New Hanover County Court Records
What Is New Hanover County Court Records
Court records in New Hanover County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records are maintained as part of the North Carolina Judicial Branch operations and serve as the official documentation of court activities and decisions.
Court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
- Docket sheets listing all actions taken in a case
- Judgments and orders issued by judges
- Transcripts of hearings and trials
- Exhibits entered into evidence
- Sentencing information in criminal cases
- Marriage and divorce records
- Probate and estate documentation
These records differ from other public records such as property deeds, birth certificates, and tax records, which are typically maintained by county administrative offices rather than the court system. Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 7A-109, court records are maintained by the clerk of superior court in each county.
In New Hanover County, court records are generated and maintained by several courts:
- New Hanover County Superior Court
- New Hanover County District Court
- Small Claims Court
- Family Court
- Probate Court (handled by the Clerk of Superior Court)
These courts handle various types of cases including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family matters, probate issues, and traffic violations, all generating official court records.
Are Court Records Public In New Hanover County
Court records in New Hanover County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with North Carolina's public records laws and the state constitution's provision for open courts. Under North Carolina General Statute § 132-1, public records include "all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, films, sound recordings, magnetic or other tapes, electronic data-processing records, artifacts, or other documentary material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance in connection with the transaction of public business by any agency of North Carolina government or its subdivisions."
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Civil case files (with certain exceptions)
- Criminal case files after formal charges have been filed
- Judgments and court orders
- Docket sheets and case indices
- Court calendars and hearing schedules
However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by court order or statute, including:
- Juvenile records (protected under N.C.G.S. § 7B-3000)
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitment records
- Certain domestic violence records
- Records sealed by judicial order
- Pre-sentence investigation reports
- Grand jury proceedings
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina (which includes New Hanover County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state law.
The North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts provides guidance on public access to court records and has established policies to balance transparency with privacy concerns.
How To Find Court Records in New Hanover County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in New Hanover County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county offers both in-person and online options for record retrieval.
For in-person requests:
- Visit the New Hanover County Clerk of Superior Court's office located at the county courthouse:
New Hanover County Courthouse
316 Princess Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 772-6600
New Hanover County Courthouse
- Complete a records request form, available at the clerk's office
- Provide case information such as:
- Case number (if known)
- Names of parties involved
- Approximate date of filing or case disposition
- Pay applicable copy fees (currently $0.25 per page for standard copies)
- For certified copies, additional fees apply (currently $3.00 per document)
For records not immediately available, the clerk's office may require additional time to retrieve archived materials. Some older records may be stored off-site or on microfilm, potentially extending retrieval time.
Certain specialized records require specific procedures:
- For criminal background checks, contact the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office or use the North Carolina Department of Public Safety's offender search
- For traffic citations, contact the New Hanover County District Court or check online through the North Carolina Court System's citation lookup
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7A-308, fees for court records are established by statute and subject to change.
How To Look Up Court Records in New Hanover County Online?
New Hanover County residents and interested parties may access various court records through several online portals maintained by the North Carolina Judicial Branch. These digital resources provide convenient access to case information without requiring a visit to the courthouse.
The primary online resources include:
-
North Carolina Judicial Branch Public Records Search
- Access at www.nccourts.gov
- Search for civil, criminal, and traffic cases
- View basic case information including:
- Party names
- Case type
- Filing date
- Case status
- Scheduled court dates
- Search by name, case number, or citation number
-
Criminal Court Information System (CCIS)
- Provides criminal case information
- Includes pending cases and disposition information
- Searchable by defendant name or case number
-
North Carolina Business Court
- For complex business litigation cases
- Requires registration for full document access
-
North Carolina Offender Public Information
- Maintained by the Department of Public Safety
- Provides information on current inmates and offenders under supervision
- Available through the NC Department of Adult Correction
To conduct an online search:
- Select the appropriate portal based on the type of case
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
- Review search results to identify the relevant case
- Access available case details and documents
- Note that complete case files may not be available online and might require an in-person visit
While basic case information is typically available online, many documents within case files must still be obtained in person from the New Hanover County Clerk of Court's office. Additionally, certain confidential or sealed records will not appear in online searches.
How To Search New Hanover County Court Records for Free?
New Hanover County provides several options for members of the public to access court records without charge, in accordance with North Carolina's commitment to open courts and transparent government operations.
Free public inspection options include:
-
In-Person Viewing at the Courthouse
- Visit the New Hanover County Clerk of Superior Court's office
- Request to view specific case files
- No fee is charged for viewing records on-site
- Public access terminals are available for searching case indices
- Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
-
North Carolina Judicial Branch Website
- The North Carolina Court System's online portal provides free access to basic case information
- Search by name or case number
- View case status, upcoming court dates, and party information
- No registration or fees required for basic searches
-
Public Library Access
- The New Hanover County Public Library offers free internet access
- Patrons can use library computers to access the NC Courts online portal
- Library staff may provide assistance with navigating the system
While viewing records is free, pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7A-308(a)(12), fees apply for copies of documents:
- Standard copies: $0.25 per page
- Certified copies: $3.00 per document plus copy fees
For individuals with limited financial resources, fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances through filing an affidavit of indigency with the court.
