Written by Jonathan Breeden
Couples who file for divorce often experience a great deal of stress and emotion during the process. You may wish to maintain privacy regarding the event with hopes of keeping this painful part your life out of public view. However, like most court documents, NC divorce records are a matter of public record. Contact North Carolina divorce lawyer Jonathan Breeden at (919) 661-4970 to find out how you can file for divorce and maintain as much privacy as possible.
North Carolina courts maintain that the public has the right to access most court documents, so NC divorce records are made available and are generally free of charge or can be copied for 25 cents a page. These records are typically kept in files in the clerk of courts’ offices. They may also be accessed through the North Carolina Department of Vital Records. Certified copies or expedited access may require a fee.
Divorce records may be useful if you wish to remarry or need to show proof of divorce. NC divorce records include significant information, including full names, addresses, dates of marriage and separation, and other personal details. However, the following information may have been redacted from official documents that are available publicly:
Because divorce records are public information, anyone can access them. However, you may take actions that maintain your privacy. For example, if you were a victim of domestic violence, you may not be required to provide an address for public records. You may also use your attorney’s address on public records or an address for the North Carolina Attorney General office as part of North Carolina’s address confidentiality program.
If you wish to keep details about your property private, you may sign a separation agreement prior to the divorce. The separation agreement will determine how debts and assets are allocated; however, if the separation agreement includes a clause that states it cannot be incorporated in the divorce, then it does not become part of the public record. An experienced North Carolina divorce attorney can help you draft a separation agreement that will be accepted by the court and prevent your private information from becoming public.
A North Carolina divorce lawyer can help you prepare the appropriate documents and develop an argument for keeping your personal information private. Attorney Jonathan Breeden of Breeden Law Offices has spent more than 15 years working with local courts on a variety of divorce and family law issues, making him a valuable resource for residents looking to get their divorces sealed. To find out what you need to do for your case, call (919) 661-4970 today.