Divorce records in Duplin County, North Carolina, can be accessed through several channels. DuplinCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information for Duplin County. You can also obtain records directly from the court that issued the divorce decree, the Duplin County Clerk of Superior Court, or the North Carolina Vital Records office. Each source provides different types of documents depending on whether you need a court filing or a vital record certificate.
Duplin County Divorce Records Search
Divorce records in Duplin County are maintained by two separate offices. The Duplin County Clerk of Superior Court keeps the complete court file for every divorce case filed in the county — including the complaint, judgment of absolute divorce, equitable distribution orders, custody orders, separation agreements, and any related motions. The North Carolina Division of Public Health, Vital Records Section, maintains a statewide index of divorce certificates dating back to 1958.
If you need the full divorce decree or any documents from the case file, the Clerk of Superior Court's office at the Duplin County Courthouse is the place to start. For a basic divorce certificate confirming that a divorce occurred, you can contact either the clerk's office or the state Vital Records office.
Duplin County Clerk of Superior Court
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Duplin County
In North Carolina, divorce cases are heard in District Court, which is the trial court division that handles all family law matters. In Duplin County, divorce complaints are filed with and processed through the Clerk of Superior Court at the Duplin County Courthouse in Kenansville. Once a judge signs the judgment of absolute divorce, the decree becomes part of the permanent court record held by the clerk's office.
The clerk's office also reports divorce information to the state. The North Carolina Vital Records office then creates a divorce certificate — a summary document that confirms the divorce but does not include the full terms of the judgment.
Which Office to Contact
- For the full divorce decree, settlement agreements, custody orders, or other case filings: Contact the Duplin County Clerk of Superior Court.
- For a divorce certificate (verification that a divorce occurred): Contact either the Duplin County Clerk of Superior Court or the NC Vital Records office.
North Carolina Vital Records
You can also request a public court record through the North Carolina Judicial Branch if you are unsure which office holds the document you need. Divorce case records in North Carolina are generally public, though certain sealed portions — such as financial affidavits or records involving minors — may have restricted access depending on court orders.
To look up court dates or basic case information online, visit the Duplin County page on the NC Judicial Branch website, which provides links to the eCourts search portal.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Duplin County
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce decree (Clerk of Superior Court) | $0.25 per page plus $3.00 certification fee | Same day to several business days (in person or by mail) |
| Divorce certificate (NC Vital Records) | $24.00 | Approximately 4–6 weeks by mail |
| Additional copies of divorce certificate (same order, NC Vital Records) | $15.00 each | Included with initial order |
| Court record search (Clerk of Superior Court) | No fee for basic index lookup | Same day (in person) |