Pender County Court Records Search
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Pender County is located in southeastern North Carolina, with its county seat in Burgaw. The county’s judicial system comprises a Superior Court and a District Court, both housed in the Pender County Courthouse, along with a Register of Deeds Office that maintains vital and property records. Court records generated in Pender County span criminal, civil, domestic relations, estates, special proceedings, and juvenile matters, and are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court as the primary custodian.
For anyone researching court cases in North Carolina, several tools are available. The North Carolina Judicial Branch maintains a statewide Portal for searching case information and finding hearing dates. Public access terminals are also available in person at every clerk of court’s office across the state. Further, NorthCarolinaCourts.us may help users identify publicly available court case data. For Pender County specifically, the Clerk of Superior Court’s website provides practical guidance on each division, including criminal, civil, estates, and cashier operations.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Pender County?
There are several ways to search for a court case in Pender County, depending on whether you need criminal, civil, domestic, or estate information.
In-Person at the Courthouse
The most thorough method is to visit the Pender County Courthouse in person. Public self-service terminals are available in the clerk’s office, allowing searches by defendant name, case number, or party name. Paper case files may also be reviewed by visiting the clerk’s office in the county where the case is located. Copies of documents can be obtained from courthouse staff for a fee.
Pender County Courthouse
Address: 100 South Wright Street, P.O. Box 310, Burgaw, NC 28425
Phone: (910) 663-3900
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Online Through the NC Courts Portal
The North Carolina Judicial Branch’s Portal allows the public to search case information online. Users can look up cases by name, case number, or citation number. The Portal is useful for finding court dates, case status, and basic filing information. It is not intended for conducting formal background checks — for those, use the clerk’s office directly.
By Mail or Email
Written requests may be sent to the Clerk of Superior Court at the mailing address: Clerk of Superior Court, P.O. Box 310, Burgaw, NC 28425. Acceptable payment methods for mailed requests include money orders and certified checks. Cash is accepted for in-person requests, along with credit and debit cards.
Key Contact Numbers
| Office | Phone |
|---|---|
| Clerk of Superior Court | (910) 663-3900 |
| Superior Court Judges | (910) 772-6616 |
| District Court Judges | (910) 772-6612 |
| Civil District Arbitration | (910) 772-6613 |
Are Court Records Public in Pender County?
North Carolina maintains one of the strongest presumptions of public access to government records in the country. The North Carolina Public Records Law (Chapter 132) defines public records broadly and grants any person the right to inspect or copy them. Court records maintained by the Pender County Clerk of Superior Court fall under this framework, and the clerk is required to provide access upon request.
Despite this broad mandate, certain categories of court records are restricted from public view. North Carolina courts may limit access when necessary to ensure the fair administration of justice. Records that are exempt or confidential include:
- Grand jury proceedings
- Adoption records, per N.C. Gen. Stat. § 48-9-102
- Juvenile court records, per N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7B-2901
- Trial preparation materials
- Arrest and search warrants not yet returned to the issuing court
- Settlement documents in medical malpractice cases involving public hospital facilities
- Personnel records of court officials, including email exchanges between judges and staff, judges’ notes, and drafts of orders
Additionally, certified copies of vital records (birth, death, and marriage certificates) are restricted under North Carolina law to eligible family members, those with legal need, and authorized representatives. Uncertified copies of vital records and property records remain open to the public.
Pender County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Pender County are heard in both Superior Court (for felonies and serious matters) and District Court (for misdemeanors and infractions). The Clerk of Superior Court’s criminal division is located in Room 8 on the first floor of the courthouse.
Searching Criminal Records at the Clerk’s Office
A criminal record search can be requested in person or by mail. The clerk’s office searches its electronic criminal index, which covers records from July 1989 to the present. Searches of the electronic index can typically be completed while you wait. Records predating July 1989 require a search of microfilm records and index books, which takes additional time. All criminal record searches carry a fee of $25.00.
