Forsyth County Court Records Search

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    Forsyth County is part of North Carolina’s 31st Judicial District, with its courts headquartered in Winston-Salem. The county operates both a Superior Court and a District Court, both housed within the Forsyth County Courthouse at 175 North Chestnut Street. The Clerk of Superior Court manages the record-keeping and clerical functions for both courts, serving as the single point of contact for individuals seeking access to case files across criminal, civil, family, and probate matters. Understanding how these courts are organized and where records are held is essential for anyone trying to locate specific case information in the county.

    Individuals looking for court records in North Carolina can use a combination of official resources, including clerk of court offices, public access terminals at courthouses, and online tools. NorthCarolinaCourts.us may help users identify available court services and locate publicly accessible case information across the state. In Forsyth County specifically, the state’s eCourts Portal became available in July 2025 as part of the Track 9 rollout, giving residents and researchers the ability to search court records by name, case number, citation number, and other criteria without visiting the courthouse in person.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Forsyth County?

    There are two primary methods for looking up a court case in Forsyth County: visiting the Clerk of Superior Court office or using online search tools.

    In-Person Search at the Clerk’s Office

    The Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court provides public self-service computer terminals at the courthouse. These terminals allow users to search for case records by party name, case number, defendant name, or victim/witness name across both Superior and District Court proceedings. Paper case files are also available for review at the clerk’s office, and staff can provide copies of court documents for a fee.

    Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court
    Address: 175 North Chestnut Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
    Mailing Address: P.O. Box 20099, Winston-Salem, NC 27120
    Phone: (336) 779-6300
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

    Online Search via eCourts Portal

    Forsyth County launched on the North Carolina eCourts system in July 2025. Through the Portal, anyone can now search for case information, view hearing dates, and access court records from any location. Searches can be filtered by name, citation number, county, and more. While Portal provides broad access to case data, the North Carolina Judicial Branch notes that individuals performing formal background checks should use the clerk’s office rather than Portal for that purpose.

    Additional Court Contacts

    OfficePhone
    Clerk of Superior Court(336) 779-6300
    Superior Court Judges(336) 779-6316
    District Court Judges(336) 779-6318
    Community Service(336) 761-2334

    Are Court Records Public in Forsyth County?

    Most court records in Forsyth County are open to the public. The North Carolina Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. 132-1) establishes that records made or received by government agencies, including courts, are public records available for inspection and copying. Additionally, N.C.G.S. 7A-109(a) specifically requires clerks of court to make the records they maintain accessible to the public in accordance with Administrative Office of the Courts rules.

    However, several categories of records are exempt from public disclosure under state law:

    • Records sealed by court order
    • Search and arrest warrants not yet returned to the court after execution by law enforcement (N.C.G.S. 132-1.4(k))
    • Settlement documents in medical malpractice cases against public hospital facilities (N.C.G.S. 132-1.3(a))
    • Information obtained and disclosed by probation officers to the court or the Secretary of Correction (N.C.G.S. 15-207)
    • Juvenile case records, which are generally confidential under North Carolina law
    • Adoption proceedings records
    • Records pertaining to involuntary commitment hearings
    • Any records specifically exempted by other state or federal statutes

    Audio recordings of court proceedings that involve confidential case types — such as juvenile or involuntary hospitalization matters — require a court order before copies can be released. In those situations, the requester must submit Form AOC-G-115 to the court. For non-confidential proceedings, copies of audio recordings can be requested using Form AOC-G-114 through the clerk’s office.

    Forsyth County Criminal Court Records

    Criminal cases in Forsyth County are split between the Superior Court and the District Court. The Superior Court handles all felony cases as well as misdemeanor and infraction appeals from the District Court. The District Court hears misdemeanor charges and infractions at the trial level. The Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court is the official custodian of criminal case records for both courts.

    Searching Criminal Court Records

    1. In person: Visit the clerk’s office at 175 North Chestnut Street during business hours. Public self-service terminals are available for searching criminal cases by defendant name, case number, victim name, or witness name. Staff can also provide copies of documents from criminal case files for a fee.
    2. Online via eCourts Portal: The Portal allows remote searches of Forsyth County criminal case records by name, case number, and other parameters.

    Certified Criminal Background Checks

    For a certified criminal record search, the clerk’s office accepts Form AOC-CR-314 (Criminal Record Search). This form requests a search of official court records in Forsyth County only — it is not a statewide search. The fee is $25 per search.

    • By mail: Submit the completed CR-314 form with a money order or certified check (personal checks are not accepted) to the Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court, P.O. Box 20099, Winston-Salem, NC 27120.
    • In person: Submit the form with payment by credit card, cash, money order, or certified check at the clerk’s office.

    For statewide criminal history searches, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) offers fingerprint-based criminal record checks.

    Arrest Records

    Arrest records are maintained by the law enforcement agency that made the arrest. In Forsyth County, the two largest sources are:

    Winston-Salem Police Department
    Address: 725 North Cherry Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
    Non-certified copies of arrest records can be obtained in person from the Records Division.

    Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office
    Address: 301 North Church Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
    Phone: (336) 917-7001
    Fax: (336) 727-8070
    The Sheriff’s Office maintains records of arrests conducted by county deputies. Current inmate information is searchable through the Sheriff’s Police to Citizen portal.

    The Kernersville Police Department also provides access to arrest records online through the Kernersville Police 2 Citizen portal, by phone, or in person at 134 East Mountain Street, Kernersville, NC 27284 — Phone: (336) 996-2366

    Forsyth County Civil Court Records

    Civil matters in Forsyth County are divided between the Superior Court and the District Court based on the amount in dispute. The Superior Court handles civil claims exceeding $25,000, while the District Court hears cases involving $25,000 or less. Both courts’ civil records are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court.

