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Cumberland County, North Carolina State Court Records

Court records in Cumberland County consist of documents and case files maintained by the court clerk. These materials are produced throughout the course of legal proceedings and form the official record of a case. In essence, they document filings, motions, rulings, and other actions in a court matter.

Most court records are considered public under the North Carolina Public Records Law, which governs access to records created by state and local government agencies. Public records also include materials such as arrest reports and certain vital records. However, not every court document is open to public inspection. Some records may be restricted or sealed by law, particularly those that contain sensitive information.

Court records are versatile resources. They allow members of the public to review details of past or concluded cases and help researchers, legal professionals, and residents understand how laws are interpreted and applied at the state or county levels.

Are Cumberland County Court Records Public?

Yes. Under § 132-1 of the North Carolina General Statutes, court records in Cumberland County are generally classified as public records. This means they are open to inspection and copying by members of the public, regardless of the format in which the information is stored, whether paper files or electronic records.

Even so, access is not absolute. Certain details within a court file, or, occasionally, the entire record, may be restricted by law and may only be disclosed to authorized parties. Examples of information that may be withheld from public access include

  • Proprietary information belonging to a private individual or business, as defined under N.C.G.S. § 66-152(2)
  • Digitally captured images of sensitive identifiers, such as a person’s signature, driver’s license, or social security number
  • Juvenile records
  • Records sealed by a court order
  • Data compiled specifically to produce reports or internal analyses
  • Medical or other health-related records

What Information is Available in Cumberland County Court Records?

The specific information contained within a court record frequently varies based on the nature of the legal matter. Even so, records maintained by the Cumberland County judiciary generally provide a comprehensive account of a case, documenting the proceedings and identifying the parties involved. For instance, a criminal case record typically includes the following information:

Case Summary

  • The case number
  • The court location where the case was filed
  • The official filing date

Case Information

  • The alleged offense
  • The statute or law connected to the charge
  • The degree or classification of the offense
  • The date the alleged offense occurred
  • The case category or type
  • The case status
  • The law enforcement agency that submitted the offense report
  • How the case was formally filed with the court

Assignment Information

  • The case number
  • The court or division handling the case
  • The date the assignment was made

Party Information

  • Defendant
  • Plaintiff (State)
  • Attorneys

Other Information

  • Case events
  • Hearings
  • Final disposition

Cumberland County Court Records Search

Individuals seeking Cumberland County court records may obtain them through several methods:

  • Online Access: The NC Judiciary maintains a statewide case management system known as eCourts. This system disseminates civil and criminal case information for courts across the state, including Cumberland County. Users may locate records by entering a party’s name or a case number. The database allows both basic and advanced searches. A basic search requires minimal information, while an advanced search, which requires additional details, produces more precise results. Access to the search system is free.
  • In-Person Access: Public access terminals are available in the clerk’s office at the courthouse. These terminals allow visitors to search for civil and criminal cases by defendant’s name, case number, or victim or witness name. Individuals may also request assistance from court staff in the clerk’s office where the case was filed. This option is recommended for those who need to review full case files instead of summary information. Copies of records may be provided for a fee, subject to public records regulations.
  • Mail Requests: Requests for public court records may also be submitted by mail to the superior court clerk’s office. A requester must complete the required request form and include all necessary details, a self-addressed envelope, and applicable fees. The clerk’s office will process the request and provide the available records in accordance with public records rules.

Fees for Court Records in Cumberland County

Court records in Cumberland can be reviewed online or in person at the county courthouse at no cost. However, fees apply when requesting official copies of these records. Provisions for these charges are outlined in N.C. General Statutes Chapter 7A, Article 28, which governs court costs and related fees.

Typical charges include $3 for a certificate issued under seal, $10 for record exemplification, and $2 for preparing the first page of a copy, plus 25 cents per additional page.

Those seeking more details can also consult the schedule of court-related costs published by the North Carolina Judicial Branch, which provides fee information for both the current year and previous years.

Cumberland County Courthouse Locations

The Cumberland judiciary system operates through two main courts: the Superior Court and the District Court.

The Superior Court is the county’s trial court. It handles major civil disputes where the amount in controversy exceeds $25,000 and presides over serious criminal matters, including felony offenses.

The District Court has limited jurisdiction and manages less serious legal matters. Its docket typically includes civil cases involving $25,000 or less, misdemeanor criminal charges, traffic violations, and various family law matters.

Cumberland County Superior Court

117 Dick Street

Fayetteville, NC 28302

Phone: (910) 475-3000

Cumberland County District Court

117 Dick Street

Fayetteville, NC 28302

Phone: (910) 475-3000

Phone: (910) 475-3015 (Family Court)

Fax: (910) 475-3036 (Family Court)

Criminal Records Access in Cumberland County

Individuals seeking Cumberland criminal history information may contact the clerk of the superior court. Requests can be made in person at the courthouse or submitted by mail. To obtain a record, the requester must complete and submit Form AOC-CR-314. The clerk’s office also provides self-service computer terminals that allow visitors to search criminal records free of charge. While searches are free, printed copies from these terminals may involve a fee and are issued as non-certified copies.

Requests for criminal case records follow a similar process. However, in addition to visiting or sending mail to the clerk’s office, interested persons may also search for case information through the state judiciary’s eCourts system.

For statewide criminal history records, requests should be made to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.

Cumberland County Probate Records

The Cumberland County Clerk of the Superior Court manages probate matters in the county. This role includes processing estate filings and overseeing cases involving guardianships, trusts and oaths, adoptions, and legal name changes. In addition to maintaining estate records (e.g., wills and probate filings) and other court records, the clerk also performs duties normally handled by a probate judge.

Like most court records, Cumberland County probate records are open to the public. Interested individuals can obtain these records through the channels provided by the court.

Online access is available through the NC judiciary’s eCourts system or the Remote Access Program. Records may also be reviewed in person at the clerk’s office, by using the public computer terminals located in the courthouse, or by submitting a request by mail.

While multiple access options are available, some probate records are not open for public review. Certain records remain confidential. In addition, some older records can only be viewed at the courthouse where the case was originally filed.

Cumberland County Family Court Records

The Family Court in Cumberland County is a division of the District Court. It deals specifically with family-related matters, including juvenile delinquency, termination of parental rights, abuse and neglect, dependency cases, divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, alimony, and domestic violence.

Members of the public may obtain family court records through the NC judiciary’s eCourts system, by forwarding a written request via mail, or by visiting the superior court clerk’s office in person. The availability of a record often depends on the type of case and the time elapsed since it was filed or resolved.

However, because family court proceedings often treat sensitive matters, certain records are restricted and can only be viewed or requested in person at the courthouse.

Individuals who need certified copies of family court records can contact the court clerk for guidance on the request process.

Federal Court Records in Cumberland County

The United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina has authority over federal civil or criminal matters arising within Cumberland County. Cases that fall under federal jurisdiction are filed and resolved in this court rather than in the Cumberland County courts.

Anyone seeking information about a federal case can direct their request to the Office of the Clerk in the division where the matter was heard. Case records may also be accessed remotely through Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER). Users must create an account and may search for cases by party name or case number. Available documents may be viewed or downloaded through this portal.

For records that are not available online, requests may be made directly through the federal clerk’s office. Individuals may visit the office in person or submit a written request. In most cases, the requester must provide the case number to locate the file. Copying or retrieving court documents usually requires payment of applicable fees.