Wake County Divorce Records

What Are Wake County Divorce Records?

Wake County divorce records are official documents that provide legal proof of a divorce that occurred within Wake County, North Carolina. These records contain information about the dissolution of a marriage, including the names of both parties, the date the divorce was finalized, and other relevant details about the divorce proceedings. These documents are maintained by the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court and serve as the official government record of a divorce.

Are Wake County Divorce Records Public?

Yes, divorce records in Wake County are considered public records under North Carolina law. This means that any member of the public can request access to these documents. However, certain sensitive information within these records may be redacted to protect privacy. While the basic information about a divorce is publicly accessible, financial statements, custody arrangements, and other personal details might have restricted access.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Wake County in 2025

To find a divorce record in Wake County in 2025, you can follow these steps:

1. Visit the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court office in person Wake County Courthouse, 316 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

2. Provide the names of both parties involved in the divorce

3. Specify the approximate date of the divorce if known

4. Pay the required search and copy fees

5. For divorces after 1958, you can also contact the North Carolina Vital Records office NC Vital Records, 225 North McDowell Street, Raleigh, NC 27603

6. For older records, you may need to visit the North Carolina State Archives NC State Archives, 109 East Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Wake County Online?

Wake County offers limited online access to divorce records. To look up divorce records online:

1. Visit the North Carolina Court System website
2. Use the public case search feature to search by name
3. Note that only basic case information may be available online
4. For complete records, you may still need to visit the courthouse in person or request copies by mail

For certified copies, you'll need to contact the NC Vital Records office directly through their website or visit in person.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Wake County?

Finding divorce records for free in Wake County is possible through these methods:

1. Visit the Wake County Courthouse in person and use the public access terminals Wake County Courthouse, 316 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

2. Use the North Carolina Court System's public case search feature online (free to search, though fees apply for copies)

3. Visit the Wake County Public Libraries to access public records databases Wake County Public Libraries, 4020 Carya Drive, Raleigh, NC 27610

4. Check with the North Carolina State Archives for historical divorce records NC State Archives, 109 East Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

While searching may be free, obtaining official copies typically involves fees.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Wake County

Wake County divorce records typically include:

1. Names of both spouses
2. Date and location of the marriage
3. Date the divorce was filed
4. Date the divorce was finalized
5. Grounds for divorce
6. Case number
7. Judge's name who presided over the case
8. Court orders regarding property division (in some cases)
9. Child custody arrangements (if applicable)
10. Alimony or support agreements (if applicable)

The level of detail can vary depending on the specific case and whether the records have been sealed or redacted.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Wake County?

To obtain proof of divorce in Wake County:

1. Request a Certificate of Absolute Divorce from NC Vital Records NC Vital Records, 225 North McDowell Street, Raleigh, NC 27603

2. Visit or contact the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court for a certified copy of the divorce decree Wake County Courthouse, 316 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

3. Provide the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and pay the required fee

4. For mail requests, send a written request with the required information and payment to the Clerk's office

5. For divorces after 1958, you can also order a verification online through the NC Vital Records website

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Wake County?

While divorce records are generally public in Wake County, there are some circumstances where aspects of a divorce can be kept confidential:

1. A judge may seal certain sensitive documents within the case file
2. Financial information, psychological evaluations, and details about minor children may be protected
3. In cases involving domestic violence or safety concerns, certain information may be redacted
4. Parties can request that specific documents be sealed, though this requires judicial approval
5. Complete sealing of divorce records is rare and typically requires demonstrating compelling privacy interests

Even when parts of a record are confidential, basic information about the divorce itself usually remains public.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Wake County?

The timeline for a divorce in Wake County varies depending on several factors:

1. For an absolute divorce with no contested issues: minimum of 30 days after service plus one year of separation
2. For contested divorces involving property division or custody: 6 months to over a year
3. Mandatory one-year separation period before filing for absolute divorce in North Carolina
4. Court scheduling and backlog can add additional time
5. Mediation and settlement negotiations may extend or shorten the process

The simplest divorces typically take about 45-60 days after filing, assuming the one-year separation requirement has been met.

How Long Does Wake County Keep Divorce Records?

Wake County maintains divorce records permanently. These records are never destroyed and remain available through:

1. The Wake County Clerk of Superior Court office for recent and historical records Wake County Courthouse, 316 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

2. The North Carolina State Archives for older historical records NC State Archives, 109 East Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

3. NC Vital Records maintains certificates of divorce from 1958 to present NC Vital Records, 225 North McDowell Street, Raleigh, NC 27603

This permanent retention ensures that proof of divorce is always available when needed for legal purposes.

How To Get a Divorce In Wake County

To get a divorce in Wake County, follow these steps:

1. Meet the residency requirement (at least one spouse must have lived in NC for 6 months)

2. Complete the mandatory one-year separation period

3. File a Complaint for Absolute Divorce with the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court Wake County Courthouse, 316 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

4. Pay the filing fee (approximately $225)

5. Serve the divorce papers to your spouse

6. Wait for the response period (30 days, or 60 days if served out of state)

7. Request a hearing date

8. Attend the hearing

9. Receive the divorce judgment

For issues like property division, alimony, or child custody, you may need to file additional claims before the divorce is finalized.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Wake County

Divorce papers for Wake County can be obtained through several methods:

1. Visit the Wake County Courthouse and request the forms from the Clerk's office Wake County Courthouse, 316 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

2. Download forms from the North Carolina Judicial Branch website

3. Use the North Carolina Court System's guided interview system to create customized forms

4. Consult with Legal Aid of North Carolina for assistance with paperwork Legal Aid of North Carolina, 224 South Dawson Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

5. Hire an attorney who will prepare and file the necessary paperwork

Basic divorce packets typically include a complaint for absolute divorce, domestic civil action cover sheet, and summons forms.

Lookup Divorce Records in Wake County

For more information about divorce records in Wake County, you can visit these official resources:

• Divorced Applicants and Divorce Records - Wake County Government
• NCDHHS: DPH: NC Vital Records: Divorce - NC.gov
• Where do I get a copy of my divorce? | Wake County Government
• Wake County | North Carolina Judicial Branch

These resources provide official guidance on obtaining divorce records, understanding the divorce process, and accessing court services in Wake County.