Forsyth County divorce records are official legal documents that show the end of a marriage. These records exist in two U.S. states: North Carolina and Georgia. Each state maintains separate systems, offices, and rules for accessing these documents. Whether you need a copy for legal proof, remarriage, background checks, or personal records, knowing where and how to request them saves time and avoids mistakes. This page gives you direct links, step-by-step instructions, fees, office hours, and contact details for both Forsyth Counties. All information is current as of 2025 and based on official government sources.
What Are Forsyth County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Forsyth County include the original divorce petition, court orders, financial agreements, child custody decisions, and the final divorce decree. These papers are created when a couple legally ends their marriage through the court system. In North Carolina, the Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court handles these files. In Georgia, the Forsyth County Clerk’s Office manages them. Both offices keep records dating back decades—North Carolina from 1975 onward, Georgia from 1990 onward. Only people named in the case or those with legal authorization can get full copies.
How to Request Forsyth County Divorce Records in North Carolina
To get a divorce record in Forsyth County, NC, start by contacting the Clerk of Superior Court. The office is at 1000 South Main Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. You can visit in person, mail a request, or use the online portal. Bring or send a valid photo ID, the full names of both spouses, the case number (if known), and the filing date. Standard copies cost $5 each. Certified copies cost $5 plus a notarization fee. Processing takes 2–4 business days for online requests and up to 7 days for mailed ones. Same-day service is available if you arrive before 2 p.m.
How to Request Forsyth County Divorce Records in Georgia
In Forsyth County, GA, divorce records are kept at the Clerk’s Office, 110 East Main Street, Cumming, GA 30040. The office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can submit requests online through the Georgia Digital Archive, by mail, or in person. Provide both spouses’ full legal names, the case number, and a government-issued ID. Standard copies cost $8 per document. Certified copies cost $8 plus a $4 notarization charge and take 3–5 business days. Same-day service is offered for standard copies requested in person.
Online Search Tools for Forsyth County Divorce Records
Both states offer digital tools to find divorce records. In North Carolina, the Register of Deeds provides an Online Record Search powered by Business Information Services (BIS). Users create an account and pay $2.50 per search. Bulk discounts are available for law firms. The system lets you search by name, case number, or date. For help, call BIS support at 866-604-3680, 24/7. In Georgia, the Case Search portal on forsythclerk.com allows instant lookup of civil cases, including divorces. Results appear in seconds. You can download PDFs for $0.75 per page or pick up documents in person.
Required Information for All Requests
Every request for a Forsyth County divorce record must include specific details. You need the full legal names of both spouses at the time of divorce. Include the case number if you have it—this speeds up the process. If not, provide the approximate filing year. You must also show a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Minors cannot request records unless represented by a parent or guardian. Legal representatives must submit proof of authorization, like a power of attorney or court order.
Fees and Payment Methods
Fees vary by state and document type. In North Carolina, standard copies cost $5. Certified copies cost $5 plus a notarization fee (usually $5–$10). In Georgia, standard copies are $8, and certified copies are $12 total. Both counties accept cash, check, money order, and credit cards for in-person requests. Online payments use secure portals with card processing. Mail-in requests must include a check or money order payable to the respective clerk’s office. Do not send cash through the mail.
Processing Times and Delivery Options
Processing times depend on how you submit your request. Online requests in NC take 2–4 business days. Mailed requests take up to 7 days. In GA, electronic submissions are processed in 2–3 days. Certified copies take 3–5 days. In-person requests in NC can be fulfilled the same day if submitted before 2 p.m. GA offers same-day service for standard copies only. Delivery options include pickup, mail, email (PDF), or fax. Certified copies must be picked up or mailed—they cannot be emailed due to security rules.
Superior & State Court Civil Division (Georgia)
The Superior & State Court Civil Division in Forsyth County, GA, holds all civil case files, including divorces. The office is at 101 East Courthouse Square, Suite 1007, Cumming, GA 30040. Phone: 770-781-2120, option 4. Email: civilcourt@forsythclerk.com. You can also text the same number. Standard copies cost $0.50 per page. Expedited certified copies have a $15 surcharge. The office provides a downloadable “Application for Foreign Subpoena” for out-of-state legal cases. Hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Register of Deeds – North Carolina
The Forsyth County Register of Deeds in NC records real estate, wills, estates, and divorce decrees. Located at 101 North Main Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, the office issues marriage licenses valid for 60 days. Its online database goes back to 1970. Certified copies cost $8 plus notarization. Office hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Fax: 336-724-2320. The ROD Director is Lynne Johnson. For complex issues, call 336-724-3740.
Municipal Offices Offering Records in North Carolina
In addition to the main clerk’s office, six town halls in Forsyth County, NC, provide access to marriage and divorce records. These include Clemmons Town Hall (3715 Clemmons Road, 336-766-7511), Kernersville Town Hall (134 East Mountain Street, 336-996-3121), and Lewisville Town Hall (6550 Shallowford Road, 336-945-5558). Each offers in-person and mail-in services. Records date back to the early 1900s. A $10 fee applies per document. Certified copies are notarized on-site and ready the same day if requested before 2 p.m.
Marriage & Divorce Offices in Georgia
In Forsyth County, GA, two main offices handle marriage and divorce records. The Forsyth County Clerk (110 East Main Street, 770-781-2101) processes divorce decrees. The Forsyth County Marriage License Office (112 West Maple Street, 770-781-2140) issues new licenses and certified copies of old records. All documents are indexed by name and date. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. Fees: $5 for standard copies, $12 for certified. Processing: 2–3 business days for electronic requests.
