Lee County Courts – A Practical Guide to Court Records and Services

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    Lee County sits in central North Carolina, with Sanford as its county seat. The county’s courts operate under the North Carolina General Court of Justice, which consolidates all judicial functions into a single unified system. Both a Superior Court and a District Court serve Lee County, and both are housed at the Lee County Courthouse at 1400 South Horner Boulevard in Sanford. The Clerk of Superior Court handles all court records for the county — criminal, civil, estates, special proceedings, and juvenile matters alike. Real property documents, vital records, and marriage licenses are kept separately by the Lee County Register of Deeds.

    If you’re searching for court records in North Carolina, you can access them through the clerk’s office at the courthouse, self-service public terminals available at any courthouse statewide, or the online tools maintained by the NC Judicial Branch. NorthCarolinaCourts.us offers access to the eCourts Portal, court forms, fee information, and contact directories to help you find publicly available case information across all 100 counties, including Lee.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Lee County?

    There are several ways to search for court cases in Lee County, from online searches to in-person visits.

    Online Case Searches

    The North Carolina Judicial Branch runs the eCourts Portal, which gives the public access to case information for courts across the state. You can use the Smart Search feature by entering a party name, case number, attorney name, or other identifying details. The portal returns case summaries, hearing dates, and docket entries for criminal, civil, and other case types filed in Lee County.

    In-Person Access

    Self-service computer terminals are available at the Lee County Courthouse for anyone who wants to search court records at no charge. You can search by defendant name, case number, or victim/witness name. Paper case files can also be viewed by visiting the Clerk of Superior Court’s office during business hours. Staff can provide copies of court documents for a fee.

    Lee County Clerk of Superior Court

    • Physical Address: 1400 South Horner Boulevard, Sanford, NC 27330
    • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 4209, Sanford, NC 27331
    • Phone: (919) 718-6300
    • Fax: (919) 718-6301
    • Civil Division Email: Lee.Civil@nccourts.org
    • Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    Public Records Requests

    Lee County has a Record Request Portal where you can submit formal requests for county records. For general open records, an Open Records Request form is also available online.

    Payment Methods for Court Fees

    Per the Lee County payment information page, accepted payment methods are as follows:

    • In person: Cash, credit/debit card (with processing fees), money order, or certified check. No personal checks.
    • By mail: Money order or certified check only, payable to Lee County Clerk of Superior Court. No cash or personal checks.
    • Online: Credit/debit card through the eCourts services portal (where eligible).

    Call the Clerk’s office at (919) 708-4400 to confirm payment amounts before submitting. The Civil Judgment division must verify all payments before the Cashier accepts them.

    Are Court Records Public in Lee County?

    Court records in Lee County are generally presumed public under the North Carolina Public Records Law (N.C. Gen. Stat. 132-1). This law establishes that records made or received by government agencies in the course of official business — including court documents — are open to public inspection. N.C. Gen. Stat. 7A-109 specifically addresses the record-keeping duties of clerks of court and confirms that most records related to estates, special proceedings, and criminal, civil, and juvenile matters are accessible upon request.

    Certain records are restricted from public access by statute or court order:

    • Juvenile records: Cases involving minors are confidential and generally not available to the public. Audio recordings from confidential proceedings require a court order to release, using Form AOC-G-115.
    • Sealed and expunged records: Records sealed or expunged by court order are removed from public access, including electronic search systems.
    • Protective orders: Cases involving domestic violence protective orders or no-contact orders may have restricted access to protect the safety of the parties involved.
    • Adoption records: Adoption proceedings and related files are confidential under North Carolina law.
    • Involuntary commitment records: Mental health commitment proceedings are not publicly accessible.
    • Records with sensitive personal information: Documents containing Social Security numbers, financial account data, or other private identifying information may be redacted before release.

    If you need records that may fall into a restricted category, contact the Clerk of Superior Court directly to find out what is available and whether any special authorization is required.

