Franklin County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Franklin County in 2026
FranklinNCRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Franklin County, North Carolina. Members of the public may locate divorce decrees, case filings, final judgments, and related court documents through official county and state resources. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final divorce decrees, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and spousal support determinations.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by the North Carolina court system and state agencies.
Multiple Search Methods:
Online Searches:
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The North Carolina Courts system provides an online case search portal through the North Carolina Judicial Branch, which allows members of the public to search civil and family court cases by party name or case number. Basic case information is available at no charge; certified copies of documents require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The eCourts Portal maintained by the North Carolina Judicial Branch consolidates case information across jurisdictions, enabling searches of family law matters filed in Franklin County Superior Court and District Court.
3. State Vital Records
North Carolina registers divorce certificates through the NC Vital Records office, which maintains records of divorces granted in the state. Divorce certificates issued by NC Vital Records reflect the fact of dissolution but contain less detail than full court case files. Fees apply to all certificate requests.
In-Person Searches:
Clerk of Court — Franklin County:
Franklin County Clerk of Superior Court
113 S. Main Street
Louisburg, NC 27549
Phone: (919) 496-3300
Franklin County Courts
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of divorce decrees and orders
- Staff assistance with locating archived records
Records Department:
The Clerk of Court maintains both active and archived divorce case files. Historical records predating electronic filing may be stored in physical form and require additional retrieval time. Certified copy requests for archived cases are accepted at the clerk's office counter.
By Mail:
Written Request:
- Mail to: Franklin County Clerk of Superior Court, 113 S. Main Street, Louisburg, NC 27549
- Include the following with each request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and mailing address
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately 1–2 weeks, subject to volume and record availability.
By Phone:
Limited Information:
- Clerk of Court: (919) 496-3300
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted case information
Through Attorneys:
Members of the public who require access to sealed documents or complex case files may engage licensed legal counsel. An attorney admitted to practice in North Carolina may access court records on behalf of a client, file motions to unseal restricted materials, and obtain documents through professional channels. The North Carolina State Bar Lawyer Referral Service connects individuals with qualified family law attorneys.
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 year
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior residential addresses in Franklin County
- Names of minor children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County:
Divorce proceedings in North Carolina are filed in the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public searching for a divorce record must identify the correct county of filing, as records are not cross-indexed statewide at the clerk level. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50-8, at least one party must have been a resident of North Carolina for a minimum of six months prior to filing.
Time Considerations:
- Recent divorces: Newly finalized cases may require several business days to appear in the online case search system following entry of the final judgment.
- Older divorces: Cases filed prior to electronic court filing may exist only in paper form and require additional retrieval time. Records predating the 1990s may be archived off-site.
What If You Cannot Find a Record:
-
Common issues:
- Incorrect county of filing
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling discrepancies in the index
- 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 of Court at (919) 496-3300
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check NC Vital Records divorce certificates
- Engage a licensed attorney or professional records search service
What Are Franklin County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Franklin County are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Franklin County District Court or Superior Court. These records are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court as part of the permanent family law case file and constitute public records subject to the provisions of the North Carolina Public Records Law, N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-1.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files:
- Petition for absolute divorce or divorce from bed and board
- Summons and proof of service
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, orders, and hearing notices
- Transcripts of court proceedings (where prepared)
- Final judgment of absolute divorce
Final Decree:
The final judgment of absolute divorce is the controlling legal document establishing the dissolution of the marriage. It serves as official proof of divorced status and sets forth:
- The date the marriage was legally dissolved
- Division of marital property and debt
- Alimony or post-separation support orders, if any
- Child custody and visitation arrangements, if applicable
- Child support obligations, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Clerk of Superior Court upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents:
- Original marriage certificate submitted as an exhibit
- Financial disclosure statements
- Real and personal property inventories
- Post-judgment modification orders
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement account division
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Divorce records serve a range of legal and personal purposes, including:
- Establishing proof of marital status for remarriage
- Supporting name change documentation
- Facilitating property transfers and title changes
- Providing evidence in estate planning and probate proceedings
- Supporting immigration applications and Social Security benefit claims
- Enabling genealogical and family history research
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
Clerk of Court:
The Franklin County Clerk of Superior Court is the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The clerk's office indexes records by the names of both parties, maintains certified copies, and provides public access in accordance with state law.
