Alamance Public Records /Alamance County Divorce Records

Alamance County Divorce Records

What Are Alamance County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Alamance County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 50-10, which governs divorce proceedings in the state. Divorce records typically consist of multiple documents filed throughout the divorce process, including the initial complaint, summons, financial affidavits, and the final judgment.

The Alamance County Clerk of Superior Court maintains divorce case files as part of the county's judicial records system. These documents serve several important purposes:

Legal proof of marital status change
Documentation required for remarriage
Evidence for name change proceedings
Verification for Social Security benefits
Supporting documentation for loan applications
Required evidence for immigration matters
Historical and genealogical research

Divorce records in Alamance County are categorized as both court records and vital records. The court maintains the complete case file, while the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services maintains divorce certificates as vital records. These documents contain different levels of detail and are accessed through different procedures.

Are Alamance County Divorce Records Public?

Alamance County divorce records have a dual status regarding public accessibility. Court divorce case files are generally considered public records under the North Carolina Public Records Law § 132-1, which establishes the public's right to inspect government records. However, this access is subject to important limitations and exceptions.

The following components of divorce records are typically accessible to the public:

Basic case information (parties' names, case number, filing date)
Court hearing dates and times
Final judgment of divorce
Court orders not specifically sealed

However, certain sensitive information within divorce files may be restricted or redacted:

Social Security numbers
Financial account information
Minor children's identifying information
Allegations of domestic violence
Medical or mental health information
Information sealed by court order

Certified divorce certificates, maintained by the North Carolina Vital Records office, have more restricted access. Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 130A-93, these certificates are available only to:

The parties named in the divorce
Their immediate family members
Legal representatives with proper authorization
Individuals with a court order
Government agencies for official purposes

Members of the public seeking divorce information must navigate these distinctions when requesting records from the Alamance County Clerk of Superior Court or the state vital records office.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Alamance County in 2026

Individuals seeking divorce records in Alamance County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The primary repositories for divorce records are:

Alamance County Clerk of Superior Court
212 W Elm Street
Graham, NC 27253
(336) 570-5200
Alamance County Courts

To obtain divorce records from the Clerk's office:

Visit the Civil Division of the Clerk's office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM)
Provide the names of the parties and approximate date of divorce
Complete a records request form
Pay the applicable search and copy fees ($2.00 per search, $0.25 per page for copies)
For certified copies, pay an additional certification fee ($5.00 per document)

For divorce certificates (rather than complete court files), contact:

North Carolina Vital Records
1903 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1900
(919) 733-3000
NC Vital Records

To request a divorce certificate from NC Vital Records:

Complete the Application for a Copy of a North Carolina Divorce Certificate
Provide proper identification
Submit the required fee ($24.00 for the first copy, $15.00 for each additional copy)
Submit in person, by mail, or through an authorized third-party service

Requestors should note that divorce records are filed in the county where the divorce was granted, which may not necessarily be Alamance County if the divorce occurred elsewhere.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Alamance County Online?

Alamance County provides limited online access to divorce records through several digital platforms. The primary online resources for locating divorce information include:

North Carolina Judicial Branch Website
The North Carolina Court System offers an online case information system that allows users to search for basic case information. While this system does not provide full document access, it can confirm the existence of a divorce case and provide basic details such as:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Parties involved
- Case status
- Scheduled hearings
Alamance County Register of Deeds eSearch
The Alamance County Register of Deeds maintains an online search portal that may contain limited divorce record information. Users can:
- Create a free account
- Search by name or date range
- View index information
- Purchase copies of available documents
North Carolina Vital Records Online System
The state's vital records system does not currently offer direct online access to divorce certificates. However, users can initiate requests through the NC DHHS Vital Records website and submit applications electronically.

When using online search methods, users should be aware of the following limitations:

Complete divorce case files are not available for direct download
Sensitive information is typically redacted from online records
Older records (generally pre-2000) may not be digitized
User registration and/or fees may be required for certain searches
Official certified copies cannot be obtained online

For comprehensive divorce record information, individuals may need to supplement online searches with in-person requests at the Alamance County Courthouse.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Alamance County?

Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Alamance County have several options, though these methods typically provide limited information compared to paid services:

In-Person Courthouse Inspection
The most comprehensive free method is to visit the Alamance County Courthouse and request to view divorce records in person:

Alamance County Clerk of Superior Court
212 W Elm Street
Graham, NC 27253
(336) 570-5200

While viewing records is free, requestors should note:
- Photo identification is required
- Records must be viewed on-site
- Staff assistance may be limited during busy periods
- Copies incur standard fees ($0.25 per page)
Public Access Terminals
The courthouse provides public access computer terminals where visitors can search the court's electronic case management system at no charge. These terminals offer:
- Basic case information
- Party names
- Case status
- Hearing dates
- Limited document viewing
Alamance County Public Library
Local libraries may provide access to:

Alamance County Public Libraries
May Memorial Library
342 S Spring Street
Burlington, NC 27215
(336) 229-3588

Library resources may include:
- Free internet access for online searches
- Microfilm archives of local newspapers with divorce announcements
- Genealogical resources that may contain historical divorce information
North Carolina Court System Website
The North Carolina Judicial Branch website offers free basic case information searches, though document access is limited.

Researchers should be aware that while viewing public divorce records may be free, obtaining official copies or certified documents will always incur fees. Additionally, comprehensive searches may require combining multiple free resources or ultimately paying for official record copies.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Alamance County

Divorce records in Alamance County typically contain two distinct categories of documents: court case files and vital records certificates. Each provides different levels of detail about the dissolution of marriage.

Court case files maintained by the Alamance County Clerk of Superior Court generally include:

Complaint for Divorce (initial filing)
Summons and proof of service
Answer or response from the defendant spouse
Financial affidavits and disclosures
Property settlement agreements
Child custody and support arrangements
Alimony determinations
Temporary orders issued during proceedings
Motions filed by either party
Transcripts of hearings (if requested)
Final Judgment of Absolute Divorce
Post-judgment modifications or enforcement actions

The divorce certificate, maintained by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, contains more limited information:

Full names of both parties
Date of divorce
County where divorce was granted
Case file number
Date of marriage
County where marriage occurred
Date the divorce was recorded

The level of detail available depends on the specific document requested. Court files provide comprehensive information about the divorce proceedings, including grounds for divorce and resolution of property and custody issues. Divorce certificates serve primarily as official verification that a divorce occurred but contain minimal details about the circumstances or terms.

Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 50-12, certain sensitive information may be redacted or sealed in publicly accessible versions of these records, particularly when they involve minor children or domestic violence.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Alamance County?

Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in Alamance County have several options for obtaining official documentation. The type of proof needed often depends on the purpose for which it will be used.

For most official purposes, a certified copy of the divorce decree or certificate is required. These can be obtained through:

Alamance County Clerk of Superior Court
212 W Elm Street
Graham, NC 27253
(336) 570-5200
Alamance County Courts

To obtain a certified copy of the divorce decree:
- Visit the Civil Division during business hours
- Provide the case number or names of parties and approximate date
- Complete a request form
- Pay the certification fee ($5.00 per document plus $0.25 per page)
- Photo identification is required
North Carolina Vital Records
1903 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1900
(919) 733-3000
NC Vital Records

To obtain a certified divorce certificate:
- Complete the Application for a Copy of a North Carolina Divorce Certificate
- Provide proper identification
- Submit the required fee ($24.00 for the first copy)
- Submit in person, by mail, or through an authorized third-party service
Register of Deeds Office
Alamance County Register of Deeds
124 W Elm Street
Graham, NC 27253
(336) 570-6565
Alamance County Register of Deeds

The Register of Deeds may maintain certain divorce records and can provide:
- Verification of divorce recording
- Certified copies of available documents

For international use, divorce documents may require additional authentication through apostille or certification. This process is handled by the North Carolina Secretary of State's office after obtaining the certified document from the county or state vital records office.

Requestors should specify the purpose for which the proof is needed, as different agencies may require specific forms of documentation. For example, the Social Security Administration may accept different proof than foreign immigration authorities.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Alamance County?

While divorce proceedings in Alamance County are generally matters of public record, North Carolina law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential. The confidentiality of divorce records is governed by both state statutes and judicial discretion.

