Access Anson County Civil Records
Anson County civil court records are maintained at the courthouse in Wadesboro, North Carolina. The Clerk of Superior Court holds case files for all civil lawsuits, judgments, and court orders filed in the county. Anson County was created on March 17, 1749, from Bladen County, making it one of the oldest counties in the state. Court records date from 1770 to present, though a courthouse fire in 1868 destroyed some earlier documents. You can search for Anson County civil court records in person, online through the state eCourts system, or by sending a written request to the Clerk's office. This page outlines where to look and what to expect when searching for records.
Anson County Clerk of Superior Court
The Anson County Clerk of Superior Court is located at 114 N. Greene St., P.O. Box 1064, Wadesboro, NC 28170. The main phone number is (704) 694-2314. For the Civil Division, call 704-994-3800 ext 5. The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
Public access computer terminals sit in the courthouse lobby for anyone to use. These terminals let you search civil case records by name, case number, or other criteria. Staff members can pull paper files from storage if you need to see the full case documents. All services related to civil court records in Anson County run through this office.
The image below shows the Anson County page on the NC Judicial Branch website.
This page links to court calendars, case searches, and contact details for the Anson County court system.
How to Search Anson County Civil Court Records
The NC eCourts Portal provides online access to Anson County civil court records. You can search by party name in Last, First format, by case number, or by attorney name. Select Anson County from the jurisdiction dropdown to limit your search to local cases. The portal returns up to 200 results per query and does not require registration for basic searches.
In-person access is available at the courthouse in Wadesboro. Walk into the Clerk's office and use the public terminals or ask staff for help finding a specific case. Paper files are stored at the courthouse and can be inspected during business hours at no charge. North Carolina law under N.C.G.S. Chapter 132 guarantees the right to view public records.
Mail requests should be sent to the Anson County Clerk of Superior Court, P.O. Box 1064, Wadesboro, NC 28170. Include the case number or party names, a description of what you need, and payment for any copies.
Civil Court Records Available in Anson County
The Anson County courthouse holds a broad range of civil court records. These files document non-criminal legal disputes handled by the court system. Each case file grows as parties file documents and the judge issues rulings.
Records you can find include:
- Civil complaints and summons
- Answers and counterclaims
- Court orders and judgments
- Liens and judgment abstracts
- Small claims filings
The NC State Archives also holds historical Anson County records. According to the NC Archives guide for Anson County, available materials include Civil Action Papers from 1864 to 1908, Estate Records from 1805 to 1953, and Wills from 1754 to 1946. These historical files can help researchers fill gaps left by the 1868 courthouse fire.
Note: Some records from before 1868 were lost in the fire, so the State Archives may be the best source for older Anson County civil court records.
Anson County Public Records Access
Public access to civil court records in Anson County follows the same rules as every other county in North Carolina. The NC Judicial Branch outlines the statewide process for obtaining records. Anyone can inspect court files at the Clerk's office during business hours without charge. You do not have to be a party in the case or give a reason for your request.
The Anson County courthouse offers several ways to access records. The lobby terminals provide free electronic searches. The Clerk's staff can retrieve physical files from storage. Online searches through the eCourts Portal give you basic case information from any device with internet access. Written requests by mail also work when you cannot visit in person.
Restricted records exist in every county. Juvenile proceedings, adoption files, mental health commitments, and sealed cases are not available to the general public. If you are unsure whether a record is restricted, ask the Clerk's office staff for guidance.
Copy Fees and Costs
Viewing Anson County civil court records costs nothing. Copies are $0.25 per page. Certified copies carry an additional certification fee. These charges are the same at every courthouse in the state.
Payment is accepted at the Clerk's window during business hours. For mail orders, include a check or money order payable to the Anson County Clerk of Superior Court. Large requests that need extra staff time may carry higher fees under the state's rules for extraordinary requests.
Anson County Court History and Records
Anson County holds the distinction of being one of North Carolina's oldest counties. Formed in 1749, the county's court system has operated for more than 275 years. The county seat of Wadesboro has served as the judicial center for the region throughout that time. The Anson County government website provides general information about county services and departments.
The 1868 courthouse fire remains a significant event in the county's records history. Civil Action Papers at the State Archives begin in 1864, just before the fire. Researchers studying Anson County civil court records from the mid-1800s should plan to visit both the Wadesboro courthouse and the NC State Archives in Raleigh for the most complete picture.
Modern records from 1770 to present are well maintained at the courthouse. The court record system tracks every filing, hearing, and ruling in each case. Digital records through the eCourts system continue to expand access for people who cannot travel to Wadesboro.
Nearby Counties
Civil cases sometimes involve parties from neighboring counties. You may need to check records in these areas near Anson County.