    Lee County Criminal Court Records

    Criminal prosecutions in Lee County are split between the Superior Court, which handles felonies and serious misdemeanors, and the District Court, which covers misdemeanors, infractions, and certain preliminary hearings. The Clerk of Superior Court maintains all criminal case records.

    Searching Criminal Case Records

    Criminal case information can be searched through the eCourts Portal or at the self-service terminals in the courthouse. The portal allows searches by defendant name, case number, or other criteria and returns case details including charges, hearing dates, dispositions, and docket entries.

    Certified Criminal Background Checks

    The Clerk of Superior Court’s office conducts certified criminal record searches on a single-county basis — this covers only records filed in Lee County, not statewide records. To request one:

    1. Complete and print Form AOC-CR-314.
    2. Submit the form to the Clerk's office with a $25 fee.
    3. In person: Payment accepted by cash, credit card, money order, or certified check.
    4. By mail: Payment by money order or certified check only (personal checks are not accepted). Mail to: Clerk of Superior Court, Lee County Courthouse, P.O. Box 4209, Sanford, NC 27331.

    Statewide Criminal History Through the SBI

    For a statewide criminal record check on yourself, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation offers a Right to Review process. Here are the steps:

    1. Complete the Right to Review Request Criminal History form.
    2. Get fingerprinted at the Lee County Sheriff's Office (for Lee County residents outside Sanford city limits) or the City of Sanford Police Department (for residents within city limits). The Sheriff's Office charges $5 cash for fingerprinting, available Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., no appointment needed.

    3. Mail the fingerprint card, completed form, and a $14 fee (certified check or money order) to:

      NC State Bureau of Investigation
      Criminal Information and Identification Section
      Attn: Applicant Unit Right to Review
      3320 Garner Road
      Raleigh, NC 27610

    Lee County Sheriff's Office

    The Sheriff’s Office handles arrest records, incident reports, and fingerprinting services.

    • Physical Address: 1401 Elm Street, Sanford, NC 27331
    • Phone: (919) 718-4560
    • Fingerprinting inquiries: (919) 718-4561, Ext. 6

    For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency tips, contact the Sheriff’s Office directly.

    Lee County Civil Court Records

    Civil cases in Lee County are divided between the Superior Court and the District Court based on the amount in dispute. The Superior Court takes civil cases where the amount exceeds $25,000, along with real estate title disputes and foreclosures. The District Court handles civil claims of $25,000 or less, small claims, summary ejectment (landlord/tenant) matters, and ordinance violations. Both courts share the Lee County Courthouse, and the Clerk of Superior Court maintains all records.

    Types of civil cases filed in Lee County include:

    • Small claims (magistrate court)
    • General civil complaints
    • Foreclosures and liens
    • Real estate title and boundary disputes
    • Landlord/tenant evictions
    • Administrative agency appeals
    • Protection orders, no-contact orders, and restraining orders

    Accessing Civil Court Records

    Civil case information is available through the eCourts Portal online or at the public self-service terminals at the courthouse. The NC Judicial Branch also provides a Civil Case Processing System (VCAP) user manual explaining how to navigate the system used to store civil, special proceedings, and estates records.

    To obtain copies of civil documents, visit or contact the Clerk of Superior Court’s office. Copies are available for a fee, and certified copies can be produced for use in legal proceedings.

    Real Estate and Property Records

    Deeds, liens, and other recorded real property instruments are maintained by the Lee County Register of Deeds, not by the courts. The Register of Deeds offers an online records search for recorded documents. Court proceedings that affect real estate — such as foreclosures, partitions, condemnations, and judgment liens — are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court.

    The Register of Deeds is located at 1300 South Horner Boulevard, Sanford, NC 27330. Phone: (919) 718-4585. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Documents are accepted for recording until 4:30 p.m. daily. A detailed fee schedule is available on the Register of Deeds website.

    Lee County Tax Administration

    Property valuations and tax records can be obtained through the Lee County Tax Administration Department, which lists, appraises, and assesses all real estate, personal property, and registered motor vehicles in the county.

