Cary Civil Court Record Access
Cary civil court records are filed through the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court in Raleigh. Cary is a large town in Wake County, and its civil cases go through the county court system rather than a local municipal court. The clerk's office in downtown Raleigh stores all case files, processes new filings, and gives the public access to civil records. You can search for Cary civil court records online through the NC eCourts portal or travel to the Wake County Courthouse in Raleigh to view files in person.
Wake County Courthouse for Cary Cases
The Wake County Courthouse is at 316 Fayetteville Street Mall, Raleigh, NC 27602. This is where all civil court records for Cary are filed and stored. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Call (919) 792-4000 for help with civil records.
Cary does not have its own civil courthouse. All civil matters for the town go through Wake County. The Wake County NC Judicial Branch page lists courthouse hours, phone numbers, and directions.
The Town of Cary has a Town Clerk's office that handles municipal records like ordinances and council minutes. It does not keep civil court records. Those are maintained only by Wake County.
How to Search Cary Civil Court Records
Start your search at the NC eCourts portal. Select Wake County from the list. Then enter a party name, case number, or citation number. The portal is free and does not need an account for basic searches.
Cary civil cases are filed under Wake County, so you will not find a separate Cary option in the portal. Search Wake County and look for the parties involved. Results show case type, filing date, status, and docket entries.
Wake County was a pilot county for eCourts. The system went live in February 2023. Cases filed since then are available online. For older cases, visit the courthouse or contact the civil division by phone.
The Wake County Court Records portal has links to the eCourts system and information about in-person access at the courthouse.
Note: Self-service terminals at the Wake County Courthouse let you search for Cary cases for free during business hours.
Civil Records Available for Cary
The Wake County clerk maintains all types of civil court records for Cary. District Court handles disputes under $25,000. Superior Court covers civil cases over $25,000. Small Claims Court addresses claims up to $10,000.
Records you can access include:
- Civil complaints and answers
- Court orders and final judgments
- Small claims filings and outcomes
- Docket sheets with all case activity
- Motions, briefs, and hearing schedules
General civil records are kept for 10 years after a case closes. Small claims records stay on file for 5 years. Final judgments may be kept longer.
Public Access to Cary Court Records
Civil court records for Cary are public under N.C.G.S. Chapter 132. You can inspect records at the Wake County Courthouse for free during normal hours. Online searches through the eCourts portal are also free.
Some records are restricted by law. Juvenile proceedings, adoption files, sealed cases, and mental health records are not open to the public. All other civil case files can be viewed by anyone.
The image below shows the Wake County Courthouse page where Cary civil court records are filed.
The courthouse on Fayetteville Street handles all civil matters for Wake County, including Cary.
Cary Court Record Copy Fees
Copies of civil court records follow the statewide schedule. Standard copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies cost $5.00 plus the per-page fee. Certified documents include the clerk's official seal.
In-person inspection is free. You can view case files and take notes at no charge. Online searches through the portal cost nothing. Fees apply only when you request physical copies.
Note: Mail requests for copies should include payment by check or money order made out to the Wake County Clerk of Superior Court.
Understanding the Wake County Court System
Cary is one of several cities and towns that fall under the Wake County court system. Wake County is part of District 10 in the North Carolina judicial system. The county handles one of the highest volumes of civil cases in the state.
The courthouse on Fayetteville Street handles all civil matters. Criminal cases are heard at the Wake County Justice Center on South Salisbury Street. Make sure you go to the right building when looking for civil records.
The obtaining court records guide on the NC Judicial Branch website has step-by-step instructions for getting copies of civil court records from any North Carolina county.
Attorneys in Wake County must use the eCourts electronic filing system. Paper filing is available for people without a lawyer. New filings appear in the online portal once the clerk processes them.
Wake County Civil Court Records
Cary is part of Wake County. All civil court records for cities and towns across the county, including Raleigh, Apex, Holly Springs, and Fuquay-Varina, are filed through the same clerk's office in downtown Raleigh. Visit the NC Courts website for statewide court resources and eCourts portal access.