Divorce records in Forsyth County, North Carolina, can be accessed through several channels. ForsythCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information for Forsyth County. You can also obtain records directly from the court that issued the divorce decree, the Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court, or the North Carolina Vital Records office. The type of document you need — a court file versus a divorce certificate — determines which office to contact.
Forsyth County Divorce Records Search
Two offices maintain divorce-related records for Forsyth County. The Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court keeps the actual court case files, including divorce judgments, settlement agreements, custody orders, equitable distribution orders, and all related filings. The North Carolina Division of Public Health, Vital Records office, maintains divorce certificates — shorter documents that verify a divorce occurred but do not contain the full case details.
Divorce records held by the Clerk of Superior Court are generally public. You can visit the clerk's office in person to review paper case files or request copies. The North Carolina Judicial Branch website also allows you to search some court records online.
Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Forsyth County
In North Carolina, divorce cases are handled by the District Court Division of the General Court of Justice. When a divorce complaint is filed in Forsyth County, it goes through the District Court. After the judge signs the divorce judgment, the decree becomes part of the permanent court file maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court.
The state Vital Records office also receives a report of each divorce and issues divorce certificates. These certificates confirm the divorce but do not include property settlements, custody arrangements, or other detailed terms.
Which office you contact depends on what you need:
- Full divorce judgment, settlement agreement, or custody order — Contact the Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court. You can request court records in person or by mail.
- Divorce certificate (verification that a divorce occurred) — Contact NC Vital Records or the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the divorce was granted.
- Preparing divorce filings — The North Carolina Judicial Branch offers a free divorce packet to help you prepare documents.
Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court
North Carolina Vital Records
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Forsyth County
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Court record copies (uncertified), per page | $0.25 | Same day if requested in person |
| Certified copy of divorce judgment (Clerk of Superior Court) | $3.00 for first page, $0.25 each additional page | Same day to several business days |
| Divorce certificate (NC Vital Records) | $24.00 | Approximately 4–6 weeks by mail |
| Additional copies of divorce certificate (same order, NC Vital Records) | $15.00 each | Included with initial order |