Forsyth County, North Carolina court records can be searched through several channels. ForsythCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through the North Carolina Judicial Branch online portal, by visiting the Clerk of Superior Court's office at the Forsyth County courthouse, or by using public computer terminals available at the courthouse. These resources cover criminal, civil, traffic, and domestic case information.
Forsyth Court System & Jurisdictions
Forsyth County is part of North Carolina's 21st Judicial District and operates two levels of trial court — Superior Court and District Court — both housed at the Forsyth County Courthouse in Winston-Salem.
Superior Court
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $25,000
- Appeals from District Court
District Court
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Infractions and traffic offenses
- Civil cases with amounts in controversy of $25,000 or less
- Small claims (formally called magistrate court actions) — civil disputes of $10,000 or less, filed before a magistrate
- Family law matters including divorce, child custody, child support, and domestic violence protective orders
- Juvenile cases (generally not public)
Estates & Special Proceedings
The Clerk of Superior Court also handles probate and estate matters, guardianship proceedings, foreclosures, and special proceedings. These filings are maintained separately from the criminal and civil dockets but are searchable through the same clerk's office.
If you are unsure which court division holds a particular case, start by searching the NC Judicial Branch's online case-search tool or contact the clerk's office directly.
Forsyth Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars for Forsyth County list scheduled hearings for criminal, civil, family, and traffic sessions. There are several ways to look up today's, tomorrow's, or this week's court dates:
- NC Courts Online Calendar — The North Carolina Judicial Branch website lets you search court dates by county. Select Forsyth County and the session type (criminal, civil, or family) to view upcoming calendars.
- Courthouse postings — Printed calendars are typically posted in the Forsyth County Courthouse lobby and outside individual courtrooms.
- Clerk's office — Call the Clerk of Superior Court to confirm a specific hearing date, especially if a session has been continued or rescheduled.
Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court
Calendar information can change on short notice. Always verify your court date by checking the online calendar or calling the clerk before traveling to the courthouse.
How to Get a Copy of a Forsyth Court Document
Most Forsyth County court records are public and can be obtained as either certified or uncertified copies. The method you choose depends on what you need the document for.
In Person
Visit the Clerk of Superior Court at the Forsyth County Hall of Justice. You can review paper case files at the clerk's office and request copies on site. Bring the case number or the full names of the parties involved to speed up the search.
By Mail
Send a written request to:
Include the case number (if known), the names of the parties, the type of document needed, whether you need a certified or uncertified copy, and a check or money order for the applicable fee.
Online
Basic case information — such as party names, charges, filing dates, and dispositions — can be searched through the NC Judicial Branch portal. Full document copies typically still require an in-person or mail request.
Certified vs. Uncertified
- Certified copies carry the clerk's seal and signature, confirming the document is a true copy of the court record. These are usually required for legal proceedings, background checks, or official filings.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions without the clerk's seal. They work for personal reference or informal use.
Restricted Records
Certain records are not available to the general public, including:
- Juvenile case files
- Sealed or expunged records
- Adoption proceedings
- Records subject to a court-issued protective order
For background checks and criminal history, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation maintains the state's central criminal records repository. The NC Department of Adult Correction also offers an offender search tool covering inmates, probationers, parolees, and registered sex offenders.
Forsyth Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court document copies in North Carolina are set by statute (N.C. General Statute § 7A-308). The following table lists common fees that apply at the Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court's office:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certified copy of a court document | $3.00 for the certification plus $0.25 per page |
| Exemplified copy (triple-sealed) | $10.00 plus $0.25 per page |
| Civil case search (by clerk staff) | $25.00 |
| Divorce certificate from Clerk of Court | Contact clerk for current fee |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card (a convenience fee may apply for card payments)
- By mail: Check or money order payable to "Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court"
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current amounts with the clerk's office before submitting a request. For public record requests involving vital records such as birth, marriage, or death certificates, contact the Forsyth County Register of Deeds or NC Vital Records rather than the Clerk of Court.