Under North Carolina General Statutes § 50-13.1 and related family law provisions, the following aspects of divorce cases may be subject to confidentiality protections:

Sealed Records by Court Order
Parties may petition the court to seal specific documents or entire case files if they can demonstrate that:
- Public access would cause significant harm
- Privacy interests outweigh the public's right to access
- Sensitive financial or business information requires protection
- Domestic violence or safety concerns exist
Automatic Confidentiality Protections
Certain information is automatically protected or redacted in public divorce files:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Minor children's identifying information
- Medical and mental health records
- Substance abuse treatment information
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Couples seeking greater privacy may utilize:
- Mediation proceedings, which are confidential by statute
- Collaborative divorce processes that minimize public court filings
- Settlement agreements that can limit the detail in public records
Domestic Violence Protections
Cases involving allegations of domestic violence receive additional confidentiality protections under North Carolina General Statutes § 50B-3, including:
- Address confidentiality programs
- Sealed testimony regarding abuse
- Protected identity information for victims

It is important to note that complete confidentiality of a divorce is extremely rare. At minimum, the fact that a divorce occurred and the names of the parties will typically remain public information. Parties seeking confidentiality should consult with legal counsel early in the divorce process to develop appropriate strategies for protecting sensitive information while complying with North Carolina's public records laws.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Alamance County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Alamance County varies significantly based on several factors, including case complexity, cooperation between parties, and court scheduling. Under North Carolina law, specific timeframes and waiting periods affect the overall timeline.

Minimum Statutory Timeframes:

Pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes § 50-6, couples must be separated for at least one year and one day before filing for absolute divorce. This mandatory separation period is the most significant factor in the overall timeline.

Typical Timeframes by Divorce Type:

Uncontested Divorces
- After the one-year separation: 60-90 days
- Total time including separation: 13-15 months
- Key factors affecting timeline:
  - Accuracy and completeness of paperwork
  - Court calendar congestion
  - Service of process timing
Contested Divorces
- After the one-year separation: 6-18 months
- Total time including separation: 18-30 months
- Variables affecting duration:
  - Complexity of asset division
  - Child custody disputes
  - Discovery process length
  - Motion practice and hearings
  - Trial scheduling
Divorces with Separation Agreements
- After the one-year separation: 60-120 days
- Total time including separation: 13-16 months
- Factors affecting timeline:
  - Time to negotiate agreement
  - Attorney review periods
  - Document preparation and execution

According to the North Carolina Judicial Branch, Alamance County's specific processing times may vary based on current case volume and staffing levels. The court's published statistics indicate that approximately 70% of uncontested divorces are finalized within 90 days of filing, while contested cases with multiple issues may extend significantly longer.

Parties seeking expedited processing should consider:

Filing paperwork promptly after the separation period
Ensuring all forms are complete and accurate
Responding promptly to court notices
Considering mediation to resolve disputes
Working cooperatively on required disclosures

There are no legal provisions for "emergency" or "expedited" divorces in North Carolina that would circumvent the one-year separation requirement, regardless of circumstances.

How Long Does Alamance County Keep Divorce Records?

Alamance County maintains divorce records according to North Carolina's records retention schedules, which establish different preservation periods based on the type of record and its historical significance. These retention policies are governed by North Carolina General Statutes § 121-5 and administrative regulations.

Court Records Retention:

The Alamance County Clerk of Superior Court preserves divorce case files according to the following schedule:

Complete Case Files: Permanent retention for all divorce judgments and decrees
Supporting Documentation: Minimum 20-year retention for financial affidavits, property inventories, and other supporting documents
Temporary Orders: Minimum 3-year retention after case disposition
Exhibits: Returned to parties or destroyed after appeal period expires, unless specifically ordered preserved

Vital Records Retention:

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services maintains divorce certificates as permanent vital records. These records are never destroyed and are preserved through multiple formats:

Original paper records
Microfilm/microfiche backups
Digital archives (for more recent records)

Historical Records:

Divorce records deemed to have historical or genealogical significance receive special preservation treatment:

Pre-1968 records may be transferred to the North Carolina State Archives
Records involving prominent individuals or historically significant cases may be selected for special preservation
Records documenting social or legal developments may be preserved in special collections

Researchers seeking older divorce records should note that storage location may vary based on the age of the record:

Recent records (generally post-1968): Alamance County Courthouse
Historical records (pre-1968): Potentially transferred to state archives
Vital record certificates: North Carolina Vital Records office

While the retention schedules ensure permanent preservation of divorce judgments and certificates, access to older records may require additional research steps and coordination with multiple agencies. The Alamance County Register of Deeds can provide guidance on locating historical divorce records.

How To Get a Divorce In Alamance County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Alamance County must follow North Carolina's established legal procedures. The divorce process involves several distinct steps and requirements.

