Court records in Brunswick County, North Carolina, can be found through several channels. BrunswickCourt.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's Brunswick County page, the Clerk of Superior Court's office, and public self-service terminals located inside the courthouse. Online search tools, official court resources, and in-person visits each offer different levels of detail depending on the record type.
Brunswick Court System & Jurisdictions
Brunswick County falls within North Carolina's Judicial District 13. Two trial-level courts operate in the county, each handling distinct case types.
Superior Court
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $25,000
- Appeals from District Court
- Estates and special proceedings (including foreclosures and incompetency hearings)
District Court
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Infractions, including most traffic violations
- Civil cases where the amount in controversy is $25,000 or less
- Small claims actions (up to $10,000), heard by a magistrate
- Domestic and family law matters — divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence protective orders
- Juvenile cases (delinquency, abuse, neglect, dependency)
Magistrates in Brunswick County issue arrest warrants and search warrants, set bail conditions, and preside over small claims court. There is no separate probate court in North Carolina; estate matters are handled by the Clerk of Superior Court sitting as judge of probate.
If you are unsure which court division holds the record you need, contact the Brunswick County Clerk of Superior Court for guidance.
Brunswick Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars for Brunswick County list scheduled hearings for criminal, civil, and family cases. To find today's or this week's calendar:
- Visit the Brunswick County page on the NC Judicial Branch website.
- Look for the court calendars section, which provides links to current criminal and civil session calendars.
- Calendars are typically organized by court type (Superior Court criminal, Superior Court civil, District Court criminal, District Court civil/family).
Calendars may also be posted at the courthouse. Keep in mind that schedules can change on short notice due to continuances or judicial reassignments. If you have a case scheduled, confirm the date and courtroom with the clerk's office or your attorney before appearing.
Brunswick County Courthouse
How to Get a Copy of a Brunswick Court Document
The Brunswick County Clerk of Superior Court maintains records for both Superior and District Court cases. You can obtain copies through three channels:
In Person
- Visit the clerk's office at the courthouse in Bolivia during business hours.
- Use the public self-service terminals in the clerk's office to look up case information and identify the documents you need.
- Ask the clerk for either a certified or uncertified copy. Certified copies carry an official seal and are required for most legal proceedings; uncertified copies work for personal reference.
By Mail
- Write a letter to the clerk's office specifying the case number (if known), party names, case type, and which documents you need.
- State whether you need certified or uncertified copies.
- Include a check or money order for the applicable fees, payable to the Brunswick County Clerk of Superior Court.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Online
Some case information can be searched through the NC Courts eCourts Portal. The portal shows case details and docket entries, but certified document copies generally still require an in-person or mail request. For criminal background checks, the Clerk of Superior Court's office is the recommended source for certified single-county results.
Records You Cannot Get from the Clerk
The clerk's office does not hold every type of record. For example:
- Divorce certificates — available from NC Vital Records or the clerk's office in the county where the divorce was filed (divorce judgments are court records and can be requested from the clerk).
- Police reports and incident records — contact the relevant law enforcement agency.
- State prison or probation records — use the NC Department of Adult Correction offender search.
Brunswick Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in North Carolina are set by statute (primarily N.C.G.S. § 7A-308 and related provisions). The table below lists common fees you may encounter when requesting records from the Brunswick County Clerk of Superior Court.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of a court document | $3.00 for the first page, $0.25 each additional page |
| Uncertified copy | $0.25 per page |
| Certification / seal added to a document | $3.00 |
| Certified criminal record search (single county) | $25.00 |
| Exemplification (triple seal) | $10.00 |
Payment methods: The clerk's office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit and debit card acceptance may vary — call ahead to confirm. For mail requests, make checks or money orders payable to the Brunswick County Clerk of Superior Court.
Fees are subject to change by legislative action. Verify current amounts with the clerk's office or through the NC Judicial Branch public records request page before submitting payment.
Most court records in North Carolina are generally public. However, juvenile cases, adoptions, involuntary commitment proceedings, and records sealed or expunged by court order are restricted. If you are unsure whether a record is accessible, ask the clerk's office before paying any fees.