Buncombe County Court Records Search

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    Buncombe County, located in western North Carolina with its county seat in Asheville, operates a unified court system that processes thousands of civil, criminal, family, and probate matters each year. The Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court functions as the primary custodian of court records, overseeing a staff of more than 60 employees divided across 12 divisions within the Buncombe County Courthouse. Whether you need to verify a judgment, pull a criminal record, trace a probate filing, or review a divorce decree, this guide walks through the specific offices, procedures, fees, and online tools available for accessing Buncombe County court records.

    Residents and researchers looking for North Carolina court case information can begin at NorthCarolinaCourts.us, which may help locate publicly available case data across counties in the state. Beyond that, the North Carolina Judicial Branch maintains its own Portal, where users can search court records, look up hearing dates, and make payments. The Buncombe County Clerk’s office also provides self-service public access terminals at the courthouse for in-person searches. Together, these resources give the public several pathways to find court records without needing to hire an attorney or a records retrieval service.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Buncombe County?

    There are three principal methods for looking up court cases in Buncombe County: in-person terminal access, mail-based requests, and online searches.

    In-Person Terminal Access

    The Buncombe County Courthouse contains public self-service computer terminals managed by the Clerk of Superior Court’s office. These terminals allow users to search case records by party name, case number, or other identifiers. A VCAP user’s manual published by the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts explains how to navigate the system. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

    Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court
    Address: 60 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801-3519
    Phone: (828) 259-3400

    Key division phone numbers for direct inquiries:

    DivisionPhone Number
    Civil Division(828) 259-3400
    Criminal & Traffic Division(828) 259-3402
    Small Claims(828) 259-3407
    Estates & Probate(828) 259-3404
    Jury(828) 259-6407
    Superior Court Judges(828) 259-3416
    District Court Judges(828) 259-3412

    Mail Requests

    To request court record copies by mail, send a written request specifying the case number or party names, along with the applicable fee and a self-addressed stamped envelope, to the Clerk’s office at 60 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801-3519. Payment by check or money order should be made payable to the Clerk of Superior Court.

    Copy fees for court records:

    • Regular copies: $2.00 for the first page, $0.25 for each additional page
    • Certified copies: $3.00 per document
    • Exemplified copies: $10.00 per document

    Online Searches

    The North Carolina Judicial Branch’s Portal provides electronic access to case information across the state, including Buncombe County filings. Users can search by name, citation number, or county. The Remote Public Access Program offered by the NC Administrative Office of the Courts provides access to criminal and civil court data, though a fee applies for that service. Court dates can also be searched through the Judicial Branch’s Court Dates lookup tool.

    Are Court Records Public in Buncombe County?

    Court records in Buncombe County are generally public under North Carolina’s Public Records Act, Chapter 132 of the General Statutes. The statute defines public records broadly to include documents, papers, maps, photographs, and other materials made or received in connection with the transaction of public business. Under G.S. 132-1.4, specific court records such as returned arrest and search warrants are expressly designated as public.

    However, several categories of records are shielded from public access:

    • Sealed records — Cases sealed by court order are not available for public inspection.
    • Expunged records — Criminal records that have been formally expunged under North Carolina law are removed from public view.
    • Juvenile records — Proceedings involving minors are generally confidential under state law.
    • Medical and mental health records — Protected health information filed with the court is typically restricted.
    • Adoption records — These are sealed by statute and accessible only to authorized parties.
    • Confidential personal identifiers — Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data may be redacted from public filings.

    The Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court is responsible for maintaining records and providing public access. Anyone may request copies of non-restricted records by visiting the courthouse, submitting a mail request, or using available online tools. No specific reason must be given to inspect public court records, though the Clerk’s office may require sufficient identifying information to locate the correct file.

