Records of divorce in Wake County, North Carolina, are available through several channels. WakeCourt.us allows you to quickly find publicly accessible divorce information related to this county. Additionally, records can be obtained directly from the court that issued the decision, at the office of the court clerk, or through the North Carolina Vital Records Office (NC Vital Records). Online tools, personal visits, and written requests are all viable options for finding the necessary documents.
Wake Divorce Records Search
Wake County maintains divorce records in two main institutions. The Wake County Clerk of Superior Court is the custodian of all divorce court cases, including divorce decrees, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and related procedural documents. The North Carolina Division of Public Health, Vital Records issues divorce certificates — shorter documents that confirm the fact of divorce.
The collection of court records includes:
- Divorce decrees
- Property settlement agreements
- Custody and alimony orders
- Motions, responses, and other procedural documents
State-level divorce certificates are available starting from 1958. For older cases, contact the court clerk directly.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Wake
In North Carolina, divorce cases are handled by the District Court Division of the Superior Court (General Court of Justice). Once a judge signs the divorce decree, the original remains in the office of the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court. The court also reports the divorce to the state Vital Records Office, which creates a separate record — the divorce verification.
Where to go depends on what you need:
- Full court decree or case materials — Wake County Clerk of Superior Court
- Certificate confirming the fact of divorce — NC Vital Records
Note: Vital Records only issues confirmation of the fact of divorce, not the full text of the court decree. If you need details on property division or custody, work with the court clerk.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Wake
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce certificate (NC Vital Records) | $24.00 | 3–6 weeks (by mail) |
| Additional certificate copy (in one order) | $15.00 | With the main order |
| Copy of court document (Clerk of Superior Court) | $0.25 per page | Usually the same day with a personal visit |
| Certified copy of court document (Clerk of Superior Court) | $3.00 for the first pages + $0.25 for each additional | 1–5 business days |
| Vital Records search fee | Included in the $24.00 fee | 3–6 weeks |