Transylvania County Court Records

Transylvania County, located in western North Carolina, maintains comprehensive court records vital to the local judicial system.

The scope of these records encompasses a broad array of legal matters. Civil records may include documentation related to contract disputes, property litigation, domestic relations (such as divorce and child custody cases), and other non-criminal proceedings. On the other hand, criminal court records may consist of indictments, arrest warrants, trial transcripts, verdicts, sentencing orders, and appellate filings.

Are Court Records Public in Transylvania County?

In North Carolina, court records are generally considered public records unless specifically exempted by law. The North Carolina Public Records Act (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 132-1) defines public records as materials "made or received by any agency of North Carolina government or its subdivisions" and includes documents, papers, maps, photographs, electronic data, and other recorded media. Under this statute, most Transylvania County court records are open for inspection and copying by the public.

However, several important exceptions exist to protect privacy, security interests, and certain sensitive information. Examples of exempted or restricted records include:

• Confidential Identifying Information.
• Juvenile Court Records (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7B-3000)
• Expunged or Sealed Records
• Mediation and Dispute Resolution Records (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7A-38.1(l))
• Mental Health Commitment Records (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 122C-54)
• Health and Sensitive Financial Data

Transylvania County Court Records Search

Residents and interested parties seeking Transylvania County court records may use one of the following options:

In-Person Requests to the Clerk of Superior Court's Office:

The Transylvania Clerk of the Superior Court's Office is responsible for maintaining official court records. Public access terminals are typically available for reviewing case information, and staff can provide guidance on obtaining copies (fees may apply). Requests to the office may be addressed to:

Transylvania County Courthouse
7 East Main Street
Brevard, NC 28712
Phone: (828) 885-3000

Online Case Information via eCourts:

The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides online search tools through its "eCourts" portal. Interested parties can search by case number, party name, or attorney to locate information on civil, criminal, or other court matters in Transylvania County.

North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts (NCAOC):

The NCAOC maintains statewide court data. Requests for bulk data or specific record types may be made directly to the Administrative Office of the Courts.

Mailing Address:

Administrative Office of the Courts
P.O. Box 2448
Raleigh, NC 27602

Transylvania County Courts

The trial court system in North Carolina consists of Superior and District Courts. Transylvania County falls under Judicial District 29B. Court sessions are generally held at the Transylvania County Courthouse:

Transylvania County Superior Court
7 East Main Street,
Brevard, NC 28712
Phone: (828) 885-3000
Fax: (828) 885-3001

Transylvania County District Court
7 East Main Street,
Brevard, NC 28712
Phone: (828) 885-3000
Fax: (828) 885-3001

Transylvania County Criminal and Civil Records

Those seeking criminal history records for Transylvania County may consider querying local law enforcement offices like the county sheriff's office at:

Transylvania County Sheriff's Office
153 Public Safety Way
Brevard, NC 28712
Phone: (828) 884-3168

The Transylvania County Sheriff's Office may maintain arrest records, inmate rosters, and other law enforcement documents. Some information, including most wanted lists or sex offender registries, may be available online. Requests can be made in person, by phone, or in writing.

Clerk of Superior Court's Office:

The Clerk's Office can conduct certified and non-certified criminal record searches. Certified checks require submitting form AOC-CR-314 and a $25 search fee. Non-certified searches can often be conducted on-site at public terminals.

North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI):

For comprehensive statewide criminal history checks, the SBI offers fingerprint-based searches. The fee is typically $14, and requesters must complete the "Right to Review" form. More information is available at the SBI's official website or by contacting their offices in Raleigh.

In Transylvania county civil records involve legal disputes that do not rise to the level of criminal charges. This includes family law matters (e.g., divorce, child custody), contract disputes, property conflicts, and other non-criminal litigation. The Transylvania County Clerk of Superior Court is the primary custodian of these records.

Individuals can request civil court documents directly from the Clerk's Office in person or by mail. Fees apply for certified copies. Additionally, the NCAOC's "eCourts" portal enables online searches using party names, case numbers, or attorneys.

For mail requests of broader court system information:

North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts
Public Records Request
P.O. Box 2448
Raleigh, NC 27602

Copying fees may apply. Court staff can guide requesters on the estimated costs and retrieval times.

Transylvania County Marriage Records

Marriage records, including marriage licenses and certificates, are maintained by the Transylvania County Register of Deeds. These documents verify legal marital status and provide essential data for name changes, spousal benefits, inheritance matters, and genealogical research.

Register of Deeds Office:

20 East Morgan Street,
Suite 3
Brevard, NC 28712
Phone: (828) 884-3162

Certified copies of marriage records cost $10 each. Requests can be made in person, by mail, or in some instances online. Marriage records dating back to 1962 are also maintained by the North Carolina Division of Public Health's Vital Records office.

Transylvania County Divorce Records

Divorce records include decrees, judgments, and related documents outlining property division, custody arrangements, and financial obligations. These records are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court and, for certain years, are also available through the North Carolina Vital Records office.

Interested parties may request divorce records in person, by mail, or through authorized online services. Fees vary based on whether certified or non-certified copies are required.

The North Carolina Vital Records office can provide divorce certificates from 1958 to the present. A $24 nonrefundable search fee applies. Mail requests to:

North Carolina Vital Records
ATTN: VR - Divorce Certificates
1903 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1903

Transylvania County Birth and Death Records

Birth and death certificates are crucial vital records, providing legal proof of identity, citizenship, parentage, and date of birth, as well as confirming the details of a person's death. The Transylvania County Register of Deeds maintains local birth and death records. Certified copies cost $10 each, and uncertified copies cost $0.25. Requests can be made in person or by mail using the same address listed for marriage records.

Birth certificates (from 1913) and death certificates (from 1930) can also be obtained from North Carolina Vital Records. Requests to the state office may be submitted by mail, online, or in person and require completion of the appropriate application form and payment of fees.

Transylvania County Probate Court Records

Probate records detail the legal distribution of a decedent's estate, appointment of executors or administrators, payment of debts, and transfer of assets to heirs or beneficiaries. These records, including wills, estate inventories, and guardianship documents, are maintained by the Clerk of the Superior Court.

Accessing probate records typically involves visiting the Clerk's Office in person. Older archival documents may require additional search time or fees. Certified copies are available upon request.

Transylvania County Property Records

Property records document land ownership, deeds, easements, liens, and other transactions. They are critical for verifying titles, researching property history, and resolving boundary disputes. The Register of Deeds maintains Transylvania County's property records.

The Register of Deeds may offer an online search platform for deeds and related documents. Alternatively, inquirers may make mail or in-person requests to the Register's Office.

The Transylvania County Tax Administration Department provides tax-related property data, including assessments, maps (GIS), and historical tax records. This information is invaluable for property valuation, research, and transactional due diligence.

Transylvania County Court Records Online

While official custodians, such as the Clerk of Superior Court and the Register of Deeds, remain the primary sources for accurate and complete court records, some third-party resources and online databases like Northcarolinacourtrecords.us offer convenient access to Transylvania County court information. However, third-party sites may vary in completeness, timeliness, and search capabilities and may charge fees for certain types of records. Record seekers are advised to verify information obtained online with official sources for the most accurate and comprehensive results.