Chatham County Dissolution Of Marriage Court Records

Chatham County dissolution of marriage records are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court in Pittsboro. The county has probate records from 1771 and court records from 1869. Dissolution of marriage records specifically go back to 1913. The courthouse at 12 East Street in Pittsboro is the central location for all dissolution of marriage filings in Chatham County. This page explains how to find these records, how to request copies, and what to expect when searching in Chatham County.

Chatham County Clerk of Superior Court

The Clerk of Superior Court at 12 East Street in Pittsboro handles all dissolution of marriage records for Chatham County. The mailing address is PO Box 369, Pittsboro, NC 27312. Call (919) 542-3240 to reach the office. Staff can search cases by name or case number during regular business hours.

Chatham County was created on December 5, 1770, from Orange County. It was named for William Pitt, Earl of Chatham, who was known for supporting American rights in the British Parliament. The county seat has been Pittsboro since the county was formed. Early records may reference Orange County, since Chatham was split off when Orange County became too large for effective local governance.

The Register of Deeds for Chatham County is separate from the clerk of court. The Register of Deeds office is at PO Box 756, Pittsboro, NC 27312, and can be reached at (919) 542-8235. Marriage records there go back to 1771 and land records also begin in 1771. These records often come into play during a dissolution of marriage case when property or marriage history is at issue.

The Chatham County Court Information page provides current contact details, hours, and filing information. The Chatham County Historical Association also maintains records and assists researchers looking into dissolution of marriage cases and family history.

The NC Courts site for Chatham County is the right place to check for current court hours and contact details before visiting to search dissolution of marriage records in Pittsboro.

The Chatham County NCGenWeb page provides genealogical resources and links useful for researching dissolution of marriage history in Chatham County.

How to Search Chatham County Dissolution Records

The easiest way to start a search is through the NC Courts portal at nccourts.gov. You can look up dissolution of marriage cases by name or case number. The search tool is free and covers all North Carolina counties including Chatham. For older cases or complete document copies, an in-person visit to the clerk's office in Pittsboro is the better option.

When visiting the courthouse on East Street, bring a photo ID and the name of at least one party or the year of the dissolution of marriage. Staff at the Chatham County clerk's office can search records and make copies. Older records take more time to locate.

The FamilySearch wiki for Chatham County describes the types of records available and where to find them. For dissolution of marriage records that predate 1913, check the court records section, which begins in 1869. Probate records and land records beginning in 1771 may also contain relevant family history.

Note: Chatham County was created from Orange County in 1770. For any events before that year, look in Orange County records.

Chatham County Dissolution Of Marriage Filing Fees

The standard filing fee for a dissolution of marriage complaint in Chatham County is $225. This follows the North Carolina statewide fee schedule. You pay at the clerk's office on East Street in Pittsboro when you submit your complaint.

Other costs include service fees, plain copy fees, and certified copy fees. Certified copies of the final dissolution of marriage judgment are often needed for name changes, property records, and remarriage. Call (919) 542-3240 to ask about current copy fees and procedures before visiting the Chatham County clerk.

Filing for Dissolution Of Marriage in Chatham County

Chatham County follows North Carolina law for all dissolution of marriage filings. Under N.C.G.S. 50-6, spouses must have lived apart for at least one year before filing. At least one spouse must have lived in North Carolina for six months. You file in the county where either spouse lives. Chatham County is the right venue if you or your spouse lives here.

Submit your complaint at 12 East Street in Pittsboro. Pay the $225 fee. The clerk gives you a case number. Your dissolution of marriage is now part of the Chatham County court record. The complaint must state the facts about the separation under N.C.G.S. 50-8. After service on your spouse, the court schedules a hearing. The final judgment ends the marriage and becomes a permanent public record in Chatham County.

The NC Courts page on separation and divorce has free forms and instructions. It explains what a legal separation requires in North Carolina and what steps follow when you are ready to file for dissolution of marriage in Chatham County.

Note: North Carolina does not require a separation agreement in writing to be legally separated. You and your spouse simply need to live in different homes with at least one party intending the separation to be permanent.

Chatham County Dissolution Records and Vital Certificates

The full case file for every dissolution of marriage in Chatham County sits with the Clerk of Superior Court in Pittsboro. The file includes all documents from start to finish. Dissolution of marriage records in Chatham County are public under the North Carolina Public Records Act. Anyone can request access without being a party to the case.

The NC Vital Records office in Raleigh issues shorter divorce certificates for cases from 1958 to the present. A certificate is faster to get than the full court file for recent cases if you only need basic confirmation of the dissolution of marriage. The fee is $24 for a standard three-year search period, with additional applicable fees. Processing currently takes several months due to high demand.

For divorces before 1958, only the Chatham County Clerk of Superior Court has the records. The FamilySearch guide to North Carolina divorce records explains how to access historical records, including the pre-1868 legislative divorces that are held at the State Archives in Raleigh rather than at county courthouses.

Nearby Counties

Chatham County sits in the central part of North Carolina. These bordering counties each have their own clerk of court for dissolution of marriage cases.