    How to Access Civil Records

    Individuals seeking civil case records — including judgments, liens, foreclosures, evictions, and small claims — can use any of the following methods:

    • Self-service terminals: Visit the clerk’s office at 175 North Chestnut Street to search civil cases on the public access computers. A user manual for the Civil Case Processing System (VCAP) is available from the NC Judicial Branch for reference.
    • eCourts Portal: Search civil case information online through the Portal by party name, case number, or attorney.
    • Document copies: Staff at the clerk’s office can provide copies of civil court documents for a fee. Fees vary depending on the type and length of the document.

    Civil court records in Forsyth County are generally public and accessible without restriction. Records related to sealed settlements or confidential mediation proceedings may be exceptions.

    For real estate-related court records — such as foreclosures, condemnations, judgments, and property liens — the clerk’s office is the appropriate office. For deeds, titles, and plat maps, those are held by the Forsyth County Register of Deeds. The Register of Deeds provides a free online search tool for land records and recorded documents. Property valuation, tax, and ownership data can be accessed through the Tax Assessor’s property lookup tool.

    Forsyth County Family Court Records

    Family law matters in Forsyth County are adjudicated by the District Court. The types of cases handled include divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence protective orders, adoption, emancipation, parental rights termination, juvenile delinquency, and child abuse and neglect proceedings.

    Accessing Family Court Records

    Family case records are kept by the Clerk of Superior Court and can be searched at the clerk’s office using the public self-service terminals or through the eCourts Portal. Copies of family law case documents can be requested from the clerk’s office for a fee. It is important to note that juvenile records and adoption records are confidential under North Carolina law and are not available to the general public.

    Forsyth County also participates in several family-related court programs, including the Child Custody and Visitation Mediation Program and the Family Financial Settlement Program, both of which may generate records that are subject to confidentiality protections.

    Divorce Records

    Divorce judgments are part of the court record and can be obtained from the Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court in person or, for newer cases, through the eCourts Portal. Certified copies of a divorce certificate can also be requested through North Carolina Vital Records.

    Marriage Records

    Marriage licenses and certificates are maintained separately by the Forsyth County Register of Deeds, not the clerk’s office. Certified copies of marriage certificates are classified as confidential under state law and are available only to entitled persons, including:

    • The spouses named on the record, or their parents, siblings, children, stepchildren, step-parents, or grandparents
    • Persons seeking information for legal determination of property rights
    • Authorized agents, attorneys, or legal representatives (proof required)

    Uncertified copies (without the official seal) can be obtained by anyone without presenting identification.

    Requests can be made through three channels:

    1. In person at the Register of Deeds office (walk-ins accepted). A government-issued photo ID is required for certified copies. Cost: $10 certified, $0.50 uncertified. Payment by cash, credit/debit card, money order, or cashier’s check.
    2. By mail using the Application for a Vital Records Copy or a handwritten request including the full names, marriage date, relationship to parties, and signature. Enclose a photocopy of ID and payment by business check, bank check, or money order. Mail to: Forsyth County Register of Deeds, Vital Records, 201 North Chestnut Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Processing time: 2–3 business days.
    3. Online at forsythrod.permitium.com. Cost: $15.11 per certified copy. Processing may take up to 45 days.

    Birth and Death Records

    Birth and death certificates in Forsyth County are also maintained by the Register of Deeds and are subject to the same confidentiality restrictions as marriage records under N.C.G.S. 130A-93. Only entitled persons may obtain certified copies. The fee structure is the same: $10 for a certified copy in person or by mail, $0.50 for an uncertified copy, or $15.11 online. Persons age 62 and older are entitled to one free certified copy of their own birth certificate. Out-of-county North Carolina birth certificates (for births from 1971 to present, non-adopted individuals) can be requested through the Forsyth County Register of Deeds for $24, with additional copies at $15 each. Adoption birth certificates must be requested from the state office, NC Vital Records, at (919) 733-3000.

    Forsyth County Probate Court Records

    In North Carolina, the Clerk of Superior Court serves as the probate judge. In Forsyth County, this means all probate matters — including estate administration, will probate, guardianship, and related special proceedings — are handled by the Clerk of Superior Court’s office.

    What Probate Records Include

    Probate court records in Forsyth County encompass filings related to decedent estates (testate and intestate), wills, letters testamentary, inventories, accountings, guardianship petitions and orders, and special proceedings involving real property. These records are generally public and can be inspected by any interested person, though certain filings within guardianship cases involving minors or incapacitated adults may carry restrictions.

    How to Search Probate Records

    • In person: Visit the Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court at 175 North Chestnut Street during office hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.). Use the public self-service terminals to search for estate, guardianship, and special proceeding cases by party name or case number. Staff can also provide copies of filed probate documents for a fee.
    • Online: Probate case information is now searchable through the eCourts Portal following Forsyth County’s integration into the eCourts system. Users can search by the decedent’s name, estate representative, or case number.
    • By mail: Written requests for copies of probate documents can be sent to the Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court, P.O. Box 20099, Winston-Salem, NC 27120. Include the case number or party names to help staff locate the file. Include payment for any applicable copy fees.

    The Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court also participates in the Clerk Mediation Program, which may be used to resolve disputes in estate and special proceedings matters. Additional North Carolina judicial forms related to estate administration, guardianship, and other probate matters are available through the NC Judicial Branch website.

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