The right to free inspection of court records is guaranteed under North Carolina law, specifically N.C.G.S. § 132-6(a), which states: "Every custodian of public records shall permit any record in the custodian's custody to be inspected and examined at reasonable times and under reasonable supervision by any person, and shall, as promptly as possible, furnish copies thereof upon payment of any fees as may be prescribed by law."
What's Included in a New Hanover County Court Record?
Court records in New Hanover County contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying based on case type and court jurisdiction. These records serve as the official account of court actions and decisions.
For civil cases, court records typically include:
- Complaint or petition initiating the lawsuit
- Summons and proof of service
- Defendant's answer or response
- Motions filed by either party
- Court orders and rulings on motions
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Trial transcripts (if created)
- Final judgment or dismissal order
- Post-judgment motions and orders
- Appeal documentation (if applicable)
For criminal cases, records generally contain:
- Criminal complaint or indictment
- Arrest warrant or citation
- Bond/bail information
- Defendant's plea
- Pre-trial motions and orders
- Discovery materials (limited)
- Trial exhibits and transcripts
- Verdict or plea agreement
- Sentencing information
- Probation terms
- Appeal documents
Family court records may include:
- Divorce petitions and decrees
- Child custody and support orders
- Domestic violence protective orders
- Adoption proceedings (often sealed)
- Name change petitions
- Paternity determinations
Probate court records contain:
- Wills and codicils
- Petitions for probate
- Inventories of estate assets
- Claims against estates
- Executor/administrator appointments
- Final accountings
- Estate distribution orders
Each court record also includes a docket sheet or case summary that chronologically lists all actions taken in the case, providing a roadmap of the proceedings. This document typically shows filing dates, hearing schedules, and a brief description of each document filed.
The North Carolina Judicial Branch maintains these records according to standardized procedures established by the Administrative Office of the Courts.
How Long Does New Hanover County Keep Court Records?
New Hanover County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts. These schedules vary by record type and are designed to balance historical preservation with practical storage limitations.
Criminal case records retention periods:
- Felony cases: Permanently maintained
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Traffic cases: 3 years after final disposition
- Infractions: 3 years after final disposition
Civil case records retention periods:
- General civil cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Small claims: 5 years after final disposition
- Special proceedings: Varies by type, generally 10 years
- Domestic/family cases: Permanently maintained
- Juvenile cases: Until child reaches age 18, then sealed or destroyed pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 7B-3000
Probate records:
- Wills: Permanently maintained
- Estate administration: Permanently maintained
- Guardianship: Permanently maintained
Court administrative records:
- Court calendars: 2 years
- Judge's notes: Not considered official records, destroyed at judge's discretion
- Jury records: 2 years after jury service
The retention of court records is governed by the Records Retention and Disposition Schedule established by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources in conjunction with the Administrative Office of the Courts.
After the retention period expires, records may be:
- Transferred to the State Archives for permanent preservation (for historically significant cases)
- Destroyed according to approved procedures
- Microfilmed or digitized with the physical copies then destroyed
Certain records of historical or precedential value may be retained beyond the standard schedule. Additionally, the clerk of court may petition for extended retention of specific case files deemed to have special significance.
Types of Courts In New Hanover County
New Hanover County's court system operates as part of North Carolina's unified judicial system, with several courts handling different types of cases according to jurisdiction and subject matter.
New Hanover County Superior Court
316 Princess Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 772-6600
New Hanover County Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
New Hanover County District Court
316 Princess Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 772-6600
New Hanover County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
New Hanover County Small Claims Court
(Operated within District Court)
316 Princess Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 772-6600
New Hanover County Small Claims Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
New Hanover County Clerk of Superior Court
(Handles probate matters and special proceedings)
316 Princess Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 772-6600
New Hanover County Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
The North Carolina court system follows a hierarchical structure:
- District Courts - Lower-level trial courts handling misdemeanors, traffic cases, juvenile matters, family law, and civil cases under $25,000
- Superior Courts - Higher-level trial courts handling felonies, civil cases over $25,000, and appeals from District Court
- North Carolina Court of Appeals - Intermediate appellate court reviewing trial court decisions
- North Carolina Supreme Court - Highest state court, final authority on state law questions
New Hanover County is part of North Carolina's 5th Judicial District, which also includes Pender County. The district operates under the administrative oversight of the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts.
What Types of Cases Do New Hanover County Courts Hear?
