Cabarrus County Court Records Search

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    Cabarrus County sits in the southern Piedmont region of North Carolina, with Concord serving as the county seat. The county’s court system operates within Judicial District 25, encompassing both a Superior Court and a District Court, and handles everything from felony prosecutions and civil litigation to estate administration and family law disputes. All court records generated by these proceedings are maintained by the Cabarrus County Clerk of Superior Court, whose office is housed inside the Cabarrus County Courthouse at 61 Union Street South in Concord. This guide covers the specific steps, fees, offices, and tools needed to search and obtain court records throughout Cabarrus County.

    For anyone beginning a search for North Carolina court case information, several avenues are available. The North Carolina Judicial Branch operates an online Portal where users can look up case details, court dates, and payment information by name, citation number, or county. Cabarrus County went live on the statewide eCourts digital records platform in October 2024, which means case filings and documents are now managed electronically. In addition to the state portal, the Clerk of Superior Court’s office provides public self-service terminals at the courthouse, and NorthCarolinaCourts.us may assist users in locating publicly available court case information across North Carolina counties.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Cabarrus County?

    There are multiple ways to search for a court case in Cabarrus County, depending on whether you prefer to visit the courthouse, submit a written request, or search online.

    At the Courthouse

    The Clerk of Superior Court’s office maintains public self-service terminals that allow visitors to search civil, criminal, estates, and special proceedings records. Searches can be performed by party name, case number, or victim/witness name. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

    Cabarrus County Clerk of Superior Court

    Physical Address:
    61 Union Street South
    Concord, NC 28025

    Mailing Address:
    P.O. Box 70
    Concord, NC 28026

    Phone: (704) 262-5500

    DivisionPhone Number
    Civil Division(704) 262-5500
    Criminal & Traffic(704) 262-5500
    Small Claims(704) 262-5500
    Custody Mediation(704) 262-5514
    Community Service(704) 467-8370
    Juvenile Court Counselors(704) 786-5611

    By Mail

    Written requests for copies of court records can be mailed to the Clerk at P.O. Box 70, Concord, NC 28026. Include the case number or party names, the applicable fee, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Payments by mail must be made by money order or certified check—personal checks are not accepted. Make payments payable to “Cabarrus County Clerk of Superior Court”.

    Fees for Court Record Copies:

    • Regular photocopies: $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 Case Searches

    The NC Judicial Branch Portal lets users search Cabarrus County case information by name, citation number, or case number at no charge. The Court Dates search tool helps locate upcoming hearing schedules. For bulk data needs, the Remote Public Access Program provides licensed access to criminal and civil court data statewide.

    In-Person Payments

    Those who visit the courthouse can pay fees by cash, credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover—processing fees apply), money order, or certified check at Room 104 of the Cabarrus County Courthouse. Personal checks are not accepted for in-person transactions.

    Are Court Records Public in Cabarrus County?

    North Carolina’s Public Records Act, Chapter 132 of the General Statutes, establishes a broad presumption that government records—including court records—are open to public inspection. Any person may request access to or copies of Cabarrus County court records without providing a reason for the request, so long as those records have not been restricted by law or sealed by court order.

    Certain categories of court records are exempt from public access under state and federal law:

    • Sealed records — Records sealed by a judge’s order cannot be viewed or copied by the public.
    • Expunged records — Criminal records that have been formally expunged are removed from public databases. Information on eligibility is available through the NC Judicial Branch’s Expunctions resource page.
    • Juvenile records — Court proceedings involving minors are confidential by statute.
    • Adoption records — Filed under seal and accessible only to parties and authorized persons.
    • Mental health proceedings — Involuntary commitment and related records are confidential.
    • Protected health information — Medical records submitted to the court are restricted.
    • Domestic violence records — Certain details in protective order proceedings may be shielded.
    • Active investigation records — Materials related to ongoing criminal investigations, confidential informants, or undercover operations may be withheld.
    • Attorney-client privileged communications — These are not subject to public disclosure.

