Divorce records in Sampson County, North Carolina, are available through several channels. SampsonCourt.us allows you to search publicly accessible information about divorce records in the county. Additionally, court documents are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court, and divorce certificates are issued by the North Carolina Vital Records (NC Vital Records). Requests can also be made in person, by mail, or through the state's online court system portals.
Sampson Divorce Records Search
In Sampson County, divorce records are maintained by two main institutions. The Clerk of Superior Court's office handles court cases — divorce judgments, property settlement agreements, child custody rulings, and related procedural documents. The NC Vital Records office maintains a separate register of divorce certificates starting from 1958.
The collection of court records includes:
- Divorce decrees/judgments
- Property settlement agreements
- Child custody and support rulings
- Petitions, motions, and other procedural documents
To search for cases, you can use the North Carolina court system portal, which allows searches by party name or case number. Paper case materials are available directly at the court clerk's office.
Sampson County Clerk of Superior Court
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Sampson
In North Carolina, divorce cases are handled by the District Court Division of the county court. After a judge's decision, all documents remain on file with the Sampson County Clerk of Superior Court. At the same time, divorce information is forwarded to NC Vital Records, where a separate certificate is created.
Which institution to choose depends on the purpose of the request:
- Need the complete court case (text of the decision, terms of the agreement, custody rulings) — contact the Clerk of Superior Court's office.
- Need a divorce certificate (to confirm the fact of divorce, name change, remarriage) — order from NC Vital Records or the same county office where the lawsuit was filed.
The court clerk's office also issues certified copies of divorce judgments. To obtain court records, you usually need to provide the full name of at least one party and the approximate date of the divorce.
NC Vital Records
Divorce certificates issued after 1958 can be ordered by mail or online through the NC Vital Records portal. For divorces prior to 1958, you will need to contact the court clerk's office of the respective county directly.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Sampson
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce Certificate (NC Vital Records) | $24.00 | 3–4 weeks (by mail) |
| Certified Copy of Court Judgment (Clerk of Superior Court) | $0.25 per page + $3.00 for certification | Usually 1–5 business days |
| Regular (Uncertified) Copy of Court Document | $0.25 per page | Same day or 1–3 business days |