Martin County Civil Court Records
Martin County civil court records are kept by the Clerk of Superior Court at 305 East Main Street in Williamston, North Carolina. These records document civil lawsuits, small claims, contract disputes, and other civil matters filed in Martin County courts. The county has held court records since 1809, making it a rich source for both current and historical searches. You can find civil court records through the NC eCourts Portal, at the courthouse, or by sending a written request. Public access terminals at the Williamston courthouse let you search case records at no charge.
Martin County Clerk of Superior Court
The Martin County Clerk of Superior Court manages all civil court records in the county. The office is at the Martin County Courthouse, 305 East Main Street, Williamston, NC 27892. You can reach the Clerk by phone at 252-792-1683. Office hours are Monday through Friday.
The Clerk maintains court records dating back to 1809. Probate records go even further, reaching back to the 1700s. The Register of Deeds holds birth, marriage, and land records separately. For civil court records, the Clerk's office is the place to go.
Below is the Martin County page on the NC Judicial Branch website.
This page provides contact information and links for searching Martin County civil court records through the state system.
How to Search Martin County Civil Court Records
The NC eCourts Portal offers the fastest free search for Martin County civil court records. Enter a party name or case number, then select Martin County. No account is needed. Results are capped at 200 per search.
In-person visits let you access the full case file. Walk into the Clerk's office during business hours and use the public terminals. Staff can also pull paper records from storage. This is the best option when you need to see every document in a case.
The Martin County government website provides general county details and links to services. Below is the Martin County government site.
You can also submit requests by mail. Include the names of the parties, any case numbers you have, and your return address. The Clerk will respond with the information or let you know about any fees.
Note: Historical records from before the modern computer system may require a staff-assisted search at the courthouse.
Types of Civil Records Available
Martin County courts produce many civil records. Each case file holds different documents based on the type of dispute and how far it went in the system.
Records commonly found in Martin County civil files include:
- Civil complaints and summons
- Answers and counterclaims
- Judgments and court orders
- Small claims filings
- Judgment liens and abstracts
- Motions and hearing schedules
Dockets and court calendars are public. They show when cases are set for hearing. The Clerk keeps most civil records for at least 10 years after a case closes. Some older records have been transferred to the North Carolina State Archives.
Access to Civil Court Records
Public access to court records is protected by North Carolina law. Under N.C.G.S. Chapter 132, most civil files are open for inspection. You can ask to see any non-restricted file at the Martin County Clerk's office. No reason is required.
The NC Judicial Branch guide for Martin County explains how to request records and lists contact details for the Clerk. It covers online searches, in-person visits, and mail requests.
Here is the NC Judicial Branch guide for Martin County.
This guide is a good starting point before you contact the courthouse or plan a visit.
Copy Fees for Martin County Court Records
Viewing records at the courthouse is free. Copies are $0.25 per page. Certified copies cost extra per document. These fees are set by state statute and apply in all North Carolina counties.
Pay at the Clerk's window in person. For mail requests, include a check or money order. Staff will let you know if more is needed. Use the free terminals at the courthouse to review records before ordering copies.
Note: The state guide to obtaining court records lists current fee schedules and rules for all counties.
Martin County Court History
Martin County was created on March 2, 1774, from Halifax and Tyrrell Counties. It was named for Josiah Martin, the last Royal Governor of North Carolina. Williamston has served as the county seat since the county's early days. Court records have been kept since 1809, and probate records date back to 1774.
The county's long history means that older records can be valuable for research. Some historical civil court records have moved to the North Carolina State Archives. For recent records, the Clerk's office in Williamston is the main source. The NC Judicial Branch website links to resources for finding both current and archived records across the state.
Nearby Counties
If your search extends beyond Martin County, check civil court records in these surrounding counties.