Brunswick County Case Filings

Brunswick County court records are stored at the Clerk of Superior Court in Bolivia, North Carolina. One of the fastest-growing counties in the state, Brunswick County stretches along the southern coast near Wilmington. The clerk's office at 310 Government Center Drive NE handles all court documents for the area. Criminal filings, civil lawsuits, and domestic matters are all on record there. This page walks through how to search Brunswick County court records, what fees to plan for, and how to get copies of the documents you need.

Brunswick County Clerk of Superior Court

The Brunswick County Clerk of Superior Court sits at the Government Center in Bolivia. This is not a traditional downtown courthouse. Instead, it is part of a larger campus of county offices off US 17. The clerk's office handles criminal and civil court records, marriage licenses, estate filings, and more.

Brunswick County has grown fast in recent years. Beach communities like Southport, Oak Island, and Ocean Isle Beach draw new residents year-round. As the population grows, so does the volume of court filings. The clerk's office in Bolivia processes a high number of cases each month.

Note: Bolivia is the county seat but is a small unincorporated community, so use GPS for directions to the Government Center.

How to Search Brunswick County Court Records

Online searches start at the NC eCourts Portal. This free statewide tool lets you search Brunswick County court records by name, case number, or date range. Results show the case type, current status, hearing dates, and disposition. The portal runs 24 hours a day.

For records not in the online system, visit the Brunswick County clerk's office at 310 Government Center Drive NE in Bolivia. Bring the full name and date of birth of the person you want to search. Staff can look up cases in the local system and pull paper files when needed. Copies are available for a fee.

Under N.C.G.S. § 132-1, most Brunswick County court records are open to the public. Juvenile filings are restricted under N.C.G.S. § 7B-2901. Expunged records are off-limits per N.C.G.S. § 15A-152. Everything else is fair game for public review. The court records help page from the NC Judicial Branch explains these access rules in detail.

Criminal Records in Brunswick County

Brunswick County criminal court records include felony and misdemeanor cases. Drug charges, DWI, theft, assault, and fraud cases are among the most common. The clerk's office processes background check requests during regular hours. Provide the person's full name and date of birth for the search.

The NC SBI runs statewide criminal history checks that cover all 100 counties. SBI searches typically require fingerprints and may need a consent form. N.C.G.S. § 114-19 restricts access to some criminal history data. The clerk's staff can explain whether a local check or an SBI search better fits your needs.

The Brunswick County Sheriff's Office is at 70 Stamp Act Drive NE in Bolivia. Phone: (910) 253-2777. Contact the sheriff for arrest records, incident reports, and jail information. Sheriff records are maintained separately from court filings. You may need to visit both the clerk and sheriff to get a full picture of someone's record in Brunswick County.

The NC eCourts portal pictured above provides free access to Brunswick County court records and filings from all North Carolina counties.

Brunswick County Court Records Fees

The Brunswick County clerk charges standard state fees for copies. Certified copies cost about $3 for the first page and $0.25 per added page. Plain copies are cheaper. The office accepts cash, money orders, and certified checks. Credit card acceptance may vary.

Marriage licenses are $60 in Brunswick County. Both parties must appear with valid ID. There is no blood test or waiting period. The license lasts 60 days. Civil filing fees depend on the case type. The NC Courts forms library has blank forms that you can fill out before visiting the Brunswick County courthouse. This saves time at the window and helps avoid errors on your paperwork.

• Certified court document copy: $3 first page, $0.25 each added page
• Marriage license: $60
• Expunction filing: $175 unless indigent
• Civil case filing fees: vary

N.C.G.S. § 132-6 requires that copy fees be reasonable and reflect the actual cost of making the copies.

Types of Cases in Brunswick County

Brunswick County's growing population generates a wide range of court filings. Criminal cases include everything from speeding tickets to drug trafficking. Civil matters span small claims, foreclosures, and personal injury lawsuits. Domestic filings cover divorce, custody, and child support.

Special proceedings are another significant category. Estate probate is common in Brunswick County, especially as the area's retirement community grows. Guardianship cases, name changes, and adoptions also go through the clerk's office. The clerk acts as judge in many special proceedings under N.C.G.S. § 7A-109. The NCAOC sets the standards for how these cases are processed across all counties.

Getting Copies of Brunswick County Records

Walk-in visits to the Brunswick County clerk at 310 Government Center Drive NE in Bolivia are the fastest option. Bring your ID and case details. Staff can make copies while you wait for most requests.

Mail requests should include the case number, party names, and payment for copy fees. Send them to the Brunswick County Clerk of Superior Court at the Government Center address. Allow one to two weeks for processing. Under N.C.G.S. § 132-9, officials who improperly deny access to public records face penalties. Appeals can be filed through the NC appellate courts. For records from state agencies beyond Brunswick County, contact the NC Department of Public Safety.

Nearby Counties

Brunswick County sits on the southern coast of North Carolina near the South Carolina border.