Lenoir County
Lenoir County was created in 1791 from parts of Dobbs County and named after William Lenoir, a Revolutionary War military officer. It is home to more than 55,000 residents, occupying a land area of approximately 399 square miles. Kinston is the county's most populous city and government seat.
Lenoir County's judicial system comprises the Superior and District Courts. The Superior Court has original jurisdiction over all civil and criminal trials in Lenoir County. Felony-related cases and general civil lawsuits involving more than $25,000 in financial settlement are exclusive to Lenoir County's Superior Court. The county's highest court also resolves probate matters such as name changes, appointment of estate executors, contested wills, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships. It can also review or modify District Court judgments.
On the other hand, the District Court in Lenoir County has limited jurisdiction over misdemeanor cases and civil claims up to $25,000. District Court judges often handle domestic relations cases such as termination of parental rights, child custody, and divorces. They also oversee juvenile cases, including delinquency, truancy, and child dependency. Eviction cases and small claims for $10,000 or less are within the jurisdiction of Lenoir County's District Court.
According to the NC General Statutes Chapter 132, court records created in Lenoir County are public documents showing details of court proceedings in the county. Examples of information on court documents include attorney names, litigants' names, case filings, dockets, hearing dates, pleadings, and judgments. The Lenoir County Clerk of Court is the official court record custodian tasked with maintaining and distributing the following public court records:
- Criminal court records
- Civil records
- Property records
- Probate records
- Traffic records
- Small claims records
Note that confidential court records such as sealed, expunged, juvenile, and adoption records are not available to the public. Individuals interested in confidential records must obtain court orders granting them access. To get Lenoir County public court records, requesters can submit written requests to the Clerk of Court in person:
Lenoir County Courthouse
130 South Queen Street
Kinston, NC 28501
Phone: (252) 520-5300
The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides access to Lenoir County court records online via the eCourts Portal. Online record searchers can access desired records by providing details such as parties' names or court record numbers.
