Hoke County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Hoke County dissolution of marriage records are kept by the Clerk of Superior Court in Raeford. The courthouse at 304 N Main Street handles all civil case filings and record requests for the county. Hoke County was formed in 1911, and court records go back to that year. This guide explains how to search for dissolution of marriage cases filed in Hoke County, what documents you will find, and how the filing process works in Raeford.
Hoke County Quick Facts
Hoke County Clerk of Superior Court
The Clerk of Superior Court in Hoke County maintains all dissolution of marriage records filed since the county was created. The office is at 304 N Main Street in Raeford. Staff can search for cases by name or case number and provide copies of judgments and other court documents upon request.
Hoke County was created on February 17, 1911, from Cumberland and Robeson counties. It was named for Confederate General Robert F. Hoke. The county seat is Raeford, and all court records including dissolution of marriage filings go back to 1911. Marriage, land, birth, and death records also begin in 1911. Communities in Hoke County include Raeford, Stonewall, and parts of the Fort Liberty military installation area. All dissolution of marriage cases for Hoke County residents are filed at the Raeford courthouse.
The NC Courts location page for Hoke County lists current courthouse hours, phone numbers, and links to online case search tools for dissolution of marriage and other civil cases in Raeford.
| Court |
Hoke County Clerk of Superior Court 304 N Main Street Raeford, NC 28376 Phone: (919) 875-2035 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | nccourts.gov/locations/hoke-county |
Searching Hoke County Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Dissolution of marriage records in Hoke County are public. You can search them online using the NC Courts portal or visit the clerk's office in Raeford to search in person. Online searches give you basic case status and date information at no charge. In-person visits let you review the complete file and request certified copies the same day.
The NC Courts page for Hoke County links to the eCourts online case search system. Search by the full name of either spouse or the case number. Basic information is free. For copies, call (919) 875-2035 or visit 304 N Main Street in Raeford.
The Hoke County NCGenWeb page is a genealogical resource with historical information and links that can assist researchers looking into older court and family records in Hoke County.
When visiting the courthouse in Raeford, bring a valid photo ID. Staff can search by name or case number and help you locate records going back to 1911. There is no known history of courthouse disasters in Hoke County, so the records from 1911 forward should be intact.
Note: The NC Vital Records office holds divorce certificates from 1958 to the present, which can serve as a short-form verification for Hoke County dissolution of marriage cases.
Hoke County Dissolution Of Marriage Filing Fees
Hoke County follows the North Carolina statewide fee schedule for dissolution of marriage cases. Filing a new complaint costs $225. Pay this fee when you submit your papers to the clerk in Raeford. Call (919) 875-2035 to confirm current fees before filing.
Additional costs in Hoke County dissolution cases include service fees, copy fees, and certified copy fees. The Hoke County Sheriff can serve papers, or you may use a private process server or certified mail with return receipt. Certified copies of the final judgment cost more than plain copies. If your income is very low, ask the clerk about a fee waiver using the Petition to Proceed as an Indigent form.
Typical fees for dissolution of marriage in Hoke County:
- Divorce complaint filing: $225.00
- Motion filing fee: $30.00
- Sheriff service fee: varies
- Certified copy of judgment: varies by page count
- Name restoration: no extra charge
Filing a Dissolution Of Marriage in Hoke County
Dissolving a marriage in Hoke County follows the requirements set by North Carolina law. All documents created during the case are kept at the Raeford courthouse as permanent public records.
Start by filing a complaint for absolute divorce at the Hoke County Clerk of Superior Court at 304 N Main Street. Under N.C.G.S. 50-8, at least one spouse must have been a North Carolina resident for six months before filing. Pay the $225 fee and receive your case number. File in the county where you or your spouse lives. Hoke County residents file in Raeford.
Serve the other spouse with the complaint and summons after filing. Proof of service is added to the court file. Under N.C.G.S. 50-6, the parties must have lived separate and apart for at least one full year before filing for absolute divorce. Once all conditions are met, the court enters a final judgment ending the marriage. This judgment is the official public record of the dissolution in Hoke County.
Hoke County Dissolution Of Marriage Record Contents
A dissolution of marriage file in Hoke County includes all papers filed during the case. The complaint is the first document. It states the grounds for the divorce and what the filing party is requesting. Any response from the other spouse is also included. A separation agreement, if one was made, becomes part of the record. All of these are kept at the Raeford courthouse and are available to the public.
The final judgment is the most important document in the file. It legally ends the marriage and may include other orders. Certified copies are often needed for legal purposes like name changes and property transactions. Get certified copies from the Hoke County clerk during regular business hours.
Hoke County dissolution of marriage records are public under North Carolina law. You do not have to be a party to the case to view them. Some details about minor children may be sealed. Most of the file is open to any member of the public who asks.
Divorce Verification for Hoke County Cases
The NC Vital Records office issues divorce verification letters for divorces from 1958 to the present, including cases filed in Hoke County. A verification letter is shorter than the full court record. It shows the names, date, and county. Many offices accept it for administrative needs. Mail your request to NC Vital Records, 1903 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1903.
For the full dissolution of marriage record from Hoke County, including all documents filed in the case, contact the Clerk of Superior Court in Raeford. The courthouse holds records going back to 1911. Staff can help you locate records and provide certified copies during regular office hours.
Legal Help in Hoke County
Legal Aid of North Carolina serves Hoke County residents who qualify based on income. Call the statewide helpline at (866) 219-5262 to ask about free assistance with dissolution of marriage cases in the Raeford area. The North Carolina State Bar referral service at 1-800-662-7660 can connect you with a family law attorney who handles dissolution cases near Hoke County.
The NC Courts help page on separation and divorce has plain-language guides and court forms you can download at no cost. This page is useful for anyone considering or already in a dissolution of marriage case in Hoke County who wants to understand the legal requirements and steps.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Hoke County in south-central North Carolina. File your dissolution of marriage case in the county where you or your spouse currently lives. The court's jurisdiction is based on your residential address.