Wake County Dissolution Of Marriage Records

Wake County dissolution of marriage records are kept by the Clerk of Superior Court in Raleigh. As the most populous county in North Carolina, Wake County processes a large number of dissolution of marriage cases each year. The clerk handles all filings and stores the full case files at the courthouse. You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Wake County online or visit the courthouse in person. The county seat is Raleigh, and the court complex serves the whole county from one spot. Wake County was formed in 1771 from Orange and Johnston counties, and court records go back to that year.

Wake County Dissolution Of Marriage Clerk

The Clerk of Superior Court keeps all dissolution of marriage records in Wake County. This office handles case filings, stores court files, and gives out copies of final judgments. Staff can help you find both old and new cases. The courthouse sits in downtown Raleigh.

The Wake County Justice Center serves the whole county from one spot. This covers all cities and towns such as Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, and Wake Forest. All dissolution of marriage cases for Wake County residents are filed at this location. The Wake County government portal has links to court and record services. The clerk can search records and make copies for you. Call ahead to check hours and what you should bring when you visit. Wake County was named for Margaret Wake, wife of colonial governor William Tryon.

The Wake County Clerk of Superior Court handles dissolution of marriage filings along with many other types of civil court records. You can view the NC Judicial Branch separation and divorce page for forms and guides on how to start the process in Wake County.

The Wake County government site gives access to many public services and court resources for county residents.

Search Wake County Dissolution Of Marriage Cases

You can search for dissolution of marriage records in Wake County online or in person. Online searches work well for basic case facts. In-person visits let you view the full file and get certified copies right away. Both methods give you access to dissolution of marriage records going back to 1771 in Wake County.

The North Carolina eCourts portal lets you look up civil case records across all 100 counties, including Wake County. You can search by party name or case number to find dissolution of marriage cases. The system is free for basic case data. For copies of the real documents, contact the clerk or go to the courthouse. Visit nccourts.gov to start your search for Wake County dissolution of marriage records.

To search dissolution of marriage records in Wake County, you need:

• Full name of one or both spouses
• Year the case was filed
• Case number if you have it

You can also search in person at the clerk office in Wake County. Go to the courthouse in downtown Raleigh. Staff can look up cases and make copies. Bring your ID with you. The clerk can search by name or case number. Older records may take more time to find.

Note: The NC eCourts portal shows basic case info but does not include full document images for Wake County dissolution of marriage records.

Wake County Register of Deeds

The Wake County Register of Deeds handles marriage licenses and certificates. You may need a marriage record to prove the marriage before a dissolution of marriage is filed. This office also deals with property records including deeds that often change hands after a dissolution of marriage in Wake County. Birth and death records from 1913 are kept here as well. Marriage records for Wake County go back to 1771.

The Register of Deeds office provides certified copies of marriage certificates and property documents that may be needed for dissolution of marriage cases in Wake County.

Dissolution Of Marriage Filing in Wake County

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Wake County follows the rules set by North Carolina law. Each step creates records that go into your case file. The Clerk of Superior Court keeps all these papers at the courthouse. You can get copies of any document in your file once it is on record in Wake County.

First, you file a complaint for absolute divorce with the Clerk of Superior Court in Wake County. You pay the $225 filing fee at that time. The clerk gives you a case number. Under N.C.G.S. § 50-8, at least one spouse must have lived in North Carolina for six months before filing. You file in the county where either spouse lives. If you are in Wake County, you file here. The residency rule ensures North Carolina courts have proper authority over the case.

Next, you serve your spouse with the papers. You can use the Wake County Sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail with return receipt. Proof of service goes in the court file. Under N.C.G.S. § 50-6, you must have lived apart for at least one year and a day before filing for dissolution of marriage. At least one spouse must plan for the split to be for good. For cases where both sides agree, the dissolution of marriage can be done fairly fast after filing in Wake County.

Note: Claims for property division and alimony must be filed before the judgment is entered in Wake County, or those claims are lost under North Carolina law.

What Wake County Dissolution Of Marriage Records Show

Dissolution of marriage records in Wake County hold many types of papers. The complaint is the first document filed. It states the grounds under N.C.G.S. § 50-6 and what the plaintiff wants. The answer is the response from the other spouse. A separation agreement shows what the parties agreed to about property, children, and support. All of these form part of the court record in Wake County.

The final judgment is the main paper most people need. This court order ends the marriage. Certified copies of the judgment are often required for legal tasks like changing a name or selling property. You can get certified copies from the Clerk of Superior Court in Wake County.

A dissolution of marriage record in Wake County typically shows:

• Names and addresses of both parties
• Date of marriage and separation
• Grounds for the dissolution
• Date the complaint was filed
• Date the judgment was entered
• Name restoration if asked for

Wake County dissolution of marriage records are public under the North Carolina Public Records Act, N.C.G.S. Chapter 132. Anyone can ask to see them. You do not have to be a party to the case. Some facts about children or finances may be blacked out in public copies, but most of the file is open to view in Wake County.

Wake County Dissolution Of Marriage Verification

The NC Vital Records office issues verification letters as a quick way to confirm a dissolution of marriage took place in Wake County. A letter shows the names, date, and county but not the full terms. Many people need a verification letter to change their name or get married again.

Mail your request to the North Carolina Vital Records Section, 1903 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1903. The fee is $24 for one copy. Extra copies ordered at the same time cost $15 each. You can also visit the Vital Records office in person at 225 North McDowell Street in Raleigh. The office has records for cases from 1958 to now. Current processing times run about 110 to 115 business days due to high demand.

For the full judgment with all terms, go to the Clerk of Superior Court in Wake County. Most legal needs call for the judgment, not just a verification letter.

Legal Help for Wake County Cases

Several groups offer help with dissolution of marriage cases in Wake County. Legal Aid of North Carolina serves Wake County through their Raleigh office. They give free legal help to people with low income. Call the helpline at (866) 219-5262. The North Carolina State Bar runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-662-7660. They can match you with a family law attorney in Wake County.

The FamilySearch North Carolina divorce records guide is a useful tool for those looking into older dissolution of marriage records in Wake County. It lists resources at the state and county level, including microfilm collections at the Family History Library. The NC State Archives also has court records from 1771 onward for Wake County.

Note: The NC Judicial Branch website at nccourts.gov has all the court forms needed to file for dissolution of marriage in Wake County on your own.

Cities in Wake County

Wake County has more than 10 towns and cities. All of them file dissolution of marriage cases at the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court in Raleigh. The courthouse serves the whole county from one spot.

Other towns in Wake County include Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Wake Forest, Garner, Knightdale, Morrisville, Wendell, Zebulon, and Rolesville. All file dissolution of marriage cases at the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Wake County. If you are not sure which county handles your dissolution of marriage case, check the address where you live. You must file in the right county for the court to have proper authority.