Records of divorce in Lincoln County, North Carolina, are available through several channels. LincolnNCCourt.us allows quick access to public information about divorce records in this county. Additionally, court documents can be obtained directly from the office of the county court clerk that issued the decision, or through the North Carolina Vital Records. The state's judicial branch online tools also provide access to court case searches.
Lincoln Divorce Records Search
In Lincoln County, divorce records are maintained by two main institutions. The Lincoln County Clerk of Superior Court is the custodian of complete court cases — divorce decrees, property settlement agreements, child custody orders, and related documents. The NC Division of Vital Records maintains divorce certificates starting from 1958.
The collection of records includes:
- Divorce decrees/judgments
- Divorce certificates
- Property settlement agreements
- Custody and support orders
- Related motions and pleadings
Paper records can be viewed by visiting the Lincoln County Clerk of Court's office in person. Copies of case documents are provided for a set fee.
Lincoln County Clerk of Superior Court
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Lincoln
In North Carolina, divorce cases are handled by the District Court, which is part of the General Court of Justice system. Once a judge signs the final decree, it is filed with the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the case was filed. For Lincoln County, this means all court documents are stored in the courthouse in Lincolnton.
Separate from the court case is the divorce certificate — a brief document confirming the dissolution of marriage. It is maintained by NC Vital Records and is available for divorces finalized after 1958. The certificate can also be obtained from the county court clerk where the decree was issued.
Which office to choose depends on what you need:
- Complete court case (text of the decree, agreements, custody orders) — contact the Lincoln County court clerk.
- Divorce certificate (for proof of divorce, name change, remarriage) — contact NC Vital Records or the court clerk.
Lincoln County Clerk of Superior Court
NC Vital Records
To obtain copies of court records, you can also use the North Carolina judicial branch's online services through the eCourts portal, where searches by party name or case number are available.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Lincoln
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce certificate (NC Vital Records) | $24.00 | 3–6 weeks by mail |
| Divorce certificate (court clerk) | Depends on county; typically $10.00+ | During visit or within a few business days |
| Copies of court documents (uncertified) | $0.25 per page | During visit |
| Certified copy of court document | $3.00 for certification + copying cost | During visit or 5–10 business days by mail |