Pasquotank County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Pasquotank County in 2026
PasquotankRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to divorce records in Pasquotank County, North Carolina. Members of the public may find case numbers, party names, filing dates, final decrees, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories may include dissolution judgments, separation agreements, custody orders, property division documents, and support orders. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Divorce records in Pasquotank County may be searched through the Pasquotank County Clerk of Superior Court, the North Carolina Courts online case search portal, state vital records, and public access terminals located at the courthouse. The following sections outline each available method in detail.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The North Carolina Courts online case search portal allows members of the public to search civil and family court cases by party name or case number at no charge for basic case information. Certified copies of documents require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The North Carolina Judicial Branch maintains a statewide portal through which users may search cases across all 100 counties. The portal provides consolidated docket information, case status, and hearing dates.
3. State Vital Records
North Carolina's NC Vital Records office registers divorce certificates separately from full court case files. Divorce certificates issued by the state provide limited information compared to the complete court record and are subject to applicable fees.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Superior Court — Pasquotank County:
Pasquotank County Clerk of Superior Court
206 E. Main Street
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Phone: (252) 331-4600
Pasquotank County Clerk of Superior Court
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Services available in person include:
- Searching case files by party name or case number
- Viewing original documents at public access terminals
- Requesting certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating archived or older records
By Mail
Written Request:
Mail requests to:
Pasquotank County Clerk of Superior Court
206 E. Main Street
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Written requests should include:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Processing time for mail requests is typically one to two weeks, depending on case volume and whether records require retrieval from archives.
By Phone
Limited Information:
Clerk of Superior Court: (252) 331-4600
Staff may confirm by phone:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or any confidential information by phone.
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in North Carolina may access court records on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing of cause, and obtain certified copies through professional channels. The North Carolina State Bar Lawyer Referral Service connects members of the public with licensed attorneys for assistance with complex records requests or family law matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and county of marriage
- Previous addresses in North Carolina
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50-3, a divorce action must be filed in the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. The county where the marriage occurred is not necessarily the county where the divorce was filed.
Residency Requirement:
North Carolina requires that at least one spouse have been a resident of the state for a minimum of six months immediately preceding the filing of the divorce action, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50-8.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Records may not appear in the online system immediately following a final hearing
- Allow several business days to several weeks for processing after the final order is entered
- Contacting the Clerk's office directly may confirm whether a recent case has been processed
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be stored in paper archives
- Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time
- Some older records may not be digitized and must be reviewed in person
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county of filing
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records held in off-site storage
- Case sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk's office at (252) 331-4600
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the NC Vital Records divorce certificate database
- Consult a licensed North Carolina attorney
What Are Pasquotank County Divorce Records?
Pasquotank County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after divorce proceedings filed in the Pasquotank County Superior Court. These records constitute part of the public court file maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court and document the legal dissolution of a marriage under North Carolina law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files:
- Complaint for absolute divorce or divorce from bed and board
- Summons and proof of service
- Answer or response filed by the opposing party
- Financial affidavits and disclosure statements
- Separation agreements incorporated into the judgment
- Motions, orders, and hearing notices
- Final judgment of absolute divorce
Final Decree:
The final judgment of absolute divorce is the official court order terminating the marriage. It establishes:
- The legal date of dissolution
- Division of marital property, if addressed
- Alimony or post-separation support orders, if applicable
- Child custody and visitation arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final judgment are available from the Clerk of Superior Court upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents:
- Marriage certificate submitted as evidence
- Financial disclosure documents
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Parenting plan or custody agreement
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement account division
- Post-judgment modification orders
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
Clerk of Superior Court:
The Pasquotank County Clerk of Superior Court serves as the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The Clerk indexes records by the names of both parties and provides certified copies upon request.
State Vital Records Office:
The NC DHHS Vital Records office registers divorce certificates for events occurring in North Carolina. As noted by NC DHHS, this office holds "responsibility for legally registering: Births; Deaths; Fetal deaths; Marriages; Divorces." Divorce certificates from the state office contain limited information compared to the full court file.
Legal Framework:
Divorce proceedings in North Carolina are governed by N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 50, which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for absolute divorce and related family law matters. The North Carolina Public Records Law, codified at N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-1 et seq., establishes the presumption that court records are open to public inspection unless a specific statutory or court-ordered exception applies.
Are Pasquotank County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Pasquotank County Superior Court are public court records subject to the North Carolina Public Records Law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or interest.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of both parties
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents pursuant to court rules
- Bank account numbers and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed financial statements may have limited public access
- Tax returns submitted as exhibits may be sealed or restricted
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted
- Schools children attend are not disclosed in public records
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children may be sealed
- Guardian ad litem reports are restricted
- Child custody evaluations ordered by the court may be sealed
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records are restricted
- Personal addresses of domestic violence victims are protected
- Mediation communications are confidential and not part of the public record
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a divorce case file upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public. Parties to the case and their attorneys retain access to sealed materials.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents; redacted copies |
| Parties to the case | Full access to own case file |
| Attorneys of record | Full access; may petition for sealed records |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted records |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
Prohibited Uses:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a protective order issued by the court.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Pasquotank County?
The Pasquotank County Clerk of Superior Court charges fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records in accordance with the North Carolina fee schedule established under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7A-308.
