Guilford County, North Carolina court records can be searched through several channels. GuilfordCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also access records through the North Carolina Judicial Branch court records portal, the Clerk of Superior Court's office at the Guilford County Courthouse, and public computer terminals available at courthouse locations. These resources cover criminal, civil, traffic, and family case information.
Guilford Court System & Jurisdictions
Guilford County is part of North Carolina's 18th Judicial District (District Court) and 18th Superior Court Division. The county operates multiple courthouses in Greensboro and High Point. Understanding which court handles your case type determines where to search for docket information.
Superior Court
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $25,000
- Appeals from District Court
- Estate and probate matters (handled through the Clerk of Superior Court)
District Court
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil cases with amounts in controversy of $25,000 or less
- Domestic and family law matters — divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence protective orders
- Juvenile cases
- Infractions, including most traffic violations
Small Claims (Magistrate Court)
- Civil disputes involving $10,000 or less
- Summary ejectment (eviction) proceedings
- Actions to recover personal property
Magistrates also handle initial appearances, set bail in certain cases, and issue arrest warrants and search warrants. For current contact information and courthouse addresses, visit the Guilford County page on the North Carolina Judicial Branch website.
Guilford Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts maintains a statewide court date search tool that covers Guilford County. You can search by:
- Party name (first and last)
- County (select "Guilford")
- Date or date range
- Case number
This tool displays scheduled hearings for criminal, civil, traffic, and domestic cases in both District and Superior Court. Results typically show the courtroom, date, time, and case number.
To find today's or this week's calendar:
- Go to the NC Courts court date search page.
- Enter the party name or case number.
- Select "Guilford" from the county dropdown.
- Narrow the date range to today, tomorrow, or the current week.
- Review the results for courtroom assignments and hearing times.
Printed daily calendars are also posted at the Guilford County Courthouse in Greensboro. If you cannot locate a hearing online, contact the Clerk of Superior Court's office directly.
How to Get a Copy of a Guilford Court Document
Court documents in Guilford County are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court. Most case files — including criminal judgments, civil complaints, orders, and motions — are generally public unless sealed or otherwise restricted by law. Juvenile records, adoptions, and certain mental health proceedings are typically confidential.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain photocopies of court documents. They work for personal reference but are usually not accepted by other courts or government agencies.
- Certified copies bear the Clerk's seal and signature, confirming the copy is a true reproduction of the original record. These are required for most legal proceedings, background checks, and official filings.
How to Request Copies
In person: Visit the Clerk of Superior Court's office at the Guilford County Courthouse. Paper case files can be accessed and copied on site. Bring the case number or full party name to speed up the search. The office is open 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, closed on state holidays.
By mail: Send a written request to the Clerk of Superior Court at the address above. Include the full case number (if known), party names, case type, and a check or money order for the estimated fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return.
Online: The NC Courts Search Portal allows you to look up case information by name, case number, or attorney. The portal shows docket entries and case status but does not provide downloadable copies of documents. For actual copies, you will need to contact the Clerk's office.
For divorce certificates specifically, you may also request them from NC Vital Records or the Clerk of Court in the county where the divorce was filed.
Guilford Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record copies and certifications in North Carolina are set by statute (primarily N.C. General Statute § 7A-308). The following table reflects standard fees applicable at the Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court's office:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies of court documents (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certification of a document (per certificate) | $3.00 |
| Exemplification of a document | $5.00 |
| Search fee (per name, per 10-year period) | $25.00 |
| Certified copy of a judgment | $0.25/page + $3.00 certification |
| Divorce certificate (from Clerk of Court) | $3.00 certification fee + copy costs |
Payment methods: The Clerk's office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Ask the clerk about credit or debit card acceptance, as policies may vary. For mail requests, include a check or money order payable to "Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court."
Notes:
- Background check requestors should use the Clerk's office rather than the online Search Portal, as the NC Judicial Branch advises that Portal results are not suitable for formal background checks.
- The NC Department of Adult Correction offender search covers state prison inmates, probationers, parolees, and registered sex offenders at no charge.
- The Guilford County Sheriff's Office inmate search provides current booking and detention information for individuals held in county facilities.
- Fees are subject to change. Confirm current amounts with the Clerk's office before submitting payment by mail.