To request a certified criminal record check, complete and print Form AOC-CR-314 and submit it to the clerk’s office. Mail requesters must pay by money order or certified check. In-person requesters can pay with cash, credit card, money order, or certified check. The clerk’s office can only search and certify Pender County records; it cannot perform statewide searches.
Statewide Criminal Background Checks
For statewide searches, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) processes criminal history record checks. The subject of the record must complete the Right to Review request form, obtain fingerprints on an FD-258 card, and mail both along with a $14 fee (certified check or money order) to:
NC State Bureau of Investigation – CIIS Customer Service Unit
Address: 3320 Garner Road, Raleigh, NC 27626-0500
Phone: (919) 582-8660
Fax: (919) 661-5977
Fingerprints can be obtained at the Pender County Sheriff’s Office. The fingerprinting fee is $10 (payable by cash, credit, or debit card), and a valid driver’s license or photo ID is required. Fingerprinting appointments are available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Sheriff’s Office and Arrest Records
The Pender County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records and provides an online inmate lookup tool. In-person inquiries are handled Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Pender County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 605 East Fremont Street, P.O. Box 1449, Burgaw, NC 28425
Phone: (910) 259-1212
Fax: (910) 259-1509
Email: info@pendersheriff.com
Remote Public Access for Businesses
Organizations that need ongoing access to criminal case data may apply through the NCAOC’s Remote Public Access (RPA) program, which offers both real-time online access and bulk data extracts.
Pender County Civil Court Records
Civil jurisdiction in Pender County is divided between Superior Court and District Court based on the amount in controversy. Superior Court handles civil cases where the amount exceeds $25,000. District Court hears civil cases under $25,000, including landlord-tenant matters, and small claims actions for amounts under $5,000 are filed in the magistrate’s division of District Court.
Filing Fees
The Pender County Clerk’s civil division lists the following filing fees:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Small Claims | $96.00 |
| Civil District | $150.00 |
| Superior Civil | $200.00 |
| Divorce | $225.00 |
| Motions | $20.00 |
| Alias & Pluries / Endorsement | $15.00 |
| Service Fees (after August 1, 2011) | $30.00 |
How to Obtain Civil Records
Civil case records are accessible in person at the courthouse during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM). Public access terminals allow users to view and print civil case information. Viewing records on the terminals is free, but printing incurs a small charge. Copies may also be obtained over the counter from the records staff by providing a name or case number.
The statewide Portal also provides online access to civil case information. For detailed guidance on using the system, the NCAOC publishes a Civil Case Processing System (VCAP) User Manual.
Civil cases handled in Pender County include contract disputes, personal injury claims, property disputes, and landlord-tenant actions. Domestic violence protective orders (50B) and no-contact orders (50C) are also filed through the civil division at no filing fee.
Pender County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Pender County — including divorce, child custody, child support, visitation, and division of marital property — are heard in the District Court division. Domestic violence protective orders are also processed here.
Divorce Records
To file for divorce in Pender County, the parties must have been separated and lived apart for at least one year. The filing fee for a divorce action is $225.00. 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 copy fee. Divorce records can also be searched using the public access terminals at the courthouse or through the NC Courts Portal.
Individuals who wish to resume a prior name after divorce may complete the Application/Notice of Resumption of Prior Name (Form AOC-SP-600), available at the clerk’s office. A fee applies, and personal checks are not accepted.
Child support court in Pender County is held on the second Monday of each month. For questions about child support payments processed through the state system, individuals can contact the Centralized Collection Unit at (800) 992-9497.
Marriage Licenses and Records
Marriage licenses in Pender County are issued by the Register of Deeds by appointment only. The online application must be completed before scheduling an appointment by calling (910) 259-1225. The license fee is $60.00, and the license is valid for 60 days. Both applicants should be present, and each must provide a valid government-issued photo ID, a Social Security number, and a birth certificate listing the parents’ names. Previously divorced applicants must provide the month and year of the last divorce; if the divorce occurred within the past year, a certified copy of the decree is required.
