Divorce Records Wake County are official court documents that legally confirm the end of a marriage within Wake County, North Carolina. These records are maintained exclusively by the Clerk of Superior Court and contain critical details such as the final judgment, case number, filing date, names of both parties, judge’s name, and any financial or custody orders. Whether you need a certified copy for remarriage, legal proceedings, or personal verification, obtaining these records requires following specific procedures set by Wake County government offices. This page provides up-to-date, accurate information on how to request, search, and receive divorce records—whether in person, by mail, or online—with full transparency on fees, required documents, processing times, and available formats.
Where to Obtain Divorce Records in Wake County
Divorce records in Wake County are not managed by the Register of Deeds. Instead, they are stored and issued by the Clerk of Superior Court. The main office is located at 316 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601, and operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. All requests must include a government-issued photo ID, the full legal names of both spouses, the month and year the divorce was finalized, and the case number if known. A certified paper copy costs $10 and can be paid via cash, check, or credit card. Same-day service is available for in-person visits after verification.
For remote access, Wake County offers a secure online portal where users can submit written requests and receive PDF copies within three to five business days. Online orders cost $12 per certified document and include tracking. If the divorce was filed in another North Carolina county, the clerk will coordinate an inter-court request, which may add up to ten additional business days. Six satellite Clerk offices across Wake County also provide certified copies: Wake Forest, Garner, North Raleigh, East Raleigh, West Raleigh, and the main Raleigh location. Each charges $10 for paper copies and $7 for digital PDFs.
Required Information and Documentation
To successfully retrieve a divorce record in Wake County, applicants must provide specific identifying details. This includes the complete legal names of both parties at the time of divorce, the exact month and year the divorce was granted, and the case number if available. A valid government-issued photo ID—such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID—is mandatory for all requests, whether in person or by mail. Without this documentation, the clerk cannot process the request.
If the case number is unknown, the clerk can search using names and dates, but this may extend processing time. For mail-in requests, a notarized authorization form may be required depending on the requester’s relationship to the case. Third-party requests (e.g., from attorneys or researchers) must include written consent from one of the parties or a court order. All fees must be paid upfront, and refunds are not issued for unsuccessful searches due to incomplete or inaccurate information.
Online Access and Digital Records Portal
Wake County provides a public records portal that allows users to search divorce decrees, filing indexes, and court orders dating back to the early 1900s. The system can be queried by party name, case number, or filing year. Search results display the docket number, presiding judge, and a summary of relief granted. Certified copies can be ordered directly through the portal for $12 each and are mailed with tracking within seven business days. Digital downloads from the Records Division cost $8 per file and are available immediately after payment.
The online database is updated weekly and includes records from all six Clerk offices. Users do not need an account to search, but registration is required to place orders. The portal supports mobile devices and offers downloadable PDFs that include a watermark and certification seal. For divorces finalized before 1970, some records may only be available in microfilm format through partner archives like FamilySearch.
Historical Divorce Records and Microfilm Archives
For divorces finalized between 1831 and 1952, Wake County historical records are preserved on 19 reels of 35mm microfilm. These are housed at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, and can be accessed on-site with a free FamilySearch account. Digitized images are available online but remain unindexed, requiring users to manually browse each frame. This collection includes original petitions, final judgments, and docket summaries.
Another FamilySearch catalog covers records from 1770 to 1968, containing approximately 2,400 pages of digitized court papers. These files are not available on microfilm and have not been fully reviewed for accuracy. However, they offer direct access to primary source material for genealogists and researchers. No fee is charged for viewing, but certified copies must be requested through the Wake County Clerk’s office.
Third-Party Services and Private Databases
Several third-party platforms aggregate Wake County divorce records for public access. US Records offers a searchable database with case numbers, filing dates, judge names, and grounds for divorce. A $15 fee applies for certified copies, which are mailed within five to eight business days. Online Divorce Papers, hosted by King Research and Development in Cary, NC, provides free searches and charges $5 per certified copy. Their archive is updated weekly and includes filters for property division and alimony.
Wake Forest’s local government also maintains a free public search tool for divorces filed within its jurisdiction. Users can view high-resolution images of original decrees, including child support and asset division details. Certified copies cost $9 and are mailed within ten business days. While these services offer convenience, official certified documents must still come from the Clerk of Superior Court to be legally valid.
Fees, Payment Methods, and Processing Times
Wake County charges consistent fees across all service methods. In-person certified paper copies cost $10, while digital PDFs are $7. Online orders through the public portal cost $12 per certified document and include postage and tracking. Mail-in requests require a check or money order payable to the Wake County Clerk of Court. Credit cards are accepted in person and online but not by mail.
Processing times vary by method. In-person requests are fulfilled the same day after verification. Online orders take three to five business days, while inter-county requests add up to ten more days. Mail-in requests typically take seven to fourteen days, depending on postal delivery. Expedited service is not available, and all fees are non-refundable once processing begins.
| Service Type | Cost | Processing Time | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Person Request | $10 | Same Day | Certified Paper |
| Online Portal Order | $12 | 3–5 Business Days | Certified PDF + Mail |
| Digital Download | $8 | Immediate | PDF (Watermarked) |
| Mail-In Request | $10 | 7–14 Business Days | Certified Paper |
Common Reasons for Requesting Divorce Records
Individuals request divorce records for many legitimate purposes. Remarriage requires proof that a previous marriage was legally dissolved. Legal proceedings, such as child custody modifications or alimony adjustments, often need certified decrees as evidence. Background checks, estate settlements, and name changes also depend on official divorce documentation. Employers, landlords, and licensing agencies may request these records for verification.
