Dissolution Of Marriage in Perquimans County

Perquimans County dissolution of marriage records are kept by the Clerk of Superior Court in Hertford. This office holds divorce filings, case documents, and court judgments for all dissolution cases in the county. Perquimans is one of the oldest counties in North Carolina, with records stretching back to 1659. Searching for a dissolution of marriage record here means accessing one of the most historically rich court archives in the state. This guide explains how to find those records and how to request copies.

Perquimans County Clerk of Superior Court

The Clerk of Superior Court in Perquimans County is the official keeper of all dissolution of marriage records. Todd W. Tilley serves as the current Clerk of Superior Court. His office receives and stores divorce filings, manages court documents, and provides certified copies of dissolution judgments. All dissolution of marriage cases filed in Perquimans County are on file at the courthouse in Hertford.

Perquimans County was created in 1668 as a precinct of Albemarle County, making it one of the original counties of North Carolina. The county was named for the Perquimans Indians who lived in the region. The county seat is Hertford, a small town on the Perquimans River. Because of the county's great age, its court records are among the oldest in the state. Court records go back to 1688, and some records in the county date from 1659. This depth of history makes Perquimans County an important source for genealogical research involving dissolution of marriage.

The NC Courts page for Perquimans County provides current office details, directions to the Hertford courthouse, and contact information for the clerk's office. Check this page before visiting to confirm hours and any required identification.

Searching Perquimans County Dissolution Records

There are two main ways to search for dissolution of marriage records in Perquimans County. You can use the North Carolina online court portal for basic case information, or you can visit the courthouse in Hertford in person. Both approaches give access to case records, but each has its advantages depending on what you need.

The NC Courts portal at nccourts.gov/services allows you to search civil case records statewide. You can search Perquimans County dissolution of marriage cases by party name or case number. Basic case information is free. For document copies, you must contact the clerk directly or visit in person.

In-person requests are handled at 128 North Church Street in Hertford. Staff can look up dissolution of marriage cases and make copies. Bring photo ID. Mail requests go to PO Box 33, Hertford, NC 27944. For certified records, mail is the only accepted delivery method from the clerk's office. Typical records can be sent by mail, email, or fax. Photo ID is required for all requests.

Note: Perquimans County has some of the oldest court records in North Carolina, with dissolution records going back to the county's earliest years. Researchers working on historical cases may find it helpful to also check the North Carolina State Archives for pre-modern records.

Perquimans County Register of Deeds

The Register of Deeds in Perquimans County keeps marriage records and land records that often relate to dissolution of marriage cases. Marriage records in Perquimans County date from 1659, one of the longest runs in the state. If you need to verify a marriage that preceded a dissolution of marriage case, this office is the right place to look. The Register of Deeds is Jaqueline Frierson.

The Register of Deeds office is at 128 N Church Street in Hertford, in the same building as the courthouse. Phone: 252-426-5660. Birth records in Perquimans County start from 1913, and land records go back to 1681. These records help build a complete picture when researching a dissolution of marriage case in Perquimans County.

Filing for Dissolution Of Marriage in Perquimans County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Perquimans County follows the same process set by North Carolina law for all counties. Each filing creates a permanent public record stored at the Hertford courthouse. The Clerk of Superior Court maintains these files and can provide copies to anyone who asks.

You start by filing a complaint for absolute divorce with the Perquimans County Clerk of Superior Court and paying the required filing fee. Under N.C.G.S. § 50-8, at least one spouse must have been a North Carolina resident for six months before filing. You file in the county where either spouse lives. Perquimans County residents file in Hertford.

After filing, the other party must be served with the divorce papers. Service can be done through the Perquimans County Sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail with return receipt. Under N.C.G.S. § 50-6, the couple must have lived apart for at least one year before a dissolution of marriage can be granted. The final judgment ends the marriage and enters the permanent public record in Perquimans County.

Note: All claims for property division and spousal support must be filed before the dissolution of marriage judgment is entered, or those claims will be waived under North Carolina law.

What Perquimans County Dissolution Records Show

Dissolution of marriage records in Perquimans County include the complaint, any response from the other party, service documents, separation agreements, and the final judgment. The complaint sets out the grounds for divorce and what the filing party is asking the court to do. All of these papers are part of the court file and are open to the public under the North Carolina Public Records Act, N.C.G.S. Chapter 132.

The final judgment of dissolution is the document most people need. It is the court order that formally ends the marriage. Certified copies are often required for legal purposes such as changing a name on a government document, transferring property, or proving marital status for remarriage. The Perquimans County Clerk of Superior Court can provide certified copies of dissolution of marriage judgments upon request.

For divorces that occurred before 1958, you must request records directly from the county clerk, as NC Vital Records only holds dissolution records from 1958 forward. Perquimans County's long history means many of these older records exist and are accessible at the Hertford courthouse.

Legal Resources for Perquimans County

Legal Aid of North Carolina provides free legal assistance to qualifying residents. Call the helpline at (866) 219-5262 for information about help with dissolution of marriage cases in Perquimans County. The North Carolina State Bar's referral service at 1-800-662-7660 can connect you with a family law attorney in this region.

The NC Judicial Branch at nccourts.gov provides all required court forms and instructions for people filing without an attorney. NC Vital Records at vitalrecords.nc.gov handles dissolution of marriage verification letters for cases from 1958 to the present, with a $24.00 fee per search period. The FamilySearch wiki for Perquimans County is a useful reference for historical record research.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Perquimans County. If you are uncertain which county handles your dissolution of marriage case, confirm the address where you reside. You must file in the correct county for the court to have jurisdiction.