Divorce records in Guilford County, North Carolina, can be accessed through several channels. GuilfordCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information for Guilford County. You can also obtain records directly from the court that issued the divorce decree, the Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court's office, or the North Carolina Vital Records office. Each source provides different types of documents depending on whether you need a court file or a divorce certificate.
Guilford County Divorce Records Search
Divorce records in Guilford County are maintained by two separate offices, each holding a different type of record:
- Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court — maintains the complete court case file, including the divorce judgment, complaint, separation agreement, equitable distribution orders, custody orders, and all related filings.
- North Carolina Vital Records — maintains divorce certificates, which are summary documents showing the names of the parties, date of divorce, and county where it was granted. The state has divorce certificates dating from 1958 forward.
The Clerk of Court in the county where the divorce was filed is the best source for the full divorce decree and any associated court documents. You can search for court records online through the North Carolina Judicial Branch search portal or visit the clerk's office in person.
Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Guilford County
In North Carolina, divorce cases are heard in District Court. Guilford County divorce actions are filed with the Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court, who serves as the official custodian of all civil court records, including divorce cases handled in District Court.
After a judge signs the divorce judgment, the decree becomes part of the permanent court file at the clerk's office. The clerk also reports the divorce to the North Carolina Division of Public Health, which creates a divorce certificate for the state's vital records collection.
Which office to contact depends on what you need:
- For the divorce decree, settlement agreements, custody orders, or other court filings — contact the Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court. Paper case files can be accessed by visiting the clerk's office in the county where the case was filed.
- For a divorce certificate (summary vital record) — contact NC Vital Records or the Clerk of Court in the county where the divorce was filed. Either office can issue a divorce certificate.
Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court — Greensboro
Guilford County Courthouse — High Point
North Carolina Vital Records
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Guilford County
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce certificate from NC Vital Records | $24.00 | Approximately 4–6 weeks by mail |
| Divorce certificate from Clerk of Court | Varies; contact clerk for current fee | Same day to several business days |
| Court record copies (uncertified) — Clerk of Superior Court | $0.25 per page | Same day if requested in person |
| Certified copy of court document — Clerk of Superior Court | $3.00 for certification plus $0.25 per page | Same day to several business days |