New Hanover County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters, with jurisdiction divided among different courts based on case type, monetary value, and severity of charges. Each court within the county's judicial system handles specific categories of cases as prescribed by North Carolina law.
The Superior Court handles:
- Felony criminal cases from first appearance through trial
- Civil cases involving amounts exceeding $25,000
- Appeals from District Court decisions
- Property disputes and real estate matters
- Complex business litigation
- Administrative agency appeals
- Constitutional challenges to state laws
The District Court presides over:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Preliminary hearings for felony cases
- Civil cases involving amounts up to $25,000
- Domestic relations cases (divorce, custody, support)
- Juvenile proceedings
- Involuntary commitment hearings
- Traffic violations
- Protective orders in domestic violence cases
Small Claims Court (a division of District Court) handles:
- Civil disputes involving amounts up to $10,000
- Landlord-tenant disputes and summary ejectment proceedings
- Recovery of personal property
- Motor vehicle property damage claims
The Clerk of Superior Court has jurisdiction over:
- Probate of wills
- Estate administration
- Guardianship proceedings
- Foreclosures
- Adoptions
- Name changes
- Incompetency proceedings
Specialized court programs in New Hanover County include:
- Drug Treatment Court
- Family Court
- Veterans Treatment Court
- Mental Health Court
The jurisdiction of these courts is established by the North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 7A, which defines the structure and authority of the state's unified court system. Cases may move between courts based on appeals, transfers, or consolidation of related matters.
How To Find a Court Docket In New Hanover County
Court dockets in New Hanover County provide a chronological listing of scheduled court proceedings, including hearings, trials, and other judicial events. These schedules are accessible through multiple channels to facilitate public access to court proceedings.
To access court dockets:
-
Online Access
- Visit the North Carolina Court System website
- Select "Court Calendars" or "Court Dates" from the main menu
- Choose New Hanover County from the county selection menu
- Select the court type (District, Superior, etc.)
- View calendars by date, judge, or courtroom
- Search for specific cases by party name or case number
-
In-Person at the Courthouse
- Visit the New Hanover County Courthouse at 316 Princess Street, Wilmington
- Proceed to the appropriate clerk's office based on case type
- Request to view the current court calendar
- Public terminals may be available for electronic docket searches
- Printed dockets are typically posted outside each courtroom
-
Telephone Inquiry
- Contact the Clerk of Court's office at (910) 772-6600
- Provide case information for docket verification
- Automated systems may provide basic court date information
-
Case-Specific Notifications
- Parties to a case receive direct notification of hearing dates
- Attorneys can access docket information through specialized portals
- Witnesses under subpoena receive formal notice of required appearances
Court dockets typically include:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Hearing type or purpose
- Assigned judge
- Courtroom location
- Scheduled time
- Attorney information (when applicable)
Dockets are generally published one to two weeks in advance but remain subject to change. The North Carolina Judicial Branch recommends verifying court dates shortly before scheduled appearances, as continuances and schedule adjustments are common.
For specialized proceedings such as grand jury sessions or juvenile hearings, docket information may be restricted or unavailable to the general public due to confidentiality requirements.
Which Courts in New Hanover County Are Not Courts of Record?
In New Hanover County, certain judicial forums operate as "courts not of record," meaning proceedings are not transcribed verbatim and comprehensive official records of the proceedings are not maintained. These courts typically handle minor matters with simplified procedures.
Small Claims Court represents the primary court not of record in New Hanover County. This court, while operating under the supervision of the District Court, functions with distinct procedural characteristics:
- Proceedings are not recorded by a court reporter
- No verbatim transcript is created
- Magistrates (rather than judges) typically preside
- Rules of evidence are applied less formally
- Parties often represent themselves without attorneys
- Hearings are designed to be brief and straightforward
- Decisions can be appealed to District Court for a new trial "de novo" (starting fresh)
Small Claims Court handles civil disputes involving amounts up to $10,000, including:
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Minor contract disagreements
- Property damage claims
- Consumer issues
- Collection of small debts
The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is established in N.C.G.S. § 7A-190, which designates District Courts as courts of record while allowing Small Claims Court to operate under different procedural rules.
When a case is appealed from Small Claims Court to District Court, it receives a completely new hearing with formal rules of evidence and procedure, and becomes part of the court record system. This "two-tier" approach allows for efficient resolution of minor disputes while preserving the right to a more formal proceeding if a party is dissatisfied with the initial outcome.
Administrative hearings conducted by county agencies (such as tax appeals or zoning boards) also operate as forums not of record, though these are not technically part of the judicial branch.
Lookup Court Records in New Hanover County
New Hanover County Court Information
New Hanover County Courthouse Contact Information
Obtaining Official Court Records Guide
North Carolina Offender Information Search