Buncombe County, North Carolina court records can be searched through several channels. BuncombeCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also access records through the North Carolina Judicial Branch court records portal, the Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court's office, and public terminals located inside the courthouse. The method you use will depend on the type of record, how quickly you need it, and whether you require a certified copy.
Buncombe Court System & Jurisdictions
Buncombe County is part of North Carolina Judicial District 28 and operates both Superior Court and District Court divisions. Knowing which court handled a case is essential when searching for docket information.
Superior Court
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $25,000
- Appeals from District Court
- The Clerk of Superior Court also handles estates, guardianships, foreclosures, and special proceedings (often referred to as probate matters in other states)
District Court
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Infractions and traffic offenses — managed through the Criminal & Traffic Division
- Civil cases where the amount in controversy is $25,000 or less
- Small claims actions (up to $10,000)
- Domestic and family law matters, including divorce, custody, child support, and domestic violence protective orders
- Juvenile cases (generally not public)
Civil actions such as name changes and divorce filings are processed through the Civil Division of the Clerk's office. Buncombe County local rules and forms outline specific procedures for Superior and District Court filings.
Buncombe Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The North Carolina Judicial Branch maintains a statewide court date search tool. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's hearings in Buncombe County:
- Go to the Court Dates search page.
- Select Buncombe from the county dropdown.
- Enter a party name, case number, or date range.
- Results will display scheduled hearings across both Superior and District Court calendars.
Calendars are updated regularly, but last-minute changes — continuances, reassignments, or emergency motions — may not appear immediately. If you have a specific hearing date, confirm with the Clerk's office before traveling to the courthouse.
For criminal and traffic court appearance schedules, you can also contact the Criminal & Traffic Division directly at the Buncombe County Courthouse.
How to Get a Copy of a Buncombe Court Document
Court documents in Buncombe County are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court. You can request copies in person, by mail, or — for some record types — online through the NC Judicial Branch court records portal.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies bear the Clerk's seal and signature, confirming the document is a true copy of the court record. These are typically required for legal proceedings, background checks, and official filings.
- Uncertified copies are plain photocopies with no official seal. They work for personal reference or informal review.
How to Request
- In person: Visit the Clerk of Superior Court office at the Buncombe County Courthouse. Bring a valid photo ID and the case number if you have it. Staff can look up records by party name if the case number is unavailable.
- By mail: Send a written request that includes the full case name, case number (if known), the specific document needed, and whether you need a certified or uncertified copy. Include a check or money order for the applicable fees, payable to the Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court.
- Online: The NC Judicial Branch offers an online public records request form. For criminal background checks, the Clerk's office can perform a certified single-county criminal record search by name.
Mailing Address
Records That May Be Restricted
Juvenile records, adoption files, sealed cases, and certain mental health proceedings are generally not available to the public. Expunged records will not appear in standard searches. Ask the Clerk's office if you are unsure whether a specific record is accessible.
Buncombe Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record searches, copies, and certifications in North Carolina are set by statute (N.C. General Statute § 7A-308). The following table reflects standard fees charged by the Clerk of Superior Court's office:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified criminal record search (single county, by name) | $25.00 |
| Uncertified copy of court document (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certified copy of court document (per document) | $3.00 (first page) + $0.25 each additional page |
| Certification / seal added to a document | $3.00 |
| Exemplification of a document | $10.00 |
| Appeal transcript preparation (per page) | Set by court reporter schedule |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, money order, and in some cases debit or credit card (processing fees may apply).
- By mail: Check or money order payable to Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court.
- Online: Payment options vary by request type. The NC Judicial Branch portal accepts electronic payments for certain services.
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current amounts with the Clerk of Superior Court's office before submitting a request, especially for large or complex document orders. Fee authority: N.C.G.S. § 7A-308.