Concord Divorce Decree Records
Concord divorce decree records are maintained by the Cabarrus County Clerk of Superior Court. Concord is the county seat of Cabarrus County and the largest city in the area. All divorce cases for Concord residents go through the Cabarrus County courthouse. You can search for a Concord divorce decree in person at the clerk's office or start your search online through the NC eCourts system. This page explains how to find and obtain divorce decree records for Concord residents.
Concord Divorce Decree Filing Office
Concord residents file for divorce at the Cabarrus County Clerk of Superior Court. The courthouse is in downtown Concord. This is where you file new cases and get copies of existing divorce decree records.
| Court | Cabarrus County Clerk of Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 77 Union Street South Concord, NC 28025 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
The Cabarrus County government website has details about all county offices serving Concord. The courthouse handles divorce filings for every town in the county.
Call the clerk's office before your visit to ask about current fees and required documents for your Concord divorce decree request.
Search Concord Divorce Records Online
The NC eCourts portal covers Cabarrus County. You can search by party name or case number. The system is free. It shows basic case details like party names, filing dates, and case status. For copies of the full divorce decree, contact the Cabarrus County clerk or go to the courthouse in Concord.
To search for a Concord divorce decree, you need:
- Full name of one or both spouses
- Year the divorce was filed
- Case number if available
In-person searches at the Concord courthouse let you review the full case file. Staff can make copies. Certified copies cost more than plain ones. The clerk can search by name if you do not have the case number. Older records may take more time to locate in the Cabarrus County system.
Note: The eCourts portal shows case details but may not have the full divorce decree documents available for download.
Concord Divorce Decree Documents
A divorce decree is the complete court order. A judge signs it. The decree ends the marriage and may address property, custody, and support. This is the main document most people need from Concord. Certified copies are often required for legal matters.
A divorce certificate is a different document from the NC Vital Records office. It only confirms that a divorce happened. It does not contain settlement terms. The vital records office has certificates from 1958 to the present. The cost is $24. For Concord divorces, you may need the full decree or just a certificate depending on your purpose. The Cabarrus County Register of Deeds handles marriage records. Divorce decree records are kept by the Clerk of Superior Court, not the Register of Deeds.
Divorce Decree Filing in Concord
Concord residents follow North Carolina law when filing for divorce. Under G.S. 50-6, spouses must live separate and apart for at least one year before filing for absolute divorce. At least one spouse must intend the separation to be permanent. North Carolina only allows no-fault divorce.
Under G.S. 50-8, at least one spouse must be a North Carolina resident for six months before filing. If you live in Concord, you file at the Cabarrus County courthouse. The filing fee is $225 for a standard divorce complaint. You must serve the other spouse with the papers after filing. Service can be done through the Cabarrus County Sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail with return receipt requested.
North Carolina uses equitable distribution for marital property under G.S. 50-20. The judge divides assets fairly based on several factors including length of marriage and each spouse's income. Alimony may be ordered under G.S. 50-16.3A if one spouse is dependent on the other for support. Claims for property division and alimony must be filed before the divorce decree is entered in Concord, or those claims are waived permanently under North Carolina law.
Note: The final divorce decree becomes a public record under G.S. Chapter 132 once entered by the Cabarrus County court.
Public Access to Concord Divorce Decree
Divorce decree records are public in North Carolina. Under G.S. Chapter 132, anyone can request to view court records at the Cabarrus County courthouse in Concord. You do not have to be a party in the case. Some personal details may be redacted from public copies. These include Social Security numbers and financial account numbers. Information about minor children may also be limited in the public file.
A party can ask the court to seal a divorce decree. The judge must find good cause for sealing. Sealed records are uncommon in Concord. Most divorce decree files are available to the public during regular courthouse hours. You can request copies in person or by mail from the Cabarrus County Clerk of Superior Court.
Legal Help for Divorce in Concord
Legal Aid of North Carolina serves Concord and Cabarrus County. They provide free legal help to qualifying residents. Call (866) 219-5262. The NC State Bar runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-662-7660 to connect you with a family law attorney near Concord.
The NC Judicial Branch has free court forms and step-by-step guides. The Guide and File service helps users prepare documents for absolute divorce at no cost. The Cabarrus County courthouse staff in Concord can assist with form selection and filing steps but cannot provide legal advice about your divorce decree case.
For a divorce certificate instead of the full decree, mail your request to the NC Vital Records Section at 1903 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1903. Include names of both spouses, date of divorce, county, and $24 payment.
Cabarrus County Divorce Decree Records
Concord is the county seat of Cabarrus County. All divorce filings go through the Cabarrus County Clerk of Superior Court at the courthouse in Concord. For the full county page with additional resources and details, visit the Cabarrus County divorce decree records page.