How can you find out if someone is divorced in NC?

Answered by John Hunt

To find out if someone is divorced in North Carolina, there are a few steps you can take. It’s important to note that divorce records are considered public records in North Carolina, meaning they are available to the general public for viewing.

1. Visit the Clerk of Courts Office: The first step is to visit the Clerk of Courts office in the county where the divorce was filed. Each county has its own Clerk of Courts office, and this is where all divorce records are typically kept. You can find the contact information for the Clerk of Courts office on the North Carolina Court System’s website.

2. Request the Divorce Record: Once you are at the Clerk of Courts office, you will need to request the divorce record you are looking for. You may need to provide some basic information about the individuals involved in the divorce, such as their full names and the date of the divorce. The clerk will then retrieve the record for you to view.

3. Review the Divorce Record: Once you have the divorce record, you can review the information contained within it. Divorce records typically include details about the divorce, such as the names of the parties involved, the date of the divorce, and any settlement agreements or court orders related to child custody, alimony, or property division.

4. Make Copies: If you need copies of the divorce record, the Clerk of Courts office can typically provide them for a small fee. The cost is usually around 25 cents per page, but it may vary slightly depending on the county. You can request copies of specific pages or the entire record, depending on your needs.

5. Online Resources: In addition to visiting the Clerk of Courts office, you may also be able to access divorce records online. The North Carolina Court System’s website provides access to some court records, including divorce records, through the Online Services portal. However, not all counties may have their records available online, so visiting the Clerk of Courts office is often the most reliable method.

It’s worth noting that divorce records are considered public records, but certain information within the records may be redacted or restricted for privacy reasons. For example, sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers or financial account numbers may be blacked out or omitted from public copies of the records.

Finding out if someone is divorced in North Carolina involves visiting the Clerk of Courts office in the county where the divorce was filed, requesting the divorce record, reviewing the information, and obtaining copies if needed. Online resources may also be available, but it’s best to check with the specific county’s Clerk of Courts office for the most accurate and up-to-date information.