Duplin County
Established in 1750, Duplin County covers approximately 815 square miles of land in North Carolina's Coastal Plain region. It was formed from parts of New Hanover County and named for Thomas Hay, Viscount Dupplin. As of 2022, more than 49,312 residents live in Duplin County. The Town of Kenansville serves as the county, while the largest community is Wallace.
The Duplin County court system is made up of the Superior and District Courts. The Superior Court is Duplin County's general jurisdiction court. It has exclusive jurisdiction over civil cases where the amount in controversy is more than $25,000 and felony-related trials. Other cases handled by the Superior Court include contested wills and administration of estates for deceased persons in the county. The Superior Court's appellate division also reviews infractions and misdemeanor appeals from the county's District Court. The Duplin County District Court has limited jurisdiction over misdemeanors and civil actions for up to $25,000. It hears domestic relations cases and juvenile delinquencies. The District Court's Magistrate Division resolves landlord-tenant disputes and small claims involving financial settlement of $10,000 or less.
The Superior Court Clerk in Duplin County typically maintains the following court records:
- Criminal records
- Civil records
- Small claims records
- Traffic records
- Probate records
- Juvenile records
- Family law records
These court records contain details about the county's legal proceedings, including court schedules, transcripts, case outcomes, filings, and sentences. Public access to Duplin County court records ensures the legal system is transparent and fair. As such, interested persons can request copies of public court records by calling (910) 275-7000 or sending written requests via mail to:
Duplin County Courthouse
P.O. Box 189
Kenansville, NC 28349
According to the NC General Statutes § 132-6.2b, the Court Clerk may request search and duplication fees before granting access to court documents. Individuals interested in accessing Duplin County court records online can do so using the eCourts Portal. Note that juvenile, adoption, mental health, and sealed records are confidential under the NC Public Records Act.