    Anyone requesting records that may fall into a restricted category should contact the Clerk of Superior Court’s office at (704) 262-5500 for guidance on what information can be released.

    Cabarrus County Criminal Court Records

    Criminal matters in Cabarrus County are divided between Superior Court, which handles felony cases, and District Court, which hears most misdemeanors, infractions, and municipal ordinance violations. Both courts operate from the Cabarrus County Courthouse at 77 Union Street South, Concord, NC 28025.

    Searching Criminal Records at the Clerk’s Office

    Criminal case records are public and can be searched by name at the Clerk’s office—a process commonly called a “name inquiry check”. The public terminals in the courthouse allow searches by defendant name or case number. To request a certified copy of a criminal record, complete Form AOC-CR-314 and submit it in person or by mail to the Clerk of Superior Court. The fee is $25 per certified criminal record copy. In-person payments can be made by cash, credit card, money order, or certified check. Mail payments must be by money order or certified check.

    North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI)

    The NCSBI maintains statewide criminal history records. To request a personal criminal background review:

    1. Complete the Right to Review Form.
    2. Obtain a fingerprint card.
    3. Submit both documents with 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

    The NCSBI also operates an offender search portal for looking up individuals in the state corrections system.

    Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office

    The Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office publishes arrest and incident reports through its Police to Citizen (P2C) portal, which the public can search for recent law enforcement activity. For formal records requests, the Sheriff’s Office accepts submissions through its Online Public Records Request Form. The Civil and Records Division is located at 30 Corban Avenue SE (5th floor), Concord, NC 28025, and can be reached at (704) 920-3100 or by email at cabarrusrecords@cabarruscounty.us. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

    Cabarrus County Civil Court Records

    Civil case records in Cabarrus County cover lawsuits, contract disputes, personal injury claims, property matters, small claims, and various non-criminal legal proceedings. The Superior Court handles higher-value civil disputes, while the District Court hears civil cases within its jurisdictional limits, including small claims actions.

    Obtaining Civil Court Records

    The Clerk of Superior Court maintains all civil case files. Records can be accessed through the public self-service terminals at the courthouse or by submitting a request in person or by mail. The VCAP user’s manual explains how to navigate the terminal-based search system for civil, estates, and special proceedings records.

    Standard copy fees apply to civil records: $2.00 for the first page, $0.25 per additional page, $3.00 for certified copies, and $10.00 for exemplified copies.

    Judgments and Liens

    Civil judgments entered in Cabarrus County are valid for 10 years and may be renewed for an additional 10-year period. A judgment automatically acts as a lien against all real property owned by the debtor in the county and attaches to future property acquisitions for the judgment’s duration. The Clerk’s office also files state and federal tax liens, employment security liens, and materialmen’s liens.

    To enforce a judgment, the creditor may request a Writ of Execution from the Clerk, directing the Sheriff to seize and sell the debtor’s property. This costs $25 payable to the Clerk of Court, plus a $30 Sheriff’s service fee.

    Small Claims

    Small claims matters are heard in magistrate court. Forms for civil actions, including small claims complaints, are available through the NC Judicial Branch’s forms library. The Guide & File tool assists self-represented litigants in preparing and filing common civil and family law documents.

    Foreign Judgments

    A judgment from another state, county, or federal court can be domesticated in Cabarrus County by filing it with the Clerk’s office. Once filed, the opposing party receives notice and has 30 days to object before the judgment becomes enforceable locally.

    Cabarrus County Family Court Records

    Family law matters in Cabarrus County—including divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, domestic violence protective orders, and paternity disputes—are adjudicated through the District Court. The Clerk of Superior Court maintains all resulting case files.

    Divorce Records

    Divorce decrees and associated filings can be searched at the courthouse terminals or requested by mail or in person from the Clerk’s office. Standard copy fees apply. The Clerk’s office is at 61 Union Street South, Concord, NC 28025, and accepts requests during regular business hours.

