Divorce records in Brunswick County, North Carolina, can be accessed through several channels. BrunswickCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information for the county. You can also obtain records directly from the court that issued the divorce decree, the Brunswick County Clerk of Superior Court, or the North Carolina Vital Records office. Whether you need a certified divorce certificate or a copy of the full judgment, the right office depends on the type of document you're looking for.
Brunswick Divorce Records Search
In Brunswick County, divorce records are maintained by two separate offices. The Brunswick County Clerk of Superior Court keeps the official court file for every divorce case filed in the county, including the divorce judgment, settlement agreements, custody orders, and all related filings. The North Carolina Division of Public Health, Vital Records Section, maintains a statewide index of divorce certificates dating back to 1958.
The court file is the most complete record. It typically includes:
- Divorce complaints and answers
- Equitable distribution orders
- Child custody and support orders
- Separation agreements incorporated into the judgment
- The final divorce decree (judgment of absolute divorce)
A divorce certificate from Vital Records, by contrast, is a summary document confirming that a divorce occurred — it does not contain the terms of the settlement or custody arrangement.
To search for or request court records, contact the Clerk of Superior Court at the Brunswick County Courthouse:
Brunswick County Clerk of Superior Court
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Brunswick
North Carolina handles divorce cases in the District Court Division of the General Court of Justice. In Brunswick County, divorce actions — including absolute divorce, equitable distribution, alimony, child custody, and child support — are filed in District Court. After the judge signs the divorce judgment, the Clerk of Superior Court's office maintains the official case file.
Depending on what you need, you'll contact one of two offices:
For court records (divorce judgments, custody orders, settlement agreements)
Contact the Brunswick County Clerk of Superior Court. You can visit in person, call, or submit a public records request through the North Carolina Judicial Branch. You may also search online for basic case information through the court system's portal, though the portal may not include document images.
Brunswick County Clerk of Superior Court
For divorce certificates (vital record confirming the divorce occurred)
Contact the North Carolina Vital Records office. Divorce certificates can also be obtained from the Clerk of Court in the county where the divorce was filed.
North Carolina Vital Records
Keep in mind that divorce court files are generally public records in North Carolina, but certain documents — such as financial affidavits or records involving minor children — may have restricted access depending on the case.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Brunswick
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce certificate (NC Vital Records) | $24.00 | Approximately 4–6 weeks by mail |
| Court record copy (uncertified, per page) | $0.25 | Same day to several business days |
| Certified copy of court document | $3.00 for certification plus $0.25 per page | Same day to several business days |
| Additional divorce certificates (same order, NC Vital Records) | $15.00 each | Included with original order |