The Durham County Clerk of Court is the official custodian of court records, legal filings, and case services in Durham, North Carolina. From criminal and civil matters to probate, traffic, and family cases, the Clerk of Court Durham NC ensures that records remain accurate, accessible, and legally recognized. Whether you are an attorney, a business, or a resident needing certified copies, public case lookup, or estate filings, this office is your primary source for reliable information and official documentation.
Public access to justice depends heavily on the Clerk of Superior Court Durham County, which manages day-to-day operations of the courthouse and serves as the link between the courts and the community. The office provides access to Durham County court records, issues marriage and divorce documents, oversees jury services, and collects court fees. Compared with nearby Wake and Orange Counties, Durham’s clerk balances a mid-sized caseload while maintaining efficiency and transparency, making it a key resource for anyone seeking public court access in NC.
About the Durham County Clerk of Court Office
The Durham County Clerk of Court Office serves as the public’s gateway to court services, case filings, and official records. Located within the county courthouse, the office provides essential support to residents, attorneys, and businesses seeking access to civil, criminal, probate, family, and traffic cases. As part of the Durham judicial district, the Clerk’s office ensures the courts operate efficiently and remain accessible to the community.
Location & Contact Details
- Durham Courthouse Address: 510 South Dillard Street, Durham, NC 27701
- Mailing Address: P.O. Box 609, Durham, NC 27702
- Clerk of Court Durham Phone: (919) 808-3000
- Website: North Carolina Judicial Branch – Durham County
This central location makes it convenient for residents across Durham County to access court services.
Office Hours & Holiday Schedule
- Regular Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed: Weekends and state-recognized holidays
The Clerk’s office follows the North Carolina Judicial Branch holiday schedule, which typically includes New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
History of the Durham County Courthouse
The Durham County Courthouse opened in 2013 and consolidated several justice-related services under one roof. Built to replace older facilities, the courthouse was designed to handle the growing needs of the county’s population. Today, it houses not only the Clerk of Superior Court Durham County but also district and superior courtrooms, judicial offices, and public service counters.
Role in the NC Judicial System
The Clerk’s office is part of North Carolina’s Judicial Branch and serves as the official record keeper for all court proceedings in Durham County. Responsibilities include:
- Filing and maintaining civil and criminal case records
- Issuing summonses, judgments, and warrants
- Managing probate, estate, and guardianship cases
- Providing certified copies of legal documents
- Collecting fines, fees, and court costs
This role ensures that Durham County’s courts operate under state law while remaining open and transparent to the public.
Departments within Clerk’s Office
The Clerk’s office is organized into specialized divisions, each handling different case types:
- Civil Division: Lawsuits, small claims, landlord/tenant disputes, and contract cases
- Criminal Division: Misdemeanor and felony records, traffic violations, and criminal filings
- Probate Division: Wills, estates, guardianships, and adoptions
- Family Division: Divorce, custody, child support, and domestic matters
- Traffic Division: Tickets, payments, and traffic-related hearings
Each department plays a unique role in providing access to justice for Durham County residents.
Services Provided by the Clerk of Court
The Durham NC court services offered through the Clerk of Superior Court make it easier for residents, attorneys, and businesses to manage legal needs. From filing cases to accessing records and paying traffic tickets, the office is the central hub for most court-related activities in Durham County.
Court Case Filings
The Clerk’s office handles all filing of cases in Durham. This includes civil lawsuits, criminal complaints, small claims, liens, and motions. Attorneys and self-represented parties must submit their paperwork through the Clerk for it to become part of the official record.
Public Record Access
Court records are maintained by the Clerk and remain open to the public unless sealed by law. Through Clerk of Court online services Durham, users can look up case information, check the status of filings, and request certified or uncertified copies.
Marriage & Divorce Filings
- Marriage Licenses & Certificates: Issued and recorded by the Register of Deeds but available through the Clerk for court filings.
- Divorce Records: Stored in civil case files and certified through the Clerk of Superior Court. Parties can order decrees in person or by mail.
