Dissolution Of Marriage Records in New Hanover County

New Hanover County dissolution of marriage records go back to the county's formation in 1729, making this one of the oldest court archives in North Carolina. The Clerk of Superior Court in Wilmington holds all divorce and dissolution of marriage filings for the county. Whether you need a copy of a recent judgment or want to research an older case, the Wilmington courthouse is where you start. The clerk's office serves Wilmington and all communities in New Hanover County and provides same-day service for in-person requests.

New Hanover County Clerk of Superior Court

The Clerk of Superior Court in Wilmington is the official custodian of all dissolution of marriage records for New Hanover County. This office has kept court records since the county was formed on November 27, 1729, from Craven County. The county was named for the House of Hanover, the British royal dynasty. New Hanover County's courthouse on Princess Street in Wilmington handles all dissolution of marriage filings for the entire county.

New Hanover County is one of the coastal counties in southeastern North Carolina. It includes Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Wrightsville Beach, and other communities. All of these areas file dissolution of marriage cases at the Wilmington courthouse. The clerk's office on Princess Street typically offers same-day service for in-person requests, which sets it apart from smaller county offices that may need more processing time.

The New Hanover County Government website provides information about county services including the courts system, where all New Hanover County dissolution of marriage records are accessible through the clerk's office in Wilmington.

How to Search New Hanover County Dissolution Of Marriage Records

In-person searches at the New Hanover County Courthouse in Wilmington offer the most complete access to dissolution of marriage records. Public access terminals in the clerk's office let you search by party name or case number. Staff can assist and make copies the same day. This is the best option when you need the full case file or a certified copy quickly.

Basic case information for New Hanover County dissolution of marriage cases is available online through the NC Courts portal. You can use the system to check whether a case exists and get the case number before visiting the Wilmington courthouse. For full documents and certified copies, an in-person visit or mail request is necessary. The FamilySearch New Hanover County genealogy page notes that court records date back to 1713, meaning this office holds one of the oldest collections of dissolution of marriage records in the state.

When requesting records by mail, send your request to the New Hanover County Clerk of Superior Court, PO Box 2023, Wilmington, NC 28402-2023. Include the full names of both parties and the approximate date or year of the dissolution of marriage. Enclose payment for any applicable copy fees. You can also call (910) 772-6600 before mailing to confirm what information you will need to include.

Note: In-person requests at the New Hanover County Courthouse in Wilmington typically receive same-day service, making a direct visit the fastest option for getting dissolution of marriage records.

New Hanover County Register of Deeds

The New Hanover County Register of Deeds handles marriage licenses, property deeds, and vital records that often relate to dissolution of marriage cases. The register's office is at 230 Government Center Drive, Suite 185, in Wilmington. Phone is (910) 798-4530.

If you need to verify a marriage that preceded a dissolution of marriage in New Hanover County, the Register of Deeds has marriage records going back to 1713. After a dissolution of marriage, property deeds are often transferred between former spouses or to new owners. The register's office keeps those deed records. For vital records like birth and death certificates that may be needed in connection with a dissolution of marriage case, the Register of Deeds can also help. Their hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For historical research on New Hanover County dissolution of marriage cases, the State Archives in Raleigh holds earlier records as well.

Note: The New Hanover County Carolina Room at the public library has some historical divorce information and may be a useful supplement for genealogical research on older dissolution of marriage cases in the county.

New Hanover County Dissolution Of Marriage Record Fees

Filing a dissolution of marriage complaint in New Hanover County costs $225, which is the standard North Carolina rate. You pay this to the Clerk of Superior Court in Wilmington when you file. Fees can change, so call (910) 772-6600 to confirm current rates before your visit.

Copy fees for dissolution of marriage records at the New Hanover County Courthouse range from $0.25 to $2.00 per page. Certification adds $3.00 to $10.00 per document depending on the type. Search fees for staff-assisted searches can range from $0 to $25 depending on the scope of the search. These fees are in addition to the base copy costs. If you prefer a state-issued divorce certificate rather than the full court judgment, contact NC Vital Records at vitalrecords.nc.gov. The state charges $24 for one certificate covering a three-year search window, with $15 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Be aware that state processing times are currently running several months.

The Dissolution Of Marriage Process in New Hanover County

To file for dissolution of marriage in New Hanover County, you submit a complaint for absolute divorce to the Clerk of Superior Court in Wilmington. Under N.C.G.S. § 50-8, at least one spouse must be a six-month North Carolina resident. Under N.C.G.S. § 50-6, you must have lived separate and apart for at least one year before filing.

After filing, you serve the other spouse using the New Hanover County Sheriff, a process server, or certified mail with return receipt. Proof of service goes into the court file at the Wilmington courthouse. For uncontested dissolution cases where both sides agree, the process can move relatively quickly. The final judgment of absolute dissolution of marriage becomes part of the permanent public record at the New Hanover County Courthouse. The NC Courts self-help resources at nccourts.gov provide forms and guidance for filing in New Hanover County.

Nearby Counties

New Hanover County borders these counties in coastal North Carolina. Each has its own clerk of court for dissolution of marriage filings. Confirm your residence address to file in the right county.