Divorce records in Union County, North Carolina, are available through several channels. UnionNCCourt.us allows quick access to publicly available information about divorce records. Additionally, you can contact the court that issued the decision, the Clerk of Superior Court in Union County, or the North Carolina Vital Records Office. Each of these institutions maintains different types of documents, so the choice depends on the specific document you need.
Union Divorce Records Search
In Union County, the Clerk of Superior Court is responsible for maintaining court materials in divorce cases. This office is the primary custodian of complete court cases—from the complaint to the final divorce judgment.
The collection of records includes:
- Divorce decrees/judgments
- Settlement agreements
- Custody and support orders
- Related motions and court orders
Separate from court materials, NC Vital Records at the Department of Health and Human Services maintains divorce certificates—short documents that confirm the fact of divorce but do not contain details of property agreements or custody decisions. To search for court records, use the North Carolina court system portal or contact the court clerk in person.
Union County Clerk of Superior Court
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Union
In North Carolina, divorce cases are handled by the District Court, which is a division of the General Court of Justice. Once a judge signs the final judgment, the document is filed with the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the case was initiated. For Union County, this means filing with the Clerk of Superior Court in Monroe.
At the same time, the court sends a notice of divorce to NC Vital Records, where a certificate is created based on it. These are two different documents, and it's important to understand the distinction.
What You Need — and Where to Go
- Complete court case (judgments, agreements, custody orders) — contact the Union County court clerk. Paper materials can be viewed directly at the court.
- Divorce certificate (confirmation of divorce for official purposes) — order through NC Vital Records or through the court clerk in the county where the complaint was filed.
NC Vital Records
Union County Clerk of Superior Court
If you're unsure which document you need, call the court clerk—they can assist you. For local forms and rules of Union County, there is a separate page on the state court system's website.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Union
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (Clerk of Superior Court) | $0.25 per page | During visit or 5–10 business days by mail |
| Certified copy of court document (Clerk of Superior Court) | $3.00 for certification + $0.25 per page | During visit or 5–10 business days by mail |
| Divorce certificate (NC Vital Records) | $24.00 | Approximately 4–6 weeks by mail |
| Divorce certificate — expedited processing (NC Vital Records) | $24.00 + additional delivery fee | Approximately 1–3 weeks |