Probate & Estate Records
The probate division manages estates, wills, guardianships, and trusts. Executors and heirs must file estate paperwork through the Clerk’s office to ensure legal recognition. Probate records are available for both recent and historical cases.
Criminal & Civil Services
The Clerk maintains all Durham County criminal and civil court records, including misdemeanor, felony, and civil dispute files. This ensures public transparency while supporting attorneys, law enforcement, and private citizens in accessing accurate case information.
Traffic & Ticket Payments
Traffic violations are processed at the courthouse. The Clerk’s office accepts payments for tickets, schedules hearings, and records case outcomes. Many traffic fines can also be paid online for added convenience.
Jury Duty Services
The Clerk of Superior Court oversees jury services, including the selection of jurors, issuance of summonses, and management of jury pools. Residents selected for jury duty receive instructions directly from the Clerk’s office.
How to Search Durham County Court Records
Accessing Durham court records online or in person is essential for anyone dealing with legal matters, from attorneys to residents researching their own cases. The Durham County Clerk of Court maintains a wide range of public case files, including civil, criminal, probate, and traffic records.
Online Case Search
The fastest way to perform a Durham County case lookup NC is through the North Carolina Judicial Branch online portal. This system allows users to:
- Search criminal and civil cases filed in Durham County.
- Access probate and estate filings, including wills and guardianships.
- Look up traffic violations and citations issued in Durham.
- Check the official court docket in Durham NC to see upcoming hearings and trial dates.
In-Person Case Search at Clerk’s Office
For those who prefer or require direct assistance, records can be searched at the Durham County Courthouse. Staff at the Clerk’s office provide access to public terminals where visitors can look up records by name, case type, or file number. Certified copies must be requested in person.
Search by Name, Case Number, or Citation
When searching, users can:
- Enter the case number for direct access to a file.
- Use a party name (plaintiff/defendant) for broader searches.
- Look up traffic citations by ticket number for payment or case status.
Restricted vs Public Records
Not all files are public. Certain records—such as juvenile cases, adoption files, or sealed court orders—are restricted and cannot be accessed by the general public. Only authorized parties, such as attorneys or directly involved individuals, may request them.
How Far Back Do Records Go in Durham?
Durham County maintains both recent and historical court records. Most electronic records cover the past several decades, while older files may be stored in courthouse archives. For genealogy or research purposes, staff can guide you on how to access archived cases.
Certified Copies & Public Records Requests
The Durham County Clerk of Court provides certified and uncertified documents for a wide range of legal and personal needs. Certified copies carry the official court seal and are legally valid for use in government applications, immigration, real estate transactions, and more. Residents can request documents in person, by mail, or through approved online portals.
Marriage & Divorce Decrees
- Marriage Certificates: While originally issued by the Register of Deeds, the Clerk of Court can provide certified records when they are filed in court proceedings.
- Divorce Decrees in Durham NC: Parties who finalized a divorce in Durham County may obtain a certified copy directly from the Clerk’s office. These documents are essential for remarriage, name changes, or legal proof of divorce.
Probate & Estate Records
The probate division handles estate filings, wills, trusts, and guardianships. Certified copies of these records may be required for property transfers, inheritance, and financial institution requests. Historical probate files can also be requested for family or genealogy purposes.
Criminal Records & Background Checks
The Clerk provides access to criminal case records filed in Durham County. While statewide background checks are handled by the NC State Bureau of Investigation, individuals can still request certified case records directly from the Clerk.
Civil Case Judgments
Certified civil judgments are often needed for lien enforcement, appeals, or financial settlements. These records verify the outcome of lawsuits, debt collection cases, and other civil disputes in Durham County.
Processing Fees & Methods (Mail, In-Person, Online)
Requesting certified court documents in Durham County typically requires a small fee per document. Payment methods vary by request type:
- In-Person: Cash, card, or money order.
- By Mail: Money order or certified check.