State Vital Records Office:
The NC Vital Records office maintains divorce certificates for dissolutions granted in North Carolina. As noted on the NC Vital Records website, "Vital records are not free public records," and fees apply to all certificate orders. Divorce certificates from NC Vital Records reflect summary information and do not substitute for certified court records.
Are Franklin County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Franklin County are public court records under North Carolina law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or interest. Access is governed by the North Carolina Public Records Law and the rules of the North Carolina court system.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of both parties to the proceeding
- Names of attorneys of record
- Scheduled and completed hearing dates
- Court orders and judgments, including the final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents pursuant to court rules
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be filed under seal or with restricted access
- Certain income and asset disclosures may carry limited access designations
Children's Information:
- Residential addresses of minor children may be withheld
- School enrollment information is protected
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children are restricted
- Guardian ad litem reports and custody evaluation reports may be sealed by court order
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed to protect victim safety
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records are restricted under applicable state and federal law
- Personal addresses of domestic violence victims are protected
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 in their own proceedings.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor Category | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents and docket entries |
| Parties to the case | Full access to own case file |
| Licensed attorneys | Case files; sealed records by motion |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; sealed records by court order |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access as provided by law |
Restrictions on Use:
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. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background verification, genealogical research, news reporting, and academic study.
Obtaining Confidential Records:
A party seeking access to sealed or restricted materials must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children involved.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Franklin County?
The Franklin County Clerk of Superior Court charges fees for copies and certified copies of divorce records in accordance with the schedule established under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7A-308. Current fees are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce decree (first page) | $3.00 |
| Each additional page of certified copy | $0.25 |
| Uncertified photocopy (per page) | $0.25 |
| Search fee (when no record found) | $3.00 |
| Exemplified/authenticated copy | $10.00 |
- Inspection of records: Members of the public may inspect public divorce case files at the clerk's office at no charge during regular business hours.
- Electronic copies: Where electronic copies are available through the court's online portal, basic case information is accessible without charge; document downloads may require payment.
- Accepted payment methods: The clerk's office accepts cash, money orders, and checks made payable to the Clerk of Superior Court. Credit card acceptance varies; members of the public should confirm current payment options directly with the office.
- Fee waivers: No general fee waiver provision applies to copy requests from members of the public. Parties who have been granted in forma pauperis status in their own case may be entitled to copies without charge in connection with that proceeding.
- NC Vital Records divorce certificates: The NC Vital Records office charges a separate fee for divorce certificates issued at the state level. Current fee schedules are posted on the NC Vital Records website.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Franklin County
A complete Franklin County divorce case file contains all documents filed with the Clerk of Superior Court from the initiation of proceedings through final judgment and any post-judgment actions. The scope of the file varies depending on whether the case was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.
Basic Case Information:
- Case caption identifying the court, division, case number, and names of petitioner and respondent
- Name of the assigned judge
- Names and contact information of attorneys of record
- Filing date, case type, and jurisdictional basis
Initial Pleadings:
- Complaint for absolute divorce, including marriage date and location, date of separation, grounds for divorce, and relief requested
- Summons and proof of service upon the respondent
- Answer or response filed by the respondent, including any counterclaims
Financial Affidavits: Both parties are required to submit financial affidavits disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets (real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, retirement accounts, and personal property), and liabilities (mortgages, loans, and credit obligations).
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with descriptions and estimated values
- Debt inventory identifying all marital obligations
- Real property appraisals and business valuations, where applicable
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders directing division of retirement plan benefits
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedules, holiday arrangements, and decision-making authority
- Child support calculation worksheet reflecting income of both parties, number of overnights, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses
- Child support order specifying amount, payment schedule, and modification provisions
- Custody evaluation reports and guardian ad litem reports, which may be sealed
Support Documents:
- Alimony or post-separation support orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income and expense analysis supporting support determinations
Settlement Documents:
- Marital Settlement Agreement resolving all contested issues, including property division, debt allocation, support, and child-related matters
- Mediation agreement, if the case was resolved through mediation (mediation communications are confidential, but the resulting agreement may be filed)
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders addressing custody, support, and use of property during the pendency of the case
- Final Judgment of Absolute Divorce, which is the court's controlling order dissolving the marriage, dividing property, establishing support, and addressing all remaining issues
- Post-judgment modification orders, contempt orders, and enforcement actions, if applicable
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted as a matter of course)
- Residential addresses and school information for minor children
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence (may be sealed)
- Mental health evaluations and substance abuse records
- Mediation communications
How Information Is Organized:
Documents in a Franklin County divorce case file are maintained in chronological order of filing. Each document is assigned a filing date and appears in the case docket. Recent cases are maintained electronically through the court's case management system; older cases may exist in paper form or as scanned images.