Current Fee Schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of judgment or order | $3.00 per document |
| Plain (uncertified) copy | $0.25 per page |
| Certification seal | Included in certified copy fee |
| Search fee (when applicable) | Varies |
NC Vital Records Divorce Certificate Fees:
The NC Vital Records order a certificate page provides current fee information for state-issued divorce certificates. As stated by NC Vital Records, "Vital records are not free public records." Fees for state-issued divorce certificates are subject to change and are listed on the official ordering page.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person only)
- Check or money order payable to Pasquotank County Clerk of Superior Court
- Credit or debit card (availability subject to confirmation with the Clerk's office)
Free Access:
Members of the public may inspect public court records at the courthouse without charge. Viewing documents at public access terminals in the Clerk's office does not require payment. Fees apply only when copies or certified copies are requested.
Fee Waivers:
Indigent parties to a divorce proceeding may petition the court for a waiver of copy fees. Fee waiver requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Pasquotank County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Pasquotank County Clerk of Superior Court contains the following categories of documents.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number and court division
- Names of petitioner/plaintiff and respondent/defendant
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record and their contact information
- Filing date and case type
Initial Pleadings:
- Complaint for Absolute Divorce: Identifies both parties, states the date of marriage, confirms the one-year separation period required under North Carolina law, and requests dissolution of the marriage
- Summons: Official notice to the respondent of the pending action
- Answer or Response: Respondent's position, admissions, denials, and any counterclaims
- Financial Affidavits: Both parties' income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory listing real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investment and retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property
- Debt inventory covering mortgages, car loans, credit card balances, and other liabilities
- Appraisals and expert valuations for real property and business interests
- Equitable distribution affidavits and proposed distribution orders
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan or custody agreement specifying legal and physical custody, visitation schedules, holiday arrangements, and decision-making authority
- Child support calculation worksheets reflecting income, number of overnights, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses
- Child support order specifying amount, payment schedule, and modification provisions
- Custody evaluations, if ordered by the court (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Support Documents:
- Post-separation support and alimony orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income documentation submitted in support of support calculations
Settlement Documents:
- Separation agreement or marital settlement agreement resolving property division, support, and custody issues
- Mediation agreement, if the parties participated in mediation (mediation communications remain confidential)
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property
- Domestic violence protective orders, if issued
- Final judgment of absolute divorce
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement benefits
- Post-judgment modification orders
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all public copies)
- Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence evidence and victim address information
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Mediation communications
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Pasquotank County?
Proof of divorce in Pasquotank County may be obtained in the form of a certified copy of the final judgment of absolute divorce or a state-issued divorce certificate.
Certified Copy of Final Judgment (Court Record):
A certified copy of the final judgment of absolute divorce is the most comprehensive form of proof and is issued directly by the Pasquotank County Clerk of Superior Court.
Pasquotank County Clerk of Superior Court
206 E. Main Street
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Phone: (252) 331-4600
Pasquotank County Clerk of Superior Court
Steps to obtain a certified copy:
- Visit the Clerk's office in person during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
- Provide the full names of both parties and the approximate date of divorce or case number
- Request a certified copy of the final judgment of absolute divorce
- Pay the applicable fee of $3.00 per certified document plus $0.25 per page for copies
- Alternatively, submit a written request by mail with payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope
State Divorce Certificate:
A divorce certificate may be ordered from the NC Vital Records office for divorces registered in North Carolina. The divorce certificate provides official confirmation of the dissolution but contains less detail than the full court record. As noted on the NC Vital Records site, divorce certificates "may also be obtained from the Clerk of Court in the county where the divorce is filed."
NC DHHS Vital Records
1903 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1903
Phone: (919) 733-3526
NC Vital Records Home
Orders may be placed online, by mail, or in person at the Vital Records office. Current fees and ordering instructions are available on the order a certificate page.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Pasquotank County?
Divorce proceedings in Pasquotank County are presumptively public under the North Carolina Public Records Law; however, specific portions of a case file may be sealed or restricted under certain circumstances.
- Court-ordered sealing: A party may file a motion requesting that the court seal all or part of the case file. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children.
- Domestic violence cases: Addresses and identifying information of domestic violence victims are protected from public disclosure. Supporting evidence related to abuse allegations may be sealed upon motion.
- Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and medical or psychological records pertaining to minor children may be redacted from publicly accessible documents.
- Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers: These are redacted from all public copies as a matter of standard court practice.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Records of treatment submitted as evidence are restricted from general public access.
- Mediation communications: All communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not filed as part of the public record.
- Sealed settlements: Confidential settlement terms incorporated by reference but not set forth in the public judgment are not accessible to the general public.
Members of the public who seek access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.
How Long Does Pasquotank County Keep Divorce Records?
Pasquotank County divorce records are retained in accordance with the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources records retention schedules applicable to Superior Court civil case files.
- Permanent retention: Final judgments of absolute divorce, including the final decree and any incorporated separation agreements, are retained permanently as part of the official court record.
- Complete case files: The full case file, including all pleadings, motions, orders, and exhibits, is retained for a minimum period established by the state retention schedule. Superior Court civil case files are retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case, with permanent retention of the judgment.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically through the North Carolina Courts e-filing system are maintained in the statewide electronic case management system and are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records.
- Archived records: Older paper case files may be transferred to off-site storage or the North Carolina State Archives. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time and advance notice to the Clerk's office.
- Vital records: Divorce certificates registered with NC DHHS Vital Records are maintained permanently by the state as part of the official vital statistics registry.
- Post-judgment documents: Modification orders, contempt proceedings, and enforcement actions filed after the original judgment are retained as part of the ongoing case file for the same retention period applicable to the original case.
Members of the public seeking records from cases closed more than several years ago should contact the Clerk's office in advance to confirm availability and retrieval procedures.