Records of divorce in Johnston County, North Carolina, are available through several channels. JohnstonCourt.us allows quick access to public information regarding divorce records in this county. Additionally, court records are maintained at the Clerk of Superior Court's office at the Johnston County Courthouse, and divorce certificates can be obtained through NC Vital Records. The Register of Deeds office in the county also handles requests for civil status records.
Johnston Divorce Records Search
In Johnston County, the Clerk of Superior Court is responsible for maintaining divorce case records. This office keeps complete case files—from the initial complaint to the final judgment of divorce. The collection includes:
- Divorce decrees/judgments
- Settlement agreements
- Custody orders
- Related procedural documents
Separate from court cases, there are divorce certificates issued by the North Carolina Vital Records Division. These certificates confirm the fact of divorce but do not contain details of the court proceedings.
Paper court cases can be viewed directly at the clerk's office. Through the eCourts (Odyssey) system, used by all counties in the state, basic case information is available online.
Johnston County Clerk of Superior Court
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Johnston
In North Carolina, divorce cases are handled by the District Court, which is a division of the state's general court system. After a judge issues a decision, the final document (judgment) remains in the case file, which is stored at the Clerk of Superior Court's office in Johnston County. This office is the primary location for obtaining copies of court documents.
Meanwhile, NC Vital Records receives notifications of each divorce and maintains certificates (divorce certificates) starting from 1958. Which office to choose depends on the need:
- Need a full copy of the court decision, property agreement, or custody order — contact the Clerk of Superior Court in Johnston County.
- Need a certificate confirming the fact of divorce — order through NC Vital Records or through the court clerk in the county where the complaint was filed.
Below are the contact details for both institutions.
Johnston County Clerk of Superior Court
North Carolina Vital Records
For preparing documents to file a divorce complaint, the state court system offers a free online tool — North Carolina Divorce Packet. To obtain copies of existing court records, you can visit the clerk's office in person or send a written request.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Johnston
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce Certificate (NC Vital Records) | $24.00 | 3–4 weeks (by mail) |
| Expedited Certificate Processing (NC Vital Records) | $24.00 + additional delivery fee | Depends on delivery method |
| Notarized Copy of Court Judgment (Clerk of Superior Court) | $0.25 per page + $3.00 for notarization | During visit or within a few business days |
| Regular Copy of Court Document (Clerk of Superior Court) | $0.25 per page | During visit |