified via an official stamp or signature. These copies are not accepted for official purposes like filing legal documents or applications.
That said, certified copies of divorce records can be obtained by the individuals named in the record or their close relatives. To request a certified copy, applicants must provide adequate identification details, demonstrate their eligibility to access the document, and present a valid reason for the request, usually in written form.
Are Divorce Records in North Carolina Available Online?
Yes, divorce records in NC can be found online. A quick search on websites like NC vital records and court databases can help you find divorce records online. Keep in mind that each website has its own fee and request process.
An alternative option is to use free reverse people lookup tools such as PublicRecord.com. Unlike traditional search engines like Google, PublicRecord.com is much quicker and more efficient, eliminating the need to manually sift through various public databases and compile information yourself.
By using the reverse lookup feature, all you need to do is enter the person’s full name. The system then searches and analyzes a wide range of public and state records associated with that name. It also scans other sources like social media platforms. The end result is a collection of relevant and valuable data, including:
- Birth records
- Marriage and divorce records
- Email addresses
- Social media handles
- Full address history
- Criminal records
- Tax liens
- Professional certifications
- Phone numbers
How Do I Get a Copy of My Divorce Record in North Carolina?
Here’s how you can get a copy of your divorce records in North Carolina, whether certified or uncertified:
Step 1: Determining the Type of Record
Start by deciding whether you need a divorce certificate, decree, or full case file. Each type contains different details and may be held by different offices. You’ll also need to choose between a certified or uncertified copy. Certified copies are usually needed for official matters, while uncertified ones are fine if you’re just looking for information.
Here’s a breakdown of what each type of divorce record includes and how you can obtain them:
Divorce Certificates: Most people choose to get a divorce certificate which is a straightforward document that includes only the most essential details about the divorce. It usually lists the names of both parties, the date and location of the marriage and divorce, and other basic information about the event.
You can obtain a divorce certificate in one of two ways: by contacting the county court where the divorce was finalized, or through North Carolina Vital Records which holds records for divorces dating back to 1958.
Divorce Decrees: As mentioned earlier, a divorce decree is the official document issued by the court that finalizes the end of a marriage. It outlines the responsibilities and obligations of each party and includes any agreements made between them.
The decree includes detailed information about the separation process, such as custody arrangements, parental duties, child and spousal support, health and life insurance decisions, and how property and other assets are divided. To get either a certified or uncertified copy of a divorce decree, you’ll need to reach out to the court where the divorce was processed.
Divorce Case Files: Often referred to as full records, these documents provide the most comprehensive account of a divorce including everything from the initial filing through to the final court ruling. Like divorce decrees, they can be accessed through the court where the divorce was handled.
Step 2: Determine the Custodian
In North Carolina, two entities serve as custodians of divorce records:
- The North Carolina Vital Records office maintains divorce certificates from 1958 to the present.
- The Clerk of the Court in the county where the divorce was filed holds all other divorce-related records.
Having specific details such as the full names of the parties involved, their residence, the date of the divorce, the case number, or other relevant information can help narrow down the search and identify which custodian is responsible for the divorce record you are seeking.
Step 3: Determine Record Accessibility and Availability
Check if the record is available for public access and find out whether you can get it online or directly from the court. Taking the time to understand this process will save you stress and help you obtain the records more quickly.
Step 4: Contact the Clerk
Filing a request for a divorce record in person involves the following steps:
- Filling Out Details: You will be required to fill out either an application form, formal request, or an in-person statement for copies of the decree.
- Providing Identification: This includes authorization or necessary proof like state ID or social security number.
- Paying Applicable Fees: Cover any research, duplication, or administrative fees, which vary depending on the state and custodian.
- Waiting for Processing: Once your request is approved, you will receive the records. If denied, you’ll be given reasons, allowing you to correct the issue or try another method. The usual turnaround time is 5 to 10 business days for online requests while courts may take longer.
How to Seal Personal Divorce Records for Privacy
North Carolina law generally considers divorce records to be accessible to the public. However, there are exceptions designed to protect individuals in specific situations. Courts have the authority to seal divorce records when they determine that the need for privacy outweighs the public’s right to access the information. This makes sure sensitive details remain confidential when disclosure could cause harm or violate personal privacy.
Certain situations may warrant the sealing of divorce records, including the following:
- Protecting the Privacy of Children
North Carolina courts prioritize the protection of minors. If there is any concern that the disclosure of information could pose a threat to a child’s safety or well-being, the court may redact such details from public records to safeguard their privacy.
- Abuse and Domestic Violence
In cases involving concerns about personal safety, such as stalking, harassment, death threats, or criminal activity, the court may seal records to protect addresses or other identifying information to keep the individual safe and secure.
- Financial Information
While courts rarely seal financial details, they may consider exceptions if there is a risk that such information could be misused or cause harm.
- Medical Records
Sensitive medical information, including mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, depression, or PTSD, may be eligible for redaction to maintain confidentiality.
- High-Profile Individuals
Celebrities, public figures, business leaders, or anyone in the public eye may request to have their records sealed to protect their personal reputation and maintain confidentiality.
So Are Divorce Records Public in NC? The Balance Between Privacy and Transparency
In North Carolina, divorce records are generally available to the public and can be accessed by anyone unless a court has legally sealed them. These records contain information such as names, dates, custody arrangements, and settlement terms, which are often sensitive in nature. Because of this, many people view public access to these records as a potential invasion of privacy.
However, people have the option to request that specific details be sealed or redacted under certain circumstances, including cases involving minors, abuse, or public figures. Knowing the process, where to look, and which type of record to request can make getting divorce documents in North Carolina much easier and less time-consuming.