    Buncombe County Criminal Court Records

    Criminal court records in Buncombe County encompass felony and misdemeanor proceedings heard in both Superior Court and District Court. The Superior Court, which falls within Judicial District 40, handles felony cases and appeals from District Court, while the District Court hears most misdemeanors, infractions, and municipal ordinance violations.

    Searching Criminal Records at the Clerk’s Office

    The Criminal & Traffic Division of the Clerk’s office maintains criminal case files. Criminal records are public and may be checked by name—commonly referred to as a “name inquiry check”. No appointment is necessary for these searches. Contact the Criminal Division directly at (828) 259-3402 to check on a criminal or traffic court date or to inquire about records availability.

    Copies of criminal records can be obtained at the courthouse or by mail using Form AOC-CR-314, the official Criminal Record Search form issued by the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts. The fee for a certified criminal record copy from the Clerk’s office is $25 per record. In-person payments may be made by cash, credit card, check, or money order. Mail payments must be by check or money order.

    Statewide Criminal History Through the NCSBI

    The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation maintains statewide criminal history records. To request a personal criminal background review, complete the Right to Review Form and submit it along with a fingerprint card and a $14 fee (check or money order) to:

    NC State Bureau of Investigation
    Applicant Unit — Right to Review
    Criminal Information and Identification Section
    P.O. Box 29500, Raleigh, NC 27626-0500
    Phone: (919) 582-8600

    Local Arrest and Booking Records

    The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office operates a detention facility and publishes current inmate information through its Police to Citizen detainee search. This online tool allows the public to search for individuals currently held in the Buncombe County Detention Facility.

    For local criminal background checks, the City-County Bureau of Identification processes record check requests. Applicants must complete the Records Check Request Form, pay a $5 processing fee, and submit the application in person at:

    City-County Bureau of Identification
    20 Davidson Drive, Asheville, NC 28801
    Phone: (828) 250-4664
    Fax: (828) 250-6047

    Buncombe County Civil Court Records

    Civil matters in Buncombe County are divided between Superior Court and District Court based on the amount in controversy and the nature of the claim. Superior Court generally handles civil cases involving larger sums and complex litigation, while District Court hears cases within its jurisdictional limits, including small claims (referred to as magistrate claims in North Carolina).

    Accessing Civil Case Files

    The Civil Division of the Clerk of Superior Court’s office processes and stores civil filings, including complaints, answers, motions, orders, and judgments. Public access terminals at the courthouse allow users to search civil case records using the VCAP system. Guidance on navigating the system is available through the VCAP user’s manual.

    To obtain copies in person or by mail, contact or write to:

    Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court — Civil Division
    60 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801-3519
    Phone: (828) 259-3400

    Standard copy fees apply: $2.00 for the first page, $0.25 per additional page, $3.00 for certified copies, and $10.00 for exemplified copies. Mail requests should include payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

    Small Claims

    Small claims matters are handled through the magistrate’s court. For questions about small claims filings, contact the Small Claims division at (828) 259-3407.

    Judgments and Liens

    The Civil Division manages a range of post-judgment processes. A Writ of Execution—commanding the Sheriff to seize and sell a debtor’s property—costs $25, payable to the Clerk of Court, plus a $30 service fee payable to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. Civil judgments remain valid for 10 years and can be renewed for an additional 10-year period. These judgments act as liens against real property owned by the defendant in Buncombe County. Foreign judgments from other jurisdictions can also be filed and domesticated through the Clerk’s office, after which the debtor receives 30 days to file objections.

    Statewide judicial forms for civil actions, including execution paperwork, lien filings, and small claims complaints, are available through the North Carolina Judicial Branch website.

    Buncombe County Family Court Records

    Family law cases in Buncombe County—including divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence protective orders, adoption, and guardianship—are heard in the District Court division. The North Carolina Judicial Branch also operates a dedicated Family Law program with specialized resources and court calendars.

    Divorce Records

    Divorce decrees and related filings are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court. These records can be searched on the public terminals at the courthouse or requested in person or by mail at the standard copy fees ($2.00 first page, $0.25 each additional page, $3.00 certified, $10.00 exemplified).