- Online: Debit/credit card through the NC Judicial Branch portal (if available).
Turnaround Times for Requests
- In-Person Requests: Same-day service for most records.
- Mail Requests: Usually processed within 5–10 business days.
- Online Requests: Typically processed within 2–5 business days.
Planning ahead is recommended, especially if you need documents for time-sensitive purposes like travel, immigration, or legal filings.
Probate Court & Estate Services
The Durham probate court clerk oversees matters related to wills, estates, and guardianships. This division of the Clerk’s Office ensures that estate administration follows North Carolina law, protecting the rights of heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors. Whether you are filing a will, opening an estate, or handling guardianship, the probate division is the primary contact for assistance in Durham County.
Role of Probate Division
The probate division manages all filings related to estate settlement, guardianships, and trusts. It provides certified estate records in Durham County, keeps wills on file, and assists with legal procedures for distributing assets after death.
How to File a Will in Durham County
Wills must be filed with the Clerk of Superior Court in Durham County after a person’s passing. The original will should be submitted to the probate clerk, who will officially record it and open the estate if required.
Estate Administration Process
Estate administration includes appointing an executor or administrator, gathering assets, paying debts, and distributing property to heirs. The Clerk of Court Durham supervises this process to ensure compliance with state probate laws.
Guardianship Cases
The guardianship clerk Durham NC handles cases involving minors, elderly adults, or incapacitated individuals who require legal guardians. Guardianship may be granted for financial, medical, or personal decision-making responsibilities.
Small Estate Affidavits
North Carolina law allows certain estates to be handled more quickly through a small estate affidavit process. This option can save time and costs when the estate is valued below the legal threshold.
Probate Forms & Requirements
The probate division provides forms for wills, estate administration, guardianship, and related cases. Many forms are available online through the NC Judicial Branch website, while others must be obtained directly from the Clerk’s Office. Filing requirements may include identification, death certificates, and supporting legal documents.
Family Court Services under Clerk of Court
The Durham County Clerk of Court manages many services related to family law, including marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. These records and filings are handled with care to meet both legal requirements and family needs.
Marriage Licenses & Certificates
Couples planning to marry must apply for a marriage license in Durham NC through the Register of Deeds. Once issued, the license is valid for 60 days and must be returned after the ceremony. Certified marriage certificates can later be requested for name changes, immigration, or insurance purposes. The Clerk of Court maintains related filings if a marriage becomes part of a court case.
Divorce Records
The divorce filing in Durham County is processed through the Clerk’s Office when cases are submitted to Superior Court. After the final judgment, certified divorce decrees are available upon request. These records are often needed for remarriage, financial settlements, or legal proof of separation.
Custody & Child Support Filings
Parents involved in custody or support matters will work with the child custody clerk Durham NC for filings, hearings, and record requests. These services include establishing custody arrangements, modifying child support, or enforcing existing orders. The Clerk’s Office keeps case files secure while providing authorized access.
Adoption Records & Confidential Cases
Adoption cases are managed under strict confidentiality. Records are sealed by law, and access is only available through a court order. The Clerk ensures these cases are handled privately, while still maintaining accurate legal documentation for future reference.
Criminal & Civil Records Access
The Durham County Clerk of Court maintains comprehensive records for both criminal and civil cases. These records are essential for attorneys, businesses, and residents who need official documentation for legal, professional, or personal purposes. Whether you are performing a criminal case lookup Durham NC or reviewing civil filings, the Clerk’s Office provides access to accurate, up-to-date information.
Felony & Misdemeanor Case Records
Criminal records include both felony and misdemeanor cases. The Clerk of Court maintains details on charges, court proceedings, verdicts, and sentencing. Public access ensures transparency, while certified copies may be required for employment background checks, legal proceedings, or personal review.
Civil Case Filings (Lawsuits, Disputes, Judgments)
Civil cases cover a wide range of disputes, including contract disagreements, personal injury claims, and financial settlements. The civil court clerk Durham provides access to filings, judgments, and case histories. Certified copies of civil case documents can be used in appeals, collections, or other legal actions.