The Register of Deeds maintains marriage records dating back to 1868. Certified copies cost $10 each and are restricted under North Carolina law to spouses, siblings, parents, children, step-children, grandchildren, grandparents, those with legal need, and authorized representatives. Uncertified copies cost $1 each and are available to any member of the public. Requests can be made in person, by mail (P.O. Box 43, Burgaw, NC 28425), or online (subject to a $3.35 convenience fee per transaction plus credit card fees). Valid government-issued photo ID is required for all certified copy requests.
Birth and Death Records
The Pender County Register of Deeds maintains birth and death records for events registered in the county. Certified copies cost $10 each, and uncertified copies cost $1 each. The same eligibility restrictions that apply to marriage certificates also apply to certified birth and death certificates.
For birth certificates of individuals born in Pender County, the cost is $10 per copy. Through the Statewide Birth Certificate Issuance Program, the office can also issue certified birth certificates for anyone born anywhere in North Carolina from 1971 to the present at a cost of $24, which includes one copy. This service is available in person only. Birth certificates for adopted individuals must be obtained from NC Vital Records in Raleigh at (919) 733-3000.
Requests by mail must include the subject’s full name, date of birth or death, the requestor’s relationship to the record subject, a copy of a valid photo ID, the statutory fee via money order or personal check drawn on a North Carolina bank, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail requests should be sent to: Pender County Register of Deeds, P.O. Box 43, Burgaw, NC 28425.
The Register of Deeds also provides an Online Search Portal where individuals can view vital records indexes for free by selecting the Vital Index tab and choosing “Births” or “Deaths”.
Register of Deeds Office
Address: 300 East Fremont Street, Burgaw, NC 28425
Phone: (910) 259-1225
Fax: (910) 259-1299
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pender County Probate Court Records
In North Carolina, the Clerk of Superior Court serves as the judge of probate. The Estates Division of the Pender County Clerk’s office handles probate, estate administration, guardianships, and related special proceedings. The division is located in Room 1 on the first floor of the Pender County Courthouse. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with Fridays available by appointment only. No appointment is required on Monday through Thursday; however, walk-in service operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and visitors should arrive no later than 4:00 PM to allow time for processing.
Estate Administration
Handling a decedent’s estate typically involves determining assets at the date of death, notifying creditors and beneficiaries, paying debts, filing accountings with the clerk, and distributing the balance according to the will or intestacy law. If a will exists, it should be filed with the Clerk of Superior Court. A Power of Attorney is no longer valid after the death of the person who granted it.
Wills held by the clerk’s vault for safekeeping are not released until the executor presents a death certificate. If the decedent resided in a different county at death, the will is forwarded to that county’s clerk by certified mail, and the estate is administered there.
Probate and Estate Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Regular Administration or Collection by Affidavit | $120.00 |
| Probate Without Qualification | $30.00 |
| Filing Will (first page) | $1.00 |
| Filing Will (each additional page) | $0.25 |
| Indexing Will Probated in Another County (first page) | $6.00 |
| Indexing Will (each additional page) | $0.25 |
| Year’s Allowance | $8.00 (plus copy of marriage license) |
| Assignment of Title | $3.00 |
| Motions | $20.00 |
Accepted payment methods include cash, money orders, certified checks, and credit or debit cards. Personal checks are not accepted.
Guardianship
The Clerk of Superior Court also oversees guardianship proceedings. A guardian may be appointed for an incompetent adult or a minor child and may serve as Guardian of the Person (making care and placement decisions), Guardian of the Estate (managing financial affairs), or General Guardian (both). Guardianship of an incompetent adult requires a formal adjudication hearing before the clerk. Guardians of the estate must file annual accountings with the Clerk of Superior Court.
Searching Probate Records
Probate records can be searched on the public self-service terminals in the clerk’s office by entering a name or case number. Viewing records on the terminals is free. Printing and copies carry a fee, and copies may also be obtained from the records staff. Payments for copies can be made by money order, certified check, cash, or credit or debit card. For questions about estate administration or to request an Estate Information package, contact the Estates Division at (910) 663-3900. The clerk’s staff can provide forms but cannot offer legal advice or assistance in completing them.