Court records in Duplin County, North Carolina, can be searched through several channels. DuplinCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through the North Carolina Judicial Branch's Duplin County page, the Clerk of Superior Court's office at the courthouse, and public-access terminals available on site. These resources cover criminal, civil, traffic, and other case types handled by Duplin County's courts.
Duplin Court System & Jurisdictions
Duplin County is part of North Carolina's Judicial District 4A. Court proceedings take place at the Duplin County Courthouse in Kenansville. Two main trial-level courts operate in the county:
Superior Court
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $25,000
- Appeals from District Court
- Cases involving injunctions and certain equitable claims
District Court
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Infractions, including most traffic violations
- Civil cases with amounts in controversy of $25,000 or less
- Small claims (magistrate court) — civil disputes up to $10,000, heard by a magistrate
- Family law matters such as divorce, child custody, child support, and domestic violence protective orders
- Juvenile cases
- Estates and guardianship proceedings (handled through the Clerk of Superior Court sitting as probate judge)
Magistrates in Duplin County issue arrest warrants, set initial bail, and hear small claims actions. If you are unsure which court division holds a particular record, contact the Duplin County Courthouse directly.
Duplin Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
North Carolina's eCourts system is now live in Duplin County. You can look up scheduled court dates through the Search Portal on the Duplin County Judicial Branch page, which allows searches by party name or case number.
To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's hearings:
- Visit the Duplin County page on the NC Judicial Branch website.
- Use the Court Dates search portal to look up a specific party name or case number.
- Review the calendar listing for the scheduled session — criminal, civil, or family court.
Printed court calendars are also posted at the Duplin County Courthouse. If you need to confirm a hearing time or courtroom assignment, call the Clerk of Superior Court's office before your appearance.
How to Get a Copy of a Duplin Court Document
The Duplin County Clerk of Superior Court maintains official case files for both civil and criminal matters. You can obtain court records through the following channels:
In Person
Visit the Clerk's office at the courthouse during business hours. Public-access terminals are available for searching case information. Staff can pull physical files for review and provide copies on the spot.
By Mail
Send a written request that includes the case number (if known), the full names of the parties, the approximate date of filing, and the specific documents you need. Include payment for any applicable fees. Mail requests to:
Online
Through the NC Judicial Branch's eCourts portal, you can search for case information and, in some instances, view documents electronically. For formal certified copies, you will generally need to contact the Clerk's office directly or submit a public records request through the Judicial Branch.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions of court documents, suitable for personal reference.
- Certified copies bear the Clerk's seal and signature, confirming authenticity. These are typically required for legal proceedings, government applications, or filing in another jurisdiction.
Certain records are restricted from public access, including juvenile cases, adoptions, involuntary commitments, and files sealed by court order. Expunged records are also not available to the general public. For background checks and criminal history, the NC State Bureau of Investigation serves as the state's central criminal records repository. The NC Department of Adult Correction offers a separate offender search tool for state prison inmates, probationers, and parolees.
Divorce certificates can also be obtained from the Clerk of Court in the county where the divorce was filed, or through NC Vital Records.
Duplin Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in North Carolina are set by statute under N.C. General Statutes Chapter 7A, Article 28. The following schedule reflects standard fees that apply at the Duplin County Clerk of Superior Court's office:
| 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 and signature only, on a document you provide) | $3.00 |
| Civil case search (by Clerk's office) | No charge for basic index searches at public terminals; staff-assisted research may vary |
| Exemplification of a document | $5.00 |
Payment methods: The Clerk's office generally accepts cash, money orders, and certified checks. Personal checks may be accepted at the Clerk's discretion. For mail requests, do not send cash — use a money order or certified check payable to "Duplin County Clerk of Superior Court." Contact the Clerk's office to confirm current accepted payment methods, as policies can change.
If you need multiple certified documents or a large volume of copies, call ahead to confirm the total cost before submitting payment by mail.