Find Buncombe County Civil Court Records
Buncombe County civil court records are managed by the Clerk of Superior Court in Asheville, North Carolina. As the largest county in western North Carolina, Buncombe County processes a high volume of civil cases each year. The Clerk's office at 60 Court Plaza maintains all civil filings, judgments, orders, and related documents. Multiple methods exist for searching these records, including online searches, in-person visits, and written requests by mail. The courthouse offers free public access terminals and a law library for self-guided research. This page covers everything you need to know about accessing Buncombe County civil court records.
Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court
The Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court is at 60 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801. The main courthouse phone is (828) 232-2600, and the Clerk of Court can be reached at 828-259-3400. The office serves multiple divisions that handle different types of cases.
Buncombe County has specialized divisions for better service. The Civil Division is at 828-259-3420. The Criminal and Traffic Division can be reached at 828-259-3410. Family Court operates at 828-259-3430. The Small Claims Division handles cases at 828-259-3440. Each division maintains its own set of records within the Clerk's system.
The image below shows the Buncombe County page on the NC Judicial Branch website.
This page provides access to court calendars, e-filing resources, and contact details for all Buncombe County court divisions.
How to Search Buncombe County Civil Court Records
Online searching is available through the NC eCourts Portal. Select Buncombe County and enter a party name, case number, or attorney name to begin your search. The portal supports wildcards, date filters, and case type selections. No registration is needed for public access. Results cap at 200 per query.
The Buncombe County Court Records Portal describes multiple methods to locate court records. In-person requests require filling out a records request form at the Clerk's office. You must provide specific case information such as names, case numbers, or date ranges. Valid identification is required for in-person requests.
Written requests can be mailed to Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court, 60 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801. Include case details and payment for any copies you need.
Free public access computer terminals are available at the Buncombe County Law Library on the 1st Floor of 60 Court Plaza. These terminals connect to the statewide case management system and allow free searches of civil court records.
Types of Civil Records in Buncombe County
Buncombe County's court system generates many types of civil records. The Clerk maintains every document filed in each case, along with all orders and rulings from the bench. As a large county, Buncombe sees cases ranging from simple debt collection to complex commercial disputes.
Common civil record types include:
- Complaints, petitions, and summons
- Answers, counterclaims, and motions
- Court orders and final judgments
- Judgment liens and abstracts
- Small claims filings and magistrate rulings
- Family court orders
Court dockets show the schedule of upcoming hearings. Court dates can be searched by name, case number, or county through the NC Judicial Branch website. These calendars are updated regularly and show both civil and criminal court schedules.
Note: Juvenile proceedings, adoption records, and mental health commitment files are restricted and not available for public inspection.
Buncombe County Public Records Access
North Carolina provides strong public access to court records. Under N.C.G.S. Chapter 132, free in-person inspection is permitted during regular business hours. The Buncombe County Clerk's office follows this mandate through multiple access channels.
The NC Judicial Branch Public Records Search provides free basic case information online. Court dates searches help you find upcoming appearances. The public terminals at the Law Library and Clerk's office offer additional free search capability.
The City of Asheville directs all court record requests to the Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court. Criminal and court records are not held by the city. Real estate and property records go through the Buncombe County Register of Deeds.
Asheville residents should go through the county Clerk's office for any civil court record needs, not the city government.
Fees for Court Record Copies
Inspection of Buncombe County civil court records is free. Copies are $0.25 per page. Certified copies carry an additional certification fee. These rates apply statewide under N.C.G.S. Section 7A-308.
Payment can be made at the Clerk's window during business hours. Mail requests should include a check or money order payable to the Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court. Send to 60 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801 with case details and a list of documents you need.
Buncombe County Court History
Buncombe County has a long judicial history marked by two courthouse fires in 1830 and 1865. These fires caused record losses, particularly for the earliest years of the county's existence. Despite these setbacks, the county has rebuilt its record system and now maintains one of the largest civil court record collections in western North Carolina.
The current courthouse complex at 60 Court Plaza in Asheville houses all court divisions and the Clerk's main office. The building also contains the Buncombe County Law Library on the first floor, where the public can use free computer terminals for record research. The Law Library is a valuable resource for self-represented parties and researchers.
E-filing is available for attorneys handling civil cases in Buncombe County. The statewide eCourts system continues to modernize how cases are filed and accessed. Paper filing remains an option for self-represented parties who are not required to use the electronic system.
Nearby Counties
Buncombe County sits in the heart of western North Carolina. Surrounding counties may hold civil court records relevant to your search.