Traffic Records & DUI Cases
Traffic violations, including DUI cases, are recorded by the Clerk’s Office. Records include citations, court dates, and final dispositions. These files are essential for driving record verification, insurance purposes, and legal defense preparation.
Eviction Records & Housing Court Filings
The Clerk also manages eviction records in Durham County through the civil division. Landlords and tenants can access filings, judgments, and notices related to housing disputes. Accurate records help ensure compliance with North Carolina housing laws and provide documentation for rental applications or legal challenges.
Court Calendars, Dockets & Hearing Information
Staying informed about upcoming hearings is essential for anyone involved in legal proceedings. The Durham County Clerk of Court provides access to daily court schedules, dockets, and jury duty information to help residents, attorneys, and businesses plan accordingly.
How to Find Your Court Date
To locate your assigned court date, you can:
- Check your summons or notice from the court.
- Visit the Durham court calendar online via the NC Judicial Branch portal.
- Contact the Clerk’s Office directly to confirm hearing times.
Providing your case number or party name ensures accurate results.
Daily Court Dockets Explained
A Durham County docket search allows users to view the list of cases scheduled for a particular day. Dockets include civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic hearings. Each entry typically shows the case type, parties involved, courtroom, and time of appearance. Understanding the docket helps you prepare and ensures timely attendance.
Jury Duty Schedules
The Clerk’s Office manages jury duty schedules for Durham County residents. Notifications are sent by mail, and updates are posted online. Jurors can check their assigned dates, reporting times, and courtroom locations through the Clerk’s website or by phone.
Remote/Virtual Court Hearings
Many cases now offer remote participation options. The Clerk provides instructions for joining virtual hearings, including links, login codes, and technical requirements. This ensures accessibility while reducing the need for in-person attendance, particularly for routine motions or procedural hearings.
Fees, Costs & Payment Options
The Durham County Clerk of Court charges fees for filings, copies, and other court services. Understanding Durham County court fees helps residents, attorneys, and businesses plan ahead and ensures timely processing of all requests.
Filing Fees (Probate, Civil, Divorce, Criminal)
- Probate Filings: Fees vary depending on the estate size and type of petition.
- Civil Case Filings: Standard fees apply for lawsuits, small claims, and judgments.
- Divorce Filings: A filing fee is required when submitting a divorce petition.
- Criminal Cases: Misdemeanor and felony filings include set fees determined by state law.
Copy & Certification Fees
Certified copies of court documents, including marriage and divorce decrees, probate records, and civil judgments, carry additional costs. Uncertified copies are typically less expensive but cannot be used for legal purposes.
Traffic Ticket & Fine Payments
The Clerk processes all traffic fines and citations in Durham County. This includes tickets for speeding, DUI, and other violations. Paying fines promptly ensures compliance and avoids additional penalties or court appearances.
Accepted Payment Methods (Online, Mail, In-Person)
- Online: Payments via the NC Judicial Branch portal using debit or credit card.
- Mail: Money order or certified check for document requests or filing fees.
- In-Person: Cash, card, or money order accepted at the Clerk’s office.
Fee Waivers & Indigency Cases
Individuals who cannot afford standard fees may request a waiver by filing an application demonstrating financial hardship. This option is available for certain filings, including divorce, probate, and civil matters, to ensure access to justice for all Durham County residents.
Online Services by the Durham County Clerk of Court
The Durham County Clerk of Court offers a variety of online services to make accessing court information and completing transactions easier. From case lookup to e-filing and online payments, these digital tools save time and provide convenient alternatives to visiting the courthouse.
Case Lookup Portal
Through the Durham Clerk of Court online search, residents and attorneys can access public court records for criminal, civil, probate, family, and traffic cases. The portal allows searches by case number, party name, or citation and provides basic case details, hearing dates, and docket information.
e-Filing Services
The Durham NC court e-filing system enables attorneys and authorized users to submit legal documents electronically. This service supports civil, criminal, and probate filings and ensures faster processing and secure delivery to the Clerk’s office.