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Franklin County?
Proof of divorce in Franklin County is obtained through two primary channels: a certified copy of the final judgment from the Clerk of Superior Court, or a divorce certificate issued by the NC Vital Records office.
Certified Copy from the Clerk of Court:
A certified copy of the Final Judgment of Absolute Divorce is the most comprehensive and legally recognized form of proof. Members of the public may obtain a certified copy by:
- Appearing in person at the Franklin County Clerk of Superior Court, 113 S. Main Street, Louisburg, NC 27549, during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
- Submitting a written request by mail to the same address, including the names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, the case number if known, and payment of applicable fees
- Requesting copies through the North Carolina Judicial Branch eCourts system where electronic filing and retrieval are available
Divorce Certificate from NC Vital Records:
As noted on the NC Vital Records divorce page, "Divorce certificates may also be obtained from the Clerk of Court in the county where the divorce is filed." The state-level certificate provides summary information suitable for many administrative purposes, including remarriage applications and name change proceedings. Orders may be placed through the NC Vital Records website.
Franklin County Register of Deeds:
The Franklin County Register of Deeds maintains vital records including birth, death, and marriage certificates, but does not maintain divorce records. Divorce records remain with the Clerk of Superior Court.
Franklin County Register of Deeds
113 S. Main Street
Louisburg, NC 27549
Phone: (919) 496-5994
Register of Deeds
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Franklin County?
Divorce proceedings in Franklin County are presumptively public, but North Carolina law and court rules permit the sealing of specific records or entire case files under defined circumstances.
- Grounds for sealing: A party must file a motion demonstrating that a compelling interest — such as protection of a domestic violence victim, safeguarding of minor children, or preservation of trade secrets — outweighs the public interest in open court records.
- Domestic violence cases: Addresses and identifying information of domestic violence victims may be withheld from public court records pursuant to state protective provisions.
- Children's information: Courts routinely restrict public access to documents containing the residential addresses, school information, and medical or psychological records of minor children.
- Mediation records: Communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential by statute and are not part of the public case file.
- Sealed financial records: Tax returns and detailed financial statements may be filed under seal upon motion and court approval.
- High-profile cases: Courts retain discretion to seal records in cases where public disclosure would cause substantial harm disproportionate to the public interest in access.
- Legal basis: The authority to seal court records derives from the court's inherent power and applicable provisions of North Carolina court rules governing access to court records.
Members of the public who believe a case has been improperly sealed may petition the court for access, and the court will apply a balancing test to determine whether disclosure is warranted.
How Long Does Franklin County Keep Divorce Records?
Franklin County divorce records are subject to the retention schedules established by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources for court records maintained by clerks of superior court.
- Final judgments and decrees: Permanent retention. Final judgments of absolute divorce are maintained indefinitely as part of the permanent court record.
- Complete case files: Divorce case files, including all pleadings, orders, and supporting documents, are retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case under standard court records retention schedules, with permanent retention of the final judgment.
- Electronic records: Cases filed through the eCourts system are maintained in the court's electronic case management system and are accessible through the North Carolina Judicial Branch online portal.
- Paper and archived records: Cases predating electronic filing are maintained in paper form or as scanned images. Very old records may be transferred to the North Carolina State Archives.
- Post-judgment modifications: Orders modifying custody, support, or other provisions are added to the original case file and are subject to the same retention schedule as the underlying case.
- Destruction: No divorce case file containing a final judgment may be destroyed, as final judgments constitute permanent court records under North Carolina records management policy.
Members of the public seeking records from cases filed many decades ago may contact the Clerk of Superior Court to determine whether the file remains at the courthouse or has been transferred to off-site storage or the State Archives.