Confidentiality and Legal Restrictions
Divorce records are public in both states, but some details may be sealed by court order. For example, child custody arrangements or financial settlements might be restricted. Only parties involved or their legal representatives can access sealed portions. Minors’ names are often redacted. If you believe a record should be sealed or need access to restricted data, contact the clerk’s office or consult an attorney. Unauthorized use of records for harassment or fraud is illegal.
Common Reasons People Request Divorce Records
People need divorce records for many valid reasons. Some are preparing to remarry and need proof of single status. Others are updating wills, applying for benefits, or handling estate matters. Lawyers use them for background checks or legal cases. Genealogists research family history. Insurance companies may require them for claims. Always state your purpose when requesting—some offices ask for it, though it’s not always required.
What If the Record Is Missing or Unavailable?
If a Forsyth County divorce record cannot be found, it may have been lost, destroyed, or misfiled. In NC, records before 1975 may not be digitized. In GA, pre-1990 records are limited. Contact the clerk’s office to confirm availability. If the record exists but isn’t online, you may need to visit in person. For very old cases, the state archives might hold copies. In rare cases, a court order may be needed to reconstruct a lost file.
Tips for Faster Service
To speed up your request, have all details ready: full names, dates, case numbers, and ID. Use online portals when possible—they’re faster than mail. Call ahead to confirm hours and fees. Avoid peak times like lunch hours or end-of-month rushes. If mailing, use certified mail with return receipt. For urgent needs, ask about expedited service (extra fees apply). Keep copies of all forms and receipts.
Contact Information Summary
Forsyth County, NC – Clerk of Superior Court
Address: 1000 South Main Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Phone: (336) 724-2717
Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Mon–Fri
Website: https://co.forsyth.nc.us
Email: records@forsythnc.gov
Forsyth County, GA – Clerk’s Office
Address: 110 East Main Street, Cumming, GA 30040
Phone: (770) 781-2101
Hours: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Mon–Fri
Website: https://forsythclerk.com
Email: civilcourt@forsythclerk.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are common questions about Forsyth County divorce records. Each answer is based on official policies and current procedures.
Can I get a divorce record if I’m not named in the case?
Generally, only the spouses, their attorneys, or authorized representatives can obtain full divorce records. However, basic information like the divorce date and case number may be available to the public. Certified copies require proof of relationship or legal need. If you’re conducting research or verifying facts, contact the clerk’s office to see what’s accessible. Some details may be released with a valid reason, but sensitive data like financials or child custody is protected.
How long does it take to receive a certified copy by mail?
In North Carolina, mailed requests for certified copies take up to 7 business days after the office receives your form and payment. In Georgia, it’s 3–5 business days. Add extra time for postal delivery—usually 2–5 days depending on location. For faster service, consider in-person pickup or electronic submission if available. Always include a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting by mail.
Are divorce records free to access?
No, Forsyth County divorce records are not free. Fees apply for all copies. In NC, standard copies cost $5; certified copies cost more with notarization. In GA, standard copies are $8, certified are $12. Online searches may have per-query fees. Some third-party sites offer “free trials” but charge later—always check terms. Government offices do not provide free copies except in rare legal aid cases.
Can I search for divorce records online without paying?
You can view basic case information online for free in some systems, like the GA Case Search portal. However, downloading full documents or getting certified copies always requires payment. NC’s online search charges $2.50 per query. Free name searches may show limited data, but detailed records need a fee. Avoid sites that promise completely free access—they often sell your data or upsell services.
What if my divorce was finalized in another county?
If your divorce was filed in a different county, you must request records from that jurisdiction. Forsyth County only holds cases filed within its courts. Check the North Carolina or Georgia state court website to find the correct county. Each county has its own clerk, fees, and procedures. You cannot get records from Forsyth County for divorces that happened elsewhere.
Do I need a lawyer to request a divorce record?
No, you do not need a lawyer to request your own divorce record. Individuals can submit requests directly to the clerk’s office. However, if you’re acting on behalf of someone else—like a parent or client—you may need legal authorization. Lawyers often request records for cases, but private citizens can do it themselves. Just follow the official steps and provide valid ID.
Are divorce records the same as marriage annulment records?
No, divorce records and annulment records are different. A divorce ends a valid marriage. An annulment declares that the marriage was never legally valid. Both are civil court actions, but the paperwork and legal effects differ. Forsyth County keeps both types of records, but you must specify which one you need. Annulments are less common and may have different access rules.
Official Resources and Direct Links
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, use these official sources:
– Forsyth County, NC Clerk of Court: https://co.forsyth.nc.us
– Forsyth County, GA Clerk: https://forsythclerk.com
– NC Online Record Search: https://www.co.forsyth.nc.us/ROD/online_lookup.aspx
– GA Case Search: https://www.forsythclerk.com/HowDoI/CaseSearch.aspx
– Georgia Digital Archive: https://www.georgiaarchives.org
Phone numbers:
– NC Clerk: (336) 724-2717
– GA Clerk: (770) 781-2101
– BIS Support (NC online search): (866) 604-3680
Office hours:
– NC: 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday
– GA: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday
Final Notes
Forsyth County divorce records are essential legal documents. Whether you’re in North Carolina or Georgia, the process is straightforward if you know where to go and what to bring. Always use official channels to avoid scams or delays. Keep your ID handy, know the names and dates, and choose the right type of copy. With this guide, you can get your records quickly and correctly.