Genealogists and historians use older records to trace family lineages and study social trends. Researchers analyze patterns in divorce grounds, property division, and judicial rulings over time. While most recent records are accessible to the public, sensitive details like Social Security numbers and minor children’s names are redacted to protect privacy.
Legal Validity and Certification Requirements
Only documents issued by the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court carry legal validity. Certified copies include an official seal, signature, and certification statement confirming their authenticity. Uncertified printouts or third-party summaries are not acceptable for legal, immigration, or remarriage purposes. Certified documents are required when applying for a new marriage license in North Carolina or any other state.
Out-of-state requests must follow the same procedures. The clerk does not authenticate documents for foreign use; applicants needing apostilles or embassy certifications must contact the North Carolina Secretary of State after obtaining the certified copy. International requesters should allow extra time for mail delivery and potential notarization requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wake County Divorce Records
Many people have similar questions when seeking divorce records. Below are detailed answers based on current Wake County policies and procedures. These address common concerns about access, fees, documentation, and legal use.
Can I get a divorce record if I don’t know the case number?
Yes, you can still request a divorce record without the case number. The Clerk of Superior Court can search using the full legal names of both parties and the approximate month and year the divorce was finalized. However, providing the case number speeds up the process significantly. If the divorce occurred more than 20 years ago, the record may be stored off-site or in archival format, which could delay retrieval by several days. Always bring a valid photo ID and be prepared to pay the standard fee. For older records, consider checking FamilySearch for digitized microfilm collections that may help identify the case number before visiting the clerk’s office.
Are divorce records public in Wake County?
Yes, divorce records in Wake County are considered public records under North Carolina law. Anyone can request a copy, regardless of their relationship to the case. However, sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, financial account details, and names of minor children are redacted to protect privacy. Certified copies are available to the general public, but uncertified online views may omit certain details. Third-party researchers, journalists, and genealogists frequently access these records for legitimate purposes. Keep in mind that while the record itself is public, courtroom hearings may have been closed by judicial order in rare cases involving domestic violence or custody disputes.
How long does it take to receive a divorce record by mail?
Mail-in requests for divorce records typically take between seven and fourteen business days to process and deliver. This includes time for the clerk’s office to receive the request, verify the information, retrieve the document, certify it, and mail it via USPS. Processing begins only after full payment and required documentation are received. Delays can occur if the submitted information is incomplete or inaccurate. To avoid delays, include a self-addressed stamped envelope, a copy of your ID, the exact names and divorce date, and a check or money order for $10. For faster service, use the online portal, which provides tracking and faster turnaround.
Can someone else request my divorce record on my behalf?
Yes, a third party can request your divorce record, but strict authorization rules apply. The requester must provide written consent from one of the divorced parties, a notarized authorization form, or a court order granting access. They must also present a valid government-issued photo ID and pay the required fee. Attorneys representing a party in ongoing legal matters may request records with a letter of representation on firm letterhead. Family members, friends, or employers cannot access records without proper documentation. This policy protects individual privacy and complies with North Carolina public records laws.
What if my divorce was finalized in another North Carolina county?
If your divorce was finalized outside Wake County, you must contact the Clerk of Superior Court in that specific county. Wake County cannot issue certified copies for divorces processed elsewhere. However, the Wake County clerk can assist with inter-court requests if you visit in person. They will coordinate with the other county’s records office, but this adds up to ten additional business days to the process. For out-of-state divorces, contact the court in that state. Only the court where the divorce was granted can provide a legally certified copy.
Are online divorce records legally valid?
Only certified copies issued by the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court are legally valid. While online portals and third-party sites offer viewable or downloadable versions, these are not certified and cannot be used for remarriage, legal proceedings, or official verification. Certified documents include an official seal, clerk signature, and certification statement. If you need a legally binding copy, you must order it through the official county portal or visit the clerk’s office in person. Digital downloads from the Records Division are for reference only and cost less because they lack certification.
Do I need a divorce record to remarry in North Carolina?
Yes, anyone planning to remarry in North Carolina must provide proof that their previous marriage was legally dissolved. This requires a certified copy of the divorce decree from the county where the divorce was finalized. The Wake County Register of Deeds, which issues marriage licenses, will ask for this document during the application process. Without it, the license cannot be issued. The certified copy must be recent and include the court’s seal. If the divorce occurred outside North Carolina, an equivalent certified document from that state or country is required.
Contact Information and Office Locations
For in-person requests, visit the main Clerk of Superior Court office at 316 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Phone inquiries can be made at (919) 815-4728. Six additional Clerk offices are located throughout Wake County, each offering the same services with varying hours. All locations accept cash, check, and credit card payments. For online requests, use the official Wake County public records portal. Mailing address: PO Box 550, Raleigh, NC 27602.