    The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) also maintains divorce certificates dating back to 1958. Only the parties to the divorce and their close relatives may obtain copies. Requesters must complete the Application for Divorce Records Form and submit it with a valid photo ID and payment to:

    North Carolina Vital Records
    225 North McDowell Street
    1903 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1900
    Phone: (984) 236-7268
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

    The first copy costs $24, each additional copy in the same request costs $15. Mail payments must be by check or money order; in-person payments can be made by cash, check, or money order. Expedited processing is available for an extra fee.

    Marriage Records

    Marriage licenses and certificates in Buncombe County are filed with the Buncombe County Register of Deeds. Requests can be made in person, by mail, or online through the Vital Records Online Request Portal.

    • In-person: Bring valid photo ID and payment to the Register of Deeds at 205 College Street, Asheville, NC 28801. Certified copies cost $10 each and are issued only to immediate family members or authorized agents. Non-certified copies cost $0.25 each.
    • By mail: Send a completed Vital Records Request Form, a copy of your valid ID, and a check or money order to the same address. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
    • Online: Order certified copies at $10 each through the county’s online portal.

    The NCDHHS also maintains marriage records from 1962 to the present and provides both certified and non-certified copies. Close relatives may request certified copies by submitting the Application for Marriage Records Form to North Carolina Vital Records using the same address and fees described above.

    Child Custody and Support

    Child custody and visitation disputes go through the District Court. The North Carolina Judicial Branch offers a Child Custody and Visitation Mediation Program designed to help parents reach agreements outside of trial. Child support matters can be directed to the county’s Child Support office at (828) 232-1416. The Guide & File tool on the NC Courts website can help self-represented litigants prepare and file common family law actions.

    Adoption and Domestic Violence

    Adoption records in North Carolina are sealed and generally cannot be accessed by the public. Domestic violence protective order filings are handled through the District Court; certain details of these proceedings may be restricted depending on the circumstances. The Clerk of Superior Court presides over adoption proceedings, legitimation petitions, and name changes.

    Buncombe County Probate Court Records

    In North Carolina, the Clerk of Superior Court serves as the probate judge. In Buncombe County, the Estates Division of the Clerk’s office handles all probate matters, including the admission of wills, appointment of personal representatives, oversight of estate administration, guardianship proceedings, and incompetency hearings.

    What Probate Records Include

    Probate case files typically contain last wills and testaments, letters testamentary, inventories, annual accountings, petitions for estate administration, and final settlement documents. Guardianship files include appointment orders, bond documentation, and annual accounting audits conducted by the Estates Division.

    Searching and Requesting Probate Records

    Probate records are available for public inspection on the self-service terminals at the courthouse. The VCAP user’s manual covers the search procedures for the electronic system. For direct inquiries, contact the Estates Division at (828) 259-3404.

    Copies can be requested in person or by mail at:

    Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court — Estates Division
    60 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801-3519
    Phone: (828) 259-3404

    Standard copying fees apply: $2.00 for the first page, $0.25 for each additional page, $3.00 for certified copies, and $10.00 for exemplified copies.

    Guardianship and Conservatorship

    The Clerk appoints three types of guardians: Guardian of the Person (authority over care and custody decisions), Guardian of the Estate (authority over financial matters and property), and General Guardian (combined authority over both). Guardians with financial authority must post a surety bond—calculated at 1.25 times the value of personal property, or 1.10 times if the personal property exceeds $100,000—and must file annual accountings with the Clerk for audit. Estate and guardianship forms are available on the NC Administrative Office of the Courts website.

    Historical Probate Records

    Older Buncombe County wills and estate documents may be held by the State Archives of North Carolina. Researchers seeking historical probate records, particularly those predating electronic filing systems, should contact the State Archives directly for container lists and finding aids.