    Lee County Family Court Records

    Domestic matters in Lee County are heard in the District Court. Cases include divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, alimony and post-separation support, equitable distribution of marital property, and domestic violence protective orders. The Clerk of Superior Court maintains all domestic case records.

    Divorce Records

    Divorce cases are filed in District Court. Copies of divorce judgments can be obtained from the Clerk of Superior Court’s office in the county where the divorce was granted. Case information is also searchable through the eCourts Portal. Certified copies are available for a fee; contact the Clerk’s office at (919) 718-6300 for current pricing.

    Domestic Violence Protective Orders

    Petitions for domestic violence protective orders (50B orders) are filed in District Court. Information in these case files may be restricted to protect the safety of the petitioner, and certain details may not appear in public search results.

    Child Custody and Support

    Custody and child support matters are heard in District Court. Modifications to existing orders are also handled in this division. Records from these proceedings are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court and are accessible under the same public records rules as other civil cases, with the caveat that information relating to minors may have restricted access.

    Marriage Records

    Marriage licenses in Lee County are issued by the Lee County Register of Deeds, which keeps marriage records from 1962 to the present. Key details:

    • Marriage license fee: $60 (includes $35 in state fees). Cash only.
    • Certified copy of marriage record: $10
    • Amendment of marriage application, license, or certificate (with 1 certified copy): $10

    Both parties must apply in person and provide valid identification. A Marriage License Application form is available for download, along with the Marriage License Requirements document. Applicants without a Social Security number must complete a Social Security Number Affidavit. Certified copies can also be ordered through the online vital records request portal.

    Register of Deeds
    1300 South Horner Boulevard
    Sanford, NC 27330
    Phone: (919) 718-4585
    Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    Birth and Death Records

    Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Lee County from 1913 to the present are maintained by the Lee County Register of Deeds. Certified copies cost $10 each and are available to the record subject, their family members, or authorized legal representatives. You can request them in person at the Register of Deeds office or through the online ordering portal. For records predating 1930 (death records) or for statewide searches, contact North Carolina Vital Records at the Cooper Memorial Health Building, 225 N. McDowell Street, 1903 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1900.

    Lee County Probate Court Records

    North Carolina does not have a separate probate court. In Lee County, probate matters are handled by the Clerk of Superior Court, who has original jurisdiction over estates and special proceedings. The Clerk’s office processes and keeps records for the following types of cases:

    • Probate of wills (testate estates)
    • Administration of intestate estates (no will)
    • Estate accountings and inventories
    • Guardianships and conservatorships
    • Trust proceedings
    • Name changes
    • Special proceedings related to real property

    Searching Probate Records

    Probate and estate case information can be accessed through the eCourts Portal by searching a party name or case number. The self-service terminals at the Lee County Courthouse also give access to the Civil Case Processing System (VCAP), which stores special proceedings and estate case data. A VCAP user manual is available from the NC Judicial Branch if you need help navigating these records.

    Requesting Probate Records

    To obtain copies of wills, estate filings, guardianship orders, or other probate documents, visit or write to the Clerk of Superior Court’s office:

    Clerk of Superior Court
    Lee County Courthouse
    P.O. Box 4209
    Sanford, NC 27331
    Phone: (919) 718-6300

    Include the decedent’s name, the estate file number if you have it, and the type of document you need. The office will provide copies for a fee, and certified copies are available for use in legal proceedings. Call ahead to confirm current copy fees and availability.

    Guardianships and Conservatorships

    The Clerk of Superior Court appoints and oversees guardians for minors and incapacitated adults, as well as conservators for individuals who cannot manage their own financial affairs. Guardianship proceedings and filings are part of the special proceedings records maintained at the courthouse. Annual accountings and status reports filed by guardians and conservators are also part of the court file and accessible under the same public records rules, subject to any confidentiality protections that may apply.

    North Carolina court forms for estates, guardianships, and other probate-related matters are available through the NC Judicial Branch forms page. The Remote Public Access Program is an additional option for businesses or organizations that need ongoing access to court data across all counties.