Edgecombe County Court Records Search

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    Edgecombe County’s court system generates official records for every case that moves through its courthouses in Tarboro and Rocky Mount. These documents — spanning criminal filings, civil pleadings, probate petitions, orders, motions, and transcripts — form the backbone of the county’s judicial history. Under North Carolina’s Public Records Law, Chapter 132, court clerks are required to preserve these records and make them available to the public by reasonable means, subject to a statutory fee. The records exist in multiple formats, including paper files, electronic records, and digital images, and they serve a critical function in maintaining accountability, establishing legal precedents, and supporting public understanding of judicial outcomes.

    Locating Court Records in Edgecombe County:

    Researchers in North Carolina have several avenues for locating court case information. Records can be requested directly through the Clerk of Superior Court’s office, accessed on public terminals inside the courthouse, or searched online. NorthCarolinaCourts.us can assist users in identifying publicly available case information maintained across North Carolina’s court system. The sections below explain which offices maintain records, how to request them, what fees apply, and which records are restricted.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Edgecombe County?

    Edgecombe County’s court system falls within Prosecutorial District 8 and Superior Court District 8BC, and it operates two physical court locations — the Edgecombe County Courthouse in Tarboro and the Rocky Mount Judicial Center. The Clerk of Superior Court maintains records for both the Superior Court and the District Court and serves as the primary custodian of court filings in the county.

    Edgecombe County Court Locations:

    Court LocationAddressPhoneHours
    Edgecombe County Courthouse (Tarboro)301 St. Andrew St., Tarboro, NC 27886(252) 824-3200Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
    Rocky Mount Judicial Center305 Cokey Rd., Rocky Mount, NC 27802(252) 212-3102Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM

    The mailing address for the Tarboro location is PO Drawer 9, Tarboro, NC 27886. The Rocky Mount Judicial Center mailing address is P.O. Box 1588, Rocky Mount, NC 27802.

    There are three practical ways to search for case records in Edgecombe County:

    1. In person: Visit the Clerk’s Office at either the Tarboro courthouse (Suite 102, 1st floor) or the Rocky Mount Judicial Center. Public access computer terminals at both locations allow case searches by defendant name, case number, or citation number at no charge, though printing fees may apply.
    2. Online: The North Carolina Judicial Branch Portal supports case searches by name, case number, and attorney statewide. As of April 2025, Edgecombe County completed its eCourts conversion as part of Track 8, which expanded digital case access for the county.
    3. By mail: Written requests can be mailed to the Clerk of Superior Court at PO Drawer 9, Tarboro, NC 27886. Include the full name to be searched, the case details, and payment by certified check or money order.

    For court date inquiries, call the Tarboro office at (252) 824-3200 or the Rocky Mount Judicial Center at (252) 977-6565.

    Are Court Records Public in Edgecombe County?

    Yes. Court records in Edgecombe County are governed by North Carolina Public Records Law (G.S. Chapter 132), which classifies most court documents as public records subject to inspection and copying upon a reasonable fee. The law mandates that clerks preserve these materials and make them available through reasonable means.

    However, certain categories of records are either exempt from disclosure or withheld absent a specific court order:

    • Juvenile records — proceedings involving minors are confidential by statute
    • Adoption records — sealed under North Carolina law
    • Records sealed by court order — accessible only to parties in the case and their attorneys
    • Confidential informant identifying information
    • Certain crime victim information — withheld to protect personal safety
    • Records related to ongoing investigations — exempt while active
    • Involuntary commitment and mental health proceedings — confidential by statute

    When a file contains both public and restricted information, clerks may redact the protected portions before providing copies to the public. Records that are confidential due to their nature — such as adoption and guardianship files — are released only to parties of record, their legal counsel, or those authorized by a court order. Parties who believe they have been wrongly denied access may seek review through the applicable court.

    Edgecombe County Criminal Court Records

    In Edgecombe County, all felony cases and serious criminal matters are adjudicated before the Superior Court. The District Court handles adult misdemeanor offenses, civil infractions, and traffic violations, and also conducts preliminary examinations in felony cases before binding them over to Superior Court. The Clerk of Superior Court maintains the official record of every criminal case filed in the county.

    Criminal records in Edgecombe County are public documents and may be requested by any fee-paying member of the public — including employers, landlords, and private individuals. The Clerk’s office conducts name-based searches of criminal charges filed in Edgecombe County only; out-of-county, out-of-state, and federal charges do not appear in these results.

    How to Request a Criminal Record Check:

    • In person: Visit Suite 102 on the first floor of the Edgecombe County Courthouse, 301 St. Andrew Street, Tarboro, NC 27886. Provide the full name to be searched and pay the $25.00 statutory fee in cash, money order, or certified check. Credit cards are accepted for in-person requests.
    • By mail: Download and complete Form AOC-CR-314 from the North Carolina Judicial Branch website. Mail the completed form along with a money order or certified check for $25.00 (no personal checks accepted) and a self-addressed stamped envelope to:

    Clerk of Superior Court
    ATTN: Criminal Division – Records
    PO Drawer 9, Tarboro, NC 27886

    Because the system is name-based and not fingerprint-based, common names may return multiple results. Requesters are responsible for distinguishing between individuals using dates of birth, addresses, or physical characteristics.

    Other Criminal Record Search Options:

    • Public terminals: Self-service terminals at the courthouse allow free, non-certified criminal record searches in any county statewide.
    • NC Judicial Branch Portal:Search criminal case information online by name or case number. Portal is not appropriate for background check purposes — those require the clerk’s office.
    • NC State Bureau of Investigation (SBI): The NCSBI conducts fingerprint-based statewide background checks and maintains the state’s central criminal records repository. The SBI’s services are appropriate when a search beyond Edgecombe County is required.
    • Remote Public Access Program: Businesses and organizations with ongoing screening needs may apply for a licensing agreement through the NCAOC Remote Public Access Program, which provides real-time access to statewide court data.