    The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) also maintains Cabarrus County divorce certificates from 1958 to the present. 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

    Fees are $24 for the first copy and $15 for each additional copy in the same request. Mail payments must be by check or money order; in-person payments can be by cash, check, or money order. Expedited processing is available for an additional charge.

    Marriage Records

    Marriage certificates in Cabarrus County are maintained by the Cabarrus County Register of Deeds. Certified copies cost $10 and uncertified copies cost $1. Only the named individual or immediate family members may obtain certified copies; valid photo ID is required. Requests can be made:

    • In person: Register of Deeds, 65 Church Street South, Concord, NC 28025. Payment by cash, check, Visa, or MasterCard. Marriage licenses are issued from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM only.
    • By mail: Send a request with payment and a copy of valid ID to the same address.
    • Online: Through the Register of Deeds Remote Access Site, where marriage records and other recorded documents can be searched.

    The NCDHHS maintains Cabarrus marriage records from 1962 to the present. The Application for Marriage Records Form should be submitted to NC Vital Records at the address above using the same fee structure.

    Child Custody and Support

    Custody disputes proceed through the District Court, and the county participates in the Child Custody and Visitation Mediation Program administered by the NC Judicial Branch. Custody mediation inquiries can be directed to (704) 262-5514. The Sheriff’s Office Civil Division serves non-criminal papers arising from family law cases, including child support orders, custody orders, and divorce complaints.

    Adoption and Domestic Violence

    Adoption records are sealed under North Carolina law and not available for public review. Domestic violence protective order proceedings may have restricted access depending on the circumstances. The Family Financial Settlement Program and District Criminal Court Mediation Program offer alternative dispute resolution options for eligible Cabarrus County cases.

    Birth and Death Records

    While not court records, birth and death certificates are frequently sought alongside family case filings. The Cabarrus County Register of Deeds issues certified copies for $10 and uncertified copies for $1. Only the registrant, immediate family members, or authorized representatives may receive certified copies. The Register of Deeds also participates in the statewide birth database, enabling issuance of certified abstract copies of any North Carolina birth certificate from 1971 forward for $24 (which includes the $14 search fee). The NCDHHS maintains birth records from 1913 and death records from 1930, with copies available by mail or in person using the applicable vital records application forms.

    Cabarrus County Probate Court Records

    In North Carolina, the Clerk of Superior Court serves as the probate judge. In Cabarrus County, the Clerk oversees the admission of wills, appointment of personal representatives, administration of decedents’ estates, guardianship proceedings, incompetency determinations, and related special proceedings such as name changes and legitimations.

    What Probate Files Contain

    A typical probate case file may include the last will and testament, letters testamentary or letters of administration, inventories of estate assets, annual accountings, petitions for distribution, and the final settlement. Guardianship files contain appointment orders, surety bond records, and audited financial accountings reviewed by the Clerk’s office.

    Searching Probate Records

    Probate records can be accessed on the public self-service terminals at the Cabarrus County Courthouse during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM). The VCAP user’s manual explains how to search the estates system. For telephone inquiries, contact the Estates Division through the main Clerk’s office number at (704) 262-5500.

    Requesting Copies

    Copies of probate records can be obtained in person or by mail from:

    Cabarrus County Clerk of Superior Court
    61 Union Street South, Concord, NC 28025
    P.O. Box 70, Concord, NC 28026
    Phone: (704) 262-5500

    Standard copy 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. A current schedule of estates-specific court costs is published by the NC Judicial Branch in its Current Court Costs document.

    Guardianship Requirements

    Appointed guardians with financial authority must post a surety bond and file annual accountings with the Clerk for audit. Estate and guardianship forms are available through the NC Administrative Office of the Courts. The Cabarrus County Clerk’s office also participates in the Clerk Mediation Program, which provides an alternative dispute resolution process for contested estates and special proceedings matters.

    Historical Estate Records

    Researchers seeking older Cabarrus County estate records, particularly those predating electronic systems, may find relevant materials through the State Archives of North Carolina, which catalogs historical estate documentation including wills, inventories, and administration records dating back to the county’s formation in 1792.