Prerequisites for Filing:

Before initiating divorce proceedings, parties must meet these requirements:

At least one spouse must have been a North Carolina resident for six months prior to filing
Couples must have lived separately for at least one year and one day
There must be no cohabitation during the separation period

Filing Procedures:

Prepare Required Documents
- Complaint for Absolute Divorce
- Civil Summons (AOC-CV-100)
- Domestic Civil Action Cover Sheet (AOC-CV-750)
- Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Affidavit (if applicable)
File Documents with the Court

Alamance County Clerk of Superior Court
Civil Division
212 W Elm Street
Graham, NC 27253
(336) 570-5200
Alamance County Courts

Filing fees (subject to change):
- Divorce filing fee: $225
- Service by sheriff: $30 per defendant
- Fee waivers available for qualifying low-income individuals
Serve the Other Party
- Sheriff's service
- Certified mail with return receipt
- Acceptance of service by the defendant
- Publication (in limited circumstances)
Wait for Response Period
- Defendant has 30 days to file an answer (35 if served by certified mail)
- If no response, plaintiff may request a default judgment
Schedule and Attend Hearing
- Request hearing date from court calendar
- Prepare testimony and evidence
- Attend hearing (approximately 5-15 minutes for uncontested cases)
Obtain Final Judgment
- Judge signs Judgment of Absolute Divorce
- Clerk certifies and files the judgment
- Obtain certified copies as needed

Additional Considerations:

Child custody, support, and property division may be addressed separately
Resumption of maiden name can be requested in the divorce complaint
Mediation is available for resolving disputes
Legal representation is recommended but not required

For assistance with the divorce process, parties may contact:

Alamance County Bar Association
PO Box 3532
Burlington, NC 27215
(336) 226-0501

Legal Aid of North Carolina - Pittsboro Office
(Serving Alamance County)
959 East Street, Suite A
Pittsboro, NC 27312
(919) 542-0475
Legal Aid of NC

How To Get Divorce Papers In Alamance County

Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Alamance County can obtain the necessary forms through several channels. The required documents constitute the foundation of the divorce process and must be completed accurately.

Sources for Divorce Forms:

Alamance County Courthouse
Alamance County Clerk of Superior Court
Civil Division
212 W Elm Street
Graham, NC 27253
(336) 570-5200
Alamance County Courts

Available services:
- Blank form packets available at the civil division counter
- Staff can identify required forms (but cannot provide legal advice)
- Forms available during regular business hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
- Nominal fee may apply for form packets
North Carolina Judicial Branch Website
The North Carolina Court System provides downloadable forms online, including:
- Complaint for Absolute Divorce (no standard form, but samples available)
- Civil Summons (AOC-CV-100)
- Domestic Civil Action Cover Sheet (AOC-CV-750)
- Judgment of Absolute Divorce (AOC-CV-110)
- Various related forms for child custody, support, and property division
Alamance County Law Library
Located within the courthouse, the law library provides:
- Reference materials with sample forms
- Self-help resources for pro se litigants
- Computer access for downloading forms
- Photocopying services (fee applies)
Legal Aid of North Carolina
Legal Aid of North Carolina - Pittsboro Office
(Serving Alamance County)
959 East Street, Suite A
Pittsboro, NC 27312
(919) 542-0475
Legal Aid of NC

Services for qualifying low-income individuals:
- Form provision and assistance
- Clinics on completing divorce paperwork
- Potential representation in complex cases

Required Forms for Divorce Filing:

The basic divorce packet typically includes:

Complaint for Absolute Divorce (stating grounds and requested relief)
Civil Summons (AOC-CV-100)
Domestic Civil Action Cover Sheet (AOC-CV-750)
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Affidavit
Certificate of Absolute Divorce (DHHS form)

Additional forms may be required for cases involving:

Child custody and support
Alimony requests
Equitable distribution of property
Name change requests
Fee waiver applications

Individuals are advised to carefully review all instructions accompanying the forms and consider seeking legal advice, particularly for complex cases involving children or significant assets.

Lookup Divorce Records in Alamance County

Vital Records – Alamance County Register of Deeds

NCDHHS: DPH: NC Vital Records: Divorce

Alamance County | North Carolina Judicial Branch

Alamance County, North Carolina - eSearch

Court Records | North Carolina Judicial Branch

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