    Edgecombe County Civil Court Records

    Civil matters in Edgecombe County are divided between the Superior Court and the District Court based on the dollar amount at issue. The Superior Court presides over civil lawsuits where the amount in controversy exceeds $10,000. The District Court handles general civil cases involving claims under $10,000, as well as small claims cases involving amounts under $5,000. The Civil Division of the Clerk’s office, located on the first floor of the Edgecombe County Courthouse, maintains all civil case files and is the primary point of contact for civil records requests.

    Civil cases heard in Edgecombe County include:

    • Personal injury and contract disputes (Superior Court, over $10,000)
    • General civil claims (District Court, under $10,000)
    • Small claims and landlord-tenant disputes, including summary ejectment (under $5,000)
    • Domestic relations matters including child support, custody, alimony, and equitable distribution of property
    • Claims of lien and civil judgments
    • Domestic violence proceedings
    • Upset bids on tax-delinquent properties
    • Deposits of disputed earnest money in real estate transactions

    Searching Civil Records:

    The Civil Division maintains public access computer terminals with access to the VCAP civil case database, which allows searches by party name, case number, and other identifiers. A full-time cashier at the front counter assists with fee collection and records requests. For civil case searches online, the North Carolina Judicial Branch Portal provides case information for counties included in the eCourts rollout, which now includes Edgecombe. For civil records inquiries, contact the Civil Division at (252) 824-3200 (Tarboro) or (252) 212-3102 (Rocky Mount).

    Edgecombe County Family Court Records

    Family law matters — including divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, equitable distribution of property, and domestic violence proceedings — are handled by the Superior and District Courts in Edgecombe County. Certified copies of divorce judgments can be obtained from the Clerk of Superior Court’s office in the county where the divorce was granted for a fee. For divorce certificates (as opposed to certified copies of the decree), the North Carolina Vital Records Office processes requests for a non-refundable $24.00 search fee per three-year period searched.

    The North Carolina Judicial Branch also offers programs to support families navigating the court system, including the Child Custody and Visitation Mediation Program, the Family Financial Settlement Program, and the Clerk Mediation Program.

    Marriage Records

    The Edgecombe County Register of Deeds holds marriage records on file dating back to 1867. Marriage certificates are not public records in North Carolina — they may only be released to the parties to the marriage and immediate family members including parents, siblings, spouses, children, grandchildren, and legal representatives. Eligible requesters may order marriage certificates online or submit a mail-in application. Each certified copy costs $10.00, plus a $3.35 convenience fee for online orders.

    Register of Deeds:
    Physical Address: 201 St. Andrew St., Tarboro, NC 27886
    Mailing Address: P.O. Box 386, Tarboro, NC 27886
    Phone: (252) 641-7924 | Fax: (252) 641-1771
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

    Birth and Death Records

    Birth records in Edgecombe County are maintained by the Register of Deeds beginning from October 1913. These records are restricted — certified copies are issued only to the record subject, parents listed on the record, siblings, children, grandchildren, and legal guardians with verified court orders. Death records, also maintained from October 1913, are similarly restricted to the categories of authorized individuals listed above (excluding the record subject). Certified copies of either record cost $10.00 each, with a $3.35 online convenience fee. Birth certificates can be ordered online, and death certificates can be ordered online as well. Mail-in requests are accepted using the Application for Certified Copy form, with $10.00 plus $0.75 for shipping. Uncertified copies are available for $1.00 each.

    Edgecombe County Probate Court Records

    North Carolina does not operate a dedicated probate court. Instead, the Clerk of Superior Court serves as the ex officio judge of probate in each county. In Edgecombe County, all probate-related matters are filed with the Estates Division of the Clerk of Superior Court’s office, located within the Civil Division at the Edgecombe County Courthouse in Tarboro.

    The Estates Division is responsible for:

    • Probating wills and administering decedents’ estates
    • Appointing administrators and personal representatives for estates
    • Appointing guardians for the estates of minors and incompetent adults
    • Overseeing trusts and conservatorships
    • Handling special proceedings related to estate matters

    Probate matters such as will contests and estate administration are generally considered public proceedings, and their records are accessible to the public. However, certain case types handled through the Estates Division — including adoptions and guardianship proceedings — are confidential. The Clerk will only release those records to parties of record, their attorneys, and those authorized by a court order. Unauthorized parties with a legitimate need for access should contact the Estates Division directly for guidance.

    Requesting Probate Records:

    • In person: Visit the Civil Division at the Edgecombe County Courthouse, 301 St. Andrew Street, Tarboro, NC 27886. Bring identifying information about the estate or proceeding, such as the decedent’s name, case number, and filing date.
    • By appointment: The Estates Division accepts appointments for meetings with an estates clerk. Call (252) 824-3200, Extension 3 to schedule.
    • By mail: Written requests may be mailed to the Clerk of Superior Court, PO Drawer 9, Tarboro, NC 27886, with applicable fees enclosed.
    • Online: The NC Judicial Branch Portal may include probate case information for Edgecombe County following the county’s April 2025 eCourts conversion.

    The Administrative Office of the Courts publishes a North Carolina Estate Procedure Pamphlet with additional guidance on estate procedures, available through the Edgecombe County Estates Division page. For matters involving health care powers of attorney or living wills, the North Carolina Secretary of State’s Advanced Health Care Directive Registry maintains relevant records separately from the court system.