Jury Duty Online Portal
Jurors can access schedules and updates through the online court services Durham portal. This includes checking assigned dates, reporting instructions, and notifications for virtual or rescheduled jury sessions.
Payment Portal
Many fees, including filing costs, certified copies, and traffic fines, can be paid online through the secure payment portal. This option allows residents to make transactions quickly without visiting the courthouse in person.
How to Contact the Clerk of Court in Durham County
The Durham County Clerk of Court can be reached through multiple channels for questions, document requests, or appointment scheduling. Knowing the right contact method ensures faster service and accurate information.
Phone Directory by Division
Residents can contact specific divisions directly for faster assistance:
- Civil Division: (919) 808-3001
- Criminal Division: (919) 808-3002
- Probate Division: (919) 808-3003
- Family Division: (919) 808-3004
- Traffic Division: (919) 808-3005
For general inquiries, dial the main Clerk of Court Durham NC phone number: (919) 808-3000.
Email & Online Contact Forms
Many services and questions can be handled via email or the official online contact forms available on the NC Judicial Branch – Durham County website. This includes requests for certified copies, case information, and fee inquiries.
In-Person Appointments
For document requests, filing, or sensitive matters, visiting the Clerk’s Office in person may be necessary. Scheduling an appointment can reduce wait times and ensure staff availability for complex requests.
Directions to the Courthouse
The Durham County Courthouse is centrally located for easy access:
- Address: 510 South Dillard Street, Durham, NC 27701
- Directions: Easily accessible via US-15/501 or NC-147. Parking is available on-site and nearby lots.
Having accurate contact details and directions helps residents and attorneys efficiently handle filings, records requests, and court-related inquiries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I contact the Durham County Clerk of Court?
You can reach the Clerk of Court in Durham by phone, email, or in person. For general questions, call the Clerk of Court Durham NC phone number or use the online contact form. Specific divisions like civil, criminal, or probate have direct lines for faster assistance. Visiting the courthouse in person is also an option for document requests or filings. Using the right contact method ensures timely and accurate support.
Can I look up cases online in Durham?
Yes. The Durham Clerk of Court FAQ confirms that public case records are available through the NC Judicial Branch portal. You can search by case number, party name, or citation for criminal, civil, family, probate, and traffic cases. Online access provides case details, hearing dates, and docket information. This tool allows residents and attorneys to perform a Durham court date lookup NC conveniently.
How do I get a copy of my divorce decree?
Certified divorce decrees in Durham County can be requested through the Clerk’s Office. You may submit the request in person, by mail, or online if the service is available. Required information includes case number, parties’ names, and proper identification. Fees must be paid for certified copies, which are legally valid for remarriage, legal, or financial purposes. Requests are typically processed within a few business days.
How do I find my court date?
Court dates can be found using your summons, notice, or the online Durham court date lookup NC portal. You can also call the appropriate division at the Clerk’s Office for confirmation. Daily dockets list case types, parties, and courtroom numbers. Checking ahead helps ensure timely attendance and preparation for hearings. Jurors and parties can access both in-person and virtual hearing schedules through these resources.
Where do I pay a traffic ticket?
Traffic fines in Durham County are processed by the Clerk’s Office. Payments can be made online via the secure payment portal, by mail using money order or certified check, or in person at the courthouse. The ticket or citation number is required for accurate payment processing. Online payment allows residents to pay quickly without visiting the courthouse. Prompt payment prevents additional penalties or court appearances.
What is the fee for certified copies?
Certified copies of court documents, including marriage, divorce, probate, and civil records, carry specific fees. Costs vary depending on the type and number of pages. Uncertified copies are typically less expensive but not legally valid. Payments can be made online, by mail, or in-person. Checking the current fee schedule before requesting a copy ensures proper payment and avoids delays.