Chatham County
Chatham County was established in 1771 and named for the former British Prime Minister and 1st Earl of Chatham, William Pitt. The county has a land area of about 682 square miles and a population of more than 76,000 residents. The county's largest community is Siler City, while its seat of government is Pittsboro.
The two trial courts in Chatham County are the Superior and District Courts. As the county's general jurisdiction court, the Superior Court handles all cases outside the purview of other county courts. It presides over all felonies and civil lawsuits involving monetary disputes exceeding $25,000. Probate matters like guardianships, administration of decedents' estates, and conservatorships are exclusive to the Chatham County Superior Court. County residents can appeal District Court judgments at the Superior Court.
Chatham County's District Court, located in Siler City and Pittsboro, decides criminal cases such as misdemeanors, ordinance violations, and traffic crimes. Civil cases heard at the District Court include torts, foreclosures, personal injuries, and other financial disputes under $25,000. Chatham County residents can resolve family law cases and juvenile issues at the District Court. The Magistrate Division of the Chatham County District Court typically settles eviction issues and small claims cases where the amount in controversy is $10,000 or less.
The Clerk of the Superior Court maintains public records and files showing details of court proceedings in Chatham County. Court records contain information on case filings, dockets, depositions, transcripts, motions, and court outcomes. These documents are open to the public to ensure the Chatham County judicial system remains transparent and fair. Individuals often request Chatham County public court records for research purposes and references for future cases. According to the North Carolina Public Records Act, the following court records should be publicly accessible:
- Criminal court records
- Civil records
- Traffic records
- Probate records
- Family law records
- Small claims records
However, court records like juvenile and mental health records are confidential. They are available only to record owners and individuals who obtain special permissions from the court. Anyone can obtain copies of Chatham County public court records via mail, phone, or in person at:
Chatham County Courthouse
40 East Chatham Street
P.O. Box 369
Pittsboro, NC 27312
Phone: (919) 545-3500
Alternatively, requesters can use the North Carolina eCourts Portal to find Chatham County court records online. Note that the Superior Court Clerk may request